Go for a spin at all-new Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness

Posted 10/17/14

Chestnut Hill resident and certified instructor Allison (“Alli”) Bradley has just opened Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness at 8624 Germantown Ave. The great thing about “spinning,” she says, is …

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Go for a spin at all-new Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness

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Chestnut Hill resident and certified instructor Allison (“Alli”) Bradley has just opened Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness at 8624 Germantown Ave. The great thing about “spinning,” she says, is that almost anyone can do it because it doesn't put pressure on the joints. (Photo by Sue Ann Rybak) Chestnut Hill resident and certified instructor Allison (“Alli”) Bradley has just opened Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness at 8624 Germantown Ave. The great thing about “spinning,” she says, is that almost anyone can do it because it doesn't put pressure on the joints. (Photo by Sue Ann Rybak)[/caption]

by Sue Ann Rybak

If you love “spinning” but don't want to commit to a long-term gym membership, or if the idea of taking a spinning class seems intimidating, then Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness, 8624 Germantown Ave., may be the ideal place for you to take a test ride.

Chestnut Hill resident Allison (“Alli”) Bradley, owner of Chestnut Hill Cycle Fitness and a certified “Madd Dog” indoor cycling instructor, said the great thing about spinning is that almost anyone can do it because it doesn't put pressure on your joints the way running or aerobics does.

Bradley, 23, who is also a long-distance runner, discovered spinning while a senior at Springford High School in Royersford, near Collegeville. “My friend's mom had just opened a studio and invited me to give it a try,” she said. “I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere of the studio, the music and of course, the energy.”

Bradley, who has been cycling for five years and instructing for three, always loved exercising. “I grew up in a family where everyone ran and was very health conscious,” she said. “Exercise has always provided this structure in my life. If I hadn't gotten into running and cycling, I don't know where I would be. It's always been a focal point of my life. I think when you are healthy and happy, everything else in your life follows. I truly believe that, and that's what I would like to give to other people.”

Bradley said she has always been an ambitious, enterprising person. When asked if she was nervous about starting her own business at 23, she replied, “You can't be afraid to go off on your own and travel the path less traveled. I always knew I wanted to open my own business.”

Bradley, who financed the business using her own money and with the help of an investor, added that if it wasn't for the encouragement and support of her current employer, Lynne Mastrilli, owner of Greene Street Consignment Store in Chestnut Hill, she wouldn't have made the leap to business owner.

Bradley, who works as Mastrilli's business assistant, added that we all need encouragement and support to achieve our goals. She noted that one of the benefits of going to a studio versus a franchise or large gym is that clients receive individualized support in a more intimate setting. Her motto is “Own your ride.”

Bradley said too often people push themselves too hard during a workout and end up hurting themselves. “Owning your ride is about learning to respect your body but still getting the most out of your ride,” she said.

The young businesswoman said it's important to make sure your body is positioned correctly to help prevent back pain, neck pain, knee pain and shoulder and arm pain. She added that the tilt of your seat, the height of the handlebars and how far forward you have to reach to grasp the pedals, all those factors affect where pressure is felt on the body.

Bradley added that spinning is great for cross-training, especially for long-distance runners, because it gives the muscles you use for running a break. She said indoor cycling can provide the support and motivation you need to put the pedal to the metal without worrying about the or being at the mercy of Mother Nature. Besides cycling, she plans on adding kettle bell classes soon.

And for a limited time, you can get your second ride for free when you book your first class online at Chcyclefitness.com. Or just drop in for your first ride and get your second ride free. Single classes are $15 each. Check schedule online for package deals, updates and new classes. For more information, email info@chcyclefitness.com.

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