Major Cycling Studios Are Shutting Down

(And What It Means for Your Fitness Business)

CycleBar has reportedly closed ~25% of its locations, and SoulCycle shuttered around 20 of its 83 studios last year. 😳 That’s a major shake-up in the cycling world.

So… what the heck is happening?

➡️ Simple: clients’ preferences are shifting.
Cardio-only, high-intensity cycling classes 🚲 are no longer the only way people want to sweat. ❌ Instead, there’s growing demand for low-impact, strength-based workouts like Pilates, reformer, and functional strength.

🚨 Why This Matters for Studio Owners

Member retention is harder with single-modality offerings. Today’s clients want balanced fitness—strength + cardio under a single membership.

Studios that adapt by adding strength options 🏋️‍♀️ will grow. Those stuck in a cardio-only model risk losing members to more versatile competitors.

🎶 How Rhythmformer Helps

That’s where Rhythmformer comes in.

It combines the music-driven energy clients love from cycling with strength-based, low-impact reformer programming—bridging the gap, keeping your members engaged longer, and boosting retention. 🙌

👋 I’m Carla Mae, founder of Rhythmformer.

I help studios integrate strength solutions that increase revenue, elevate member experience, and future-proof your business.

Let’s get in touch to discuss how Rhythmformer can support your business’ goals & clients’ needs.