Spokes Man

Most people walk away from competitive sports after college, but Jamie Armstrong isn’t most people. An all-star athlete in high school, he went on to play college basketball while studying kinesiology and competing in triathlons. With hundreds of races and five Ironmans under his belt, as well as cycling races in Europe, it’s no surprise people sought him out for workout advice. And so Method Personal Training was born. At his West Vancouver boutique fitness studio, it’s the cult-fave spinning sessions that draw the spandex set. He keeps pace by adding on more classes, and in the new year, Method opens an indoor cycling studio in Kits — the latest in a clutch of new wheels-oriented gyms. Armstrong maintains that the accessibility of the sport is the key to its success: classes are open to all levels since “Anyone can turn the pedals over.”

Where to Go: 

Bring Grandma:  Eastwood Cycle’s new Moroccan-inspired sanctuary in the heart of Gastown is perfect for beginners looking to ditch their training wheels. Each candlelit cardio session exercises the mind and soul in 45 minutes ($25).

Bring Friends: At Yaletown’s cool new Ride Cycle Club, instructors take committed spinners to the next level with a 55-minute full-body workout ($24).

Bring a Defibrillator: Feast your thighs on Method Indoor Cycling‘s road-specific spin classes. Feel the burn in a 60-minute session ($25) at the new Kits studio.