Many are looking for new ways to get active and one person who knows this all too well is Camden Hyneman, owner of Little Rock’s hottest boutique cycling joint, ZenSpin Studio. With a first location in Jonesboro and two expanded locations across Little Rock– The Heights and west Little Rock– offering fun indoor cycling classes, as well as yoga, barre and pilates, it’s clear to see that these fun (and challenging!) workouts have taken off.
We recently had the chance to talk to Hyneman about starting the cool studio, why their classes are so much fun, what you can expect and her favorite songs to spin to. Here is what she had to say:
Q: What piqued your interest in starting a cool business like ZenSpin?
A: I’d always struggled to find a fitness regime that I enjoyed and looked forward to. I dreaded going to my trainer, and was intimidated by larger gyms. When I was in college in New York City, I started taking indoor cycling classes in this tiny boutique, and I found myself getting excited to workout because the music was awesome, the instructors were inspirin, and I felt so relaxed in the environment. I thought it would be great to bring that boutique feeling to Arkansas and create a place where clients could come and get the most modern and effective workouts in an upscale, intimate setting. We started out with just cycling, but we now have barre, pilates, yoga, personal training and interval training bootcamps.
Q: What makes your classes more fun than the average cycling class?
A: Our classes are driven by music. The playlist will never be the same, and the class will never be the same! There is a lot of effort that goes into every class. We turn on blacklights, turn up the volume and ride to the rhythm of the music. The songs are all carefully planned and choreographed, and we work our core and upper body with hand weights while on the bike. I like to call it a dance party on a bike!
Q: Give us the scoop on toning– which parts of the body get the max toning during this class?
A: Cycling classes are a great cardiovascular workout, and give a lot of strength to the lower body and legs. At Zenspin we give cues for posture and engaging the core throughout class. Our HIIT Cycle class is a combination of cardio and floorwork. We start on the bike and end with a strength-training circuit using equipment like Bosu, medicine balls and kettle bells. Both cycling classes are definitely a full body workout.
Q: What should we wear for ZenCycle? Do we need special gear?
A: We provide cycling shoes for all clients free of charge. This allows you to clip into the pedals for a more effective workout. We ask clients to avoid short shorts or loose fitting pants. You definitely get warm in class, so a light tee or tank would be ideal, and you will need socks. If you forget socks or water, we have them for purchase at the studio.
Q: We heard that you’re getting ready to change the name of the business. Any idea for a new name or when you’ll be releasing it?
A: We are having a change in name– we JUST finalized it, actually! We are working to finish up the logo now and plan to have a grand opening and launch party at our new west Little Rock location soon. Stay tuned for the details on our Facebook and website.
All about Camden:
Q: What song gets your fist pumping while you’re on the bike?
A: I love using electronic/club music, and remixes of top 40 songs! One of my favorites songs right now is “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea. My favorite remix is the Adventure Club Remix of “Crave You” by Flight Facilities!
Q: How many calories can you burn in one class like ZenCycle or Barre?
A: In ZenCycle, clients typically burn anywhere between 500 and 800 calories in 50 minutes! In Barre, you can expect to burn between 300 and 600 calories in an hour. Of course, this varies depending on the individual, the intensity of the class and the amount of effort given.
Q: Favorite thing to do outside of cycling time?
A: I love concerts, traveling, and the outdoors! I typically attend three or four music festivals every year because they combine all three of my favorite things!
Be sure to check back for more details on the grand opening and name change of the popular cycling spot!