Jing L.
Yelp
"If you like spin classes, you'll like rise nation." Not sure where I saw this, but it is true. The class itself is very similar to an indoor cycling studio, lots of intervals, sprints, resistance (less so at rise) along with loud (potentially deafening lol) music and club lighting. Oh those lights...out of all similar places including spin studios around DFW, I think rise and neon cycle in Plano have the BEST LIGHTING EVER!! Seriously, go check it out!
Personally I find the classes challenging, but not harder than those traditional competition-based studio cycling classes (flywheel, equinox pursuit: the burn aka the hardest class ever...). Granted, I have yet to try any level 3 class or the mile high club. I've taken one level 1 class and a few level 2 classes, and think it's totally doable to jump to level 2 if you work out regularly and do some kind of cardio consistently.
If you are new, I suggest booking a weekend classes so the coaches have more time to explain the machines/workouts and there are usually more newbies on weekends. I have a friend telling me that she went to a weekday workout, and the coach did not even ask if anyone was new...
I've mostly taken Allison's classes because of the schedules. And if you like EDM, her classes are like raves - but better, since you are also burning calories. Seriously, who needs raves if you can rave AND work out at the same time??? I have sent a few people to Allison's classes, and they all love her. Her instructors are clear and she'll take time to greet you and get to know you. And how does she pack so much energy and personality into that tiny body?!
Price-wise, rise is definitely on the higher end of those ridiculously priced boutique studio classes, especially if you want to buy their membership plans.