What to expect at Ryde Manchester: A first-timer’s experience

I recently took a few classes at RYDE Manchester. Here’s everything you need to know about this fairly new fitness studio, the classes to choose from and my honest review.

About RYDE

Ryde is a boutique fitness concept founded in Leeds in 2022, now expanding with new locations including its recently opened Manchester studio.

The concept blends high-energy movement with a curated studio environment, designed to feel more like an immersive experience than a standard workout class.

At the core of Ryde’s approach is the idea that fitness should be enjoyable. The workouts are challenging, but the tone is inclusiveEach class is set to a carefully crafted playlist that syncs with the rhythm and intensity of the workout, helping you stay motivated and focused.

The combination of lighting, sound and instructor-led pacing creates an atmosphere that makes you push yourself (at your own pace) and want to come back for more.

What are the RYDE classes?

The timetable is built around the signature RYDE Cycle class, a rhythm-based indoor cycling session that uses music, choreography, and lighting to create a high-energy, immersive experience. The format is cardio-focused but incorporates upper body movements and light weights to round things out into a full-body session.

If spinning isn’t your thing, RYDE offers several off-the-bike classes:

RYDE Moves is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class that blends strength and cardio in a circuit-style format. These sessions are fast-paced, with minimal rest, using bodyweight and free weights.

RYDE Barre is a low-impact strength class inspired by ballet and Pilates. It focuses on small, controlled movements designed to build endurance and tone, especially in the lower body and core.

RYDE Pilates is a mat-based workout that centre on core strength, posture, and mobility. These classes are slower in tempo but still physically demanding in a more controlled, focused way.

RYDE Flow is a dynamic, yoga-influenced workout that links movement with breath. It tends to be faster and more athletic than traditional yoga, incorporating elements of mobility, balance and strength.

All classes are 45 minute long.

Ryde Manchester

The Manchester studio opened in early 2024 and marks the brand’s expansion beyond its original base in Leeds. Located in the Barton Arcade just off Deansgate, the space itself is cleanly designed and compact, split between two studios: one dedicated to RYDE Cycle and the other used for the other classes.

The studio leans into Ryde’s signature formula: low lighting, high-energy playlists and a full sensory experience designed to give you a great workout experience every single time.

The reception includes a shake bar where you can order your post-workout protein shake and the changing rooms have everything you need to get ready for the rest of the day, which is perfect if you’re going straight to work after your morning session or taking a lunchtime class.

My experience at Ryde Manchester

So far I’ve tried two RYDE classes: Cycle and Barre. I paid for these myself, and this is my honest, unaffiliated review. I plan to try their other classes and will update this post once I’ve been able to do so.

The Cycle class wasn’t your standard spin session. It reminded me a lot of the rhythm-based rides I used to do at Digme Fitness in London, choreographed to the beat, high energy and definitely high intensity.

The structure combines heavy resistance climbs with bursts of speed, all set to a tightly curated playlist. We also used small dumbbells mid-class for upper body work, which added another layer to an already demanding workout. Liv, the instructor, brought great energy to the room. She’s super upbeat, encouraging and you can tell she loves teaching these classes.

I don’t know how busy the morning and evening classes are (there’s a lot of bikes in the studio), but I went there at lunchtime and we were a small group, about a dozen participants, which I found less intimidating.

FYI, wearing spin shoes is mandatory but they lend you a pair, no need to buy your own.

A few weeks later I came back to try the Barre class this time, and it felt like Pilates on steroids. It’s low-impact, yes, but by no means easy. We used equipment like a soft ball and light dumbbells to isolate smaller muscle groups, and it didn't take long before my legs were shaking.

Molly, who led the class, struck a nice balance between pushing us and offering modifications. It was clear that effort was encouraged, but there was no pressure to keep up with anyone else. That tone really stood out across both classes: instructors give options, and participants are free to choose how far they want to push.

Both times I equally enjoyed the atmosphere and the workout itself. I wanted to push myself and make the most of the class, but there was no performance edge that some boutique fitness spaces can have.

Whether you're there to train seriously or just to move, there’s room for both. If I lived in Manchester, I could easily see RYDE becoming part of my weekly routine: well-designed classes, motivating instructors and just the right kind of energy to keep you coming back!