Rocket Cycle Studio
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Rocket Cycle Studio
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Photo by Jessa Pease.
Rocket Cycle Studio 2014
Owner and Instructor Rachel Hunt leads her cycling class at Rocket Cycle Studio.
Rachel Hunt is more than a trainer. She is a motivator, an encourager, a cheerleader and the voice that says, “You are stronger than you think.”
Hunt pushes people to hurdle through pain at her high-end cycling boutique, Rocket Cycle Studio. The studio consists of 15 solitary bicycles where clients can sign up for “rides” led by certified cycling trainers.
“It’s really a place where people get highly addicted, which is the best thing to get addicted to,” Hunt said. “[It’s the best] to just get high on your endorphins and see your body change.”
Inside, the atmosphere is one Hunt designed to avoid feeling like a “big-box” gym where hundreds of clients work out individually.
“I think when people walk in the first thing they say is, ‘It’s so pretty,’” Hunt said, referring to the powder blue walls, light barn-style wood fixtures and white accent pieces. “It’s really pretty and it’s really clean and fresh. Of course, you walk away very sweaty and nasty.”
The decor is also paired with motivational music, which gets the class into the workout, Hunt said. Every instructor is different, so sometimes the ride is a “throw-back Thursday” with boy bands and sometimes a “Britney versus Madonna” playlist helps put the cycling in motion.
In addition to the workout atmosphere, Hunt said Rocket Cycle Studio offers about 30 classes a week with no contractual obligations. Clients are free to pay as they ride or purchase packages for any of the six workout class types. First-time riders always ride free with a coupon on the website.
Each class is led by one of Rocket Cycle Studio’s seven instructors.
“We really want to have that close relationship with our clients for multiple reasons,” Hunt said. “We have, probably, the highest quality of trainers that I have ever come across, and they truly do care about the clients—both their personal life as well as their health and well being.”
High quality trainers and working with clients isn’t something new to Hunt, though. Since 2006, she and her husband have owned locations of Extreme Fit along the 280 corridor and Birmingham area, but Hunt said she dreamed of having her own storefront.
Eight years ago she earned her cycling certification and started working with other gyms when she realized she wanted to branch out with something she could have more ownership over. In April of 2014, Rocket Cycle Studio opened.
There, her primary goal is overall health. She said some diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancer and diabetes are things that can be avoided by exercise, and cycling is an extremely high intensity workout with very low impact.
That makes cycling the perfect training for pregnant women, people going through physical therapy or people with bad knees or backs, Hunt said. With clients from ages 11 to 66, she thinks the best instructors are able to modify workouts for everyone, and they are always there for support.
“I love my job and not everyone can say that, so I am definitely blessed to be able to,” Hunt said. “It doesn’t even feel like a job to me.”
Rocket Cycle Classes
Rocket 60
The signature 60-minute ride gives guests the full indoor cycling experience. Climb hills with increasing speeds and keep your heart pumping.
Rocket 45
You can maximize your workout with your limited time with the 45-minute version of the signature ride.
Rocket Fusion
Try the unique combination of 30 minutes of cycling and 30 minutes of Pilates to strengthen your core. A combination of strength and relaxation will keep your body healthy.
Rocket 20-20-20
This class combines three areas of “Rocket Perfection.” Train with a 20 minute ride, 20 minutes of body weight training, and 20 minutes Pilates.
Rocket Circuit
A full body workout combining TRX suspension training, high intensity circuit stations and a 30-minute cycle ride.
Rocket Teen
Start healthy habits young for a lifetime of being fit. An energy-infused cycle ride for ages 13-18 creates a challenging workout complete with motivational music for a fun workout.
Rocket Cycle Studio
5299 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, Alabama
Monday, 5:30 a.m.- 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 5:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 7:30-10:30 a.m. • Sunday, 7:30-8:30 a.m.