Building the Valley: New spin studio in New Kensington offers fun workout alternative

Shayle Prorok, owner of the new Rhythm Ridez spin studio in New Kensington, is excited to be part of the city’s changing times.

Prorok, 49, of New Kensington opened the doors to her new indoor studio Aug. 19.

“I’m really pumped about what’s going on in the city I grew up in,” Prorok said. “It was once an amazing city, and now it’s sort of coming back.”

Prorok’s studio at 878 Fifth Ave. was secured through Old Towne Overhaul, which is known for renting out commercial space to local entrepreneurs and helping them bring their business plans to life.

“She has a great understanding of what it will take to own a business in downtown New Kensington,” said Michelle Thom, operations manager of Old Towne Overhaul.

Prorok’s journey began when she started to take spin classes in her free time. Eventually, she trained and gained her certification to teach indoor spinning. After four years of leading classes at local gyms, she decided it was time to open her own studio.

“I’m pushing 50, and I just decided that it was time to take a chance,” Prorok said.

Spin class participants can dance in their seats as they cycle to the beats and rhythms of the music.

Rhythm Ridez offers discounts for class signups. Single spins, packages of five to 10 spins or monthly unlimited passes are available.

The studio’s business hours vary from early morning to evening depending on the day.

Initially, classes will start at 8 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and spread throughout the day. There also will be evening classes scheduled at 6 or 6:30 p.m. depending on the day. Class last about 30 to 45 minutes, and schedules are subject to change.

Beginner classes are offered, along with the ability to host special events, themed classes, team trainings and more. To sign up for a class or receive updates about schedule changes, use the Glofox app.

“I love to teach. I love to teach cycling. I love music,” said Prorok, a high school art teacher in the Leechburg Area School District.

If you are new to spin classes, it is best that you come 15 minutes before class to learn about the machines and get comfortable with the biking equipment.

To prepare for this full body workout, Prorok suggests that participants bring water bottles, towels, sneakers, great energy and a smile.

The studio offers cubical units and coat hangers to store personal belongings.

“The way I teach is a full-body workout,” Prorok said. “We build muscle. We turn up the tension. We go heavy. We work out our legs.”

While the workouts might be intense, Rhythm Ridez offers a fresh, energetic way to forget that you are exercising, she said.

“I teach spinning slightly different. I basically dance on my bike, and I teach people how to dance on their bikes,” Prorok said.

To keep up with all the fun, check out the studio’s social media pages on Facebook at Rhythm Ridez LLC and @rhythmridez2023 on Instagram.

For details, email rhythmridez@gmail.com or call 724-496-9654.