New Kensington's Rhythm Ridez expands spin studio

Shayle Prorok wants to remove the negative connotation of the word exercise.

“Why can’t it be fun?” said Prorok, owner of the Rhythm Ridez spin studio at 878 Fifth Ave. in New Kensington. “I want to create that atmosphere.

“Wherever they are on their health journey, they’re pedaling. I want to make an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. The one thing about cycling is you can see your progress very quickly.”

The small business, going into its third year of operation, has expanded by about 1,200 square feet closest to Barnes Street to make way for additional strength and conditioning courses.

Prorok said the expansion is a result of wanting to provide a healthy, fun environment for clients.

She compares classes to a “club atmosphere,” and said they can be modified for all abilities.

People can sign up for classes at rhythmridez.com.

“Everybody seems to love it,” Prorok said. “I think they swear at me when it’s going on, but they love it when they’re done. It’s like a high.”

After working as a spin instructor elsewhere, Prorok decided to take the leap and open her own studio in fall 2023. She also works as an art teacher in the Leechburg Area School District, lives in Allegheny Township and was born and raised in New Kensington.

“Olde Towne Overhaul was doing all of this great stuff, and I thought, ‘What if?’ ” Prorok said. “I couldn’t live with ‘could’ve, should’ve, would’ve.’ It was great to be back in my hometown with everything going on, and the revitalization here.”

Prorok worked with Olde Towne Overhaul, the developer behind many projects in New Kensington, to secure the space at 848 Fifth Ave. for the expansion.

“(Prorok is) very hardworking and has a long-term plan to make it a long-term success,” said Michelle Thom, Olde Towne’s operations manager. “She’s very driven and great at marketing.”

Thom said Rhythm Ridez and its success contributes to the mix of different businesses in downtown New Kensington, which in turn helps with revitalization and business growth there.

“It helps round out the whole downtown,” Thom said. “If we want to bring people down to live and work, it’s easy for us to go down and workout. It brings people downtown, and maybe they’ll get a cup of coffee, or grab a bite to eat.”

Prorok said she hopes to continue the upward trajectory of her space.

“I want to see it be successful,” she said. “I want people coming through the doors and have a feeling of, ‘This is welcoming energy.’

“I would love to see more people who maybe are nervous about starting fitness, to come here and try it out and hopefully stick with it.”