For over two decades I have been a fitness professional working here, at the amazing Westpark Fitness in Dublin. My passion for Cycling, and especially teaching spin classes, has always been an integral part of my professional life. Little did I know that in February 2022, after nearly 20 years teaching, and thinking I knew all there was to know about group cycling, a game-changing app named CicloZone, introduced to me by it’s CEO, Darren Lee, would revolutionize my spin classes and personal fitness journey.
From the moment I tried CicloZone from the comfort of my home, I was instantly hooked. Its dynamic features and engaging interface motivated me to explore its potential further. Fast forward to May 2022 and I proudly launched the commercial version of CicloZone, CicloStudio, into our Group Cycle Studio at Westpark Fitness giving us a full daily schedule of fully connected, virtual cycle classes as well as integrating it into my weekly spin classes as well as my personal training.
(Pictures of Alison at the start of her CicloZone journey on the left, and 1 year later on the right)
Currently teaching two classes weekly and engaging in one or two classes for personal practice, CicloZone has become an indispensable part of my own fitness journey. I make it a point to include a 60-minute session in my endurance zone using the free ride option, complemented by a brisk 10km walk twice a week and a dedicated 30-minute core/stretch session when time allows.
In the Cycle Studio at Westpark the response from our members has been overwhelming and customer experiences very much mirrored my own, with many experiencing significant increases in their Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and general level of fitness. CicloZone has become a vital tool in our fitness arsenal, with the new leaderboard feature adding a delightful element of competition, pushing our members to unlock the best in their legs.
While I often jest about the varying difficulties of my classes, the truth lies in the challenge presented by the app having an inbuilt Ai tool that constantly monitors riders class data and managing individual FTP scores based on actual ride results and not unrealistic FTP testing. It’s this challenge that facilitates constant, repeatable, and maintainable fitness growth, and CicloZone has become the catalyst for our members to surpass their limits.
In just 18 months, my personal journey with CicloZone has yielded remarkable results. My VO2 max has surged from 40.5 to an impressive 51.3, translating to an increased calorie burn from 797 to 929 calories per hour. Similarly, my FTP, which started at 165 and reached a max of 190, now stands at a robust 185.
Weight loss has been a positive side effect of this transformative journey, shedding 11 pounds. What’s truly remarkable is that as my weight decreased, my power increased. I underwent metabolic testing, and the results were astonishing. My metabolism skyrocketed from +12% to an impressive +26%, with my Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) climbing from 1584 to 1742 calories. This means I can consume more calories while maintaining my weight—a win-win scenario.
I attribute these incredible transformations to CicloZone and extend my gratitude to Darren Lee for introducing me to this fitness gem. The app’s ability to focus and maximize training efficiency in just 45 minutes has been a game-changer. Without CicloZone, achieving such significant improvements in my VO2 max and overall fitness level would have been unimaginable.
In closing, CicloZone has not only elevated indoor cycling in Westpark but has also become the cornerstone of my spin classes and personal fitness journey. As we continue to ride with passion and determination, the future promises even greater achievements with CicloZone leading the way.
