The Handle Bar (Harvard Square)
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Studio Name: The Handle Bar (Harvard Square)
Address: 1030 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA (Harvard Square)
Website / Signing Up: Booking a class here is quick and easy. Just visit the studio’s schedule online, find the class that fits your schedule, and click "Reserve." From there, you'll log into your existing Handle Bar account or create one, then select your bike and finalize the reservation—super convenient for a no-fuss experience!
Cancellation Policy: Life happens! If you need to cancel, just make sure you do so at least 8 hours before class to avoid any penalties. Check out the studio's full policies here.
My First Visit to The Handle Bar (Harvard Square)
Yes, I braved a 6 am spin class. Yes, you read that right: 6-freaking-am.
If you know me, you know that early mornings and I don’t get along, but I made a promise to my colleagues to hit the bikes before work—and I wasn’t about to back out. So there I was, a total zombie, heading into the early morning spin session.
The Arrival: Bright and Welcoming
Even at the crack of dawn, the studio was easy to find—brightly lit, clean, and welcoming. The front desk staff greeted me right away, and their friendliness definitely helped ease my early-morning grogginess. They quickly checked me in, reminded me of my bike number, and asked if I needed anything. (Pro tip: They offer spin shoes if you don’t have your own—so no need to worry about that!)
I stashed my belongings in an empty cubby (they don’t have lockers, but the cubbies are safe and spacious) and made my way into the spin room.
The Spin Room: Loud, Dark, and Full of Energy
If you’re sensitive to noise, be aware—the music in the spin room was louuuuud. I sat close to a speaker (not realizing it), so the instructor walked around handing out ear plugs before class started. If you’re like me and forgot to grab some on your way in, no worries—they’ve got you covered.
The room itself was dark, with only the instructor’s bike lit up. Honestly, this vibe made it so much easier to focus on myself and my ride without feeling self-conscious. I made the necessary adjustments to my bike, clipped in, and was ready to go. Despite how sleepy I was walking in, the high-energy music and the upbeat instructor snapped me awake in no time.
The Workout: A Mix of Everything
The instructor kicked things off by explaining the different bike positions and cues, which was super helpful if you're new to spin. Then, the ride began! The class was a mix of seated and standing sprints, slow and heavy resistance, and light, fast intervals. As we rode, the instructor encouraged us to adjust the resistance to what felt challenging but doable for each of us. You can totally make the workout your own based on how you're feeling that day.
It was intense, but I really enjoyed the variety of movements and how fast the class seemed to fly by. The music’s thumping beats and the darkness of the room created a tunnel-vision effect where it was just me, the bike, and my ride. No distractions—just focus.
Helpful Tips for First-Timers
If it’s your first time spinning, don’t stress! The staff will help you set up your bike, show you how to adjust it for your body, and make sure you know how to clip in and out. The instructor will also walk you through the workout so you know what to expect before you start.
Final Thoughts
Waking up for a 6 am class isn’t my normal vibe, but The Handle Bar made it totally worth it. Between the welcoming staff, the motivating energy, and the overall vibe of the studio, I ended up really enjoying the experience. If you’re in the Harvard Square area and looking for a spin class with a lot of energy, great music, and a solid workout, I definitely recommend giving The Handle Bar a try.
Just don’t forget those ear plugs if you’re sitting near a speaker!
