By Kamryn Anthis | Staff Writer
Baylor Fitness’ Bear Cycle hosted its grand opening and first ride demonstration Thursday, giving students a first look at the university’s new on-campus cycling studio.
The new studio is located on Court 7 of the first floor of the Student Life Center and will offer cycling classes led by nationally certified instructors.
The Baylor Fitness Center developed this project in collaboration with Student Government and the Parents Advisory Council. Jared Gould, Assistant Director of Fitness Initiatives for Campus Recreation, said the teamwork behind the project made it possible.
“Through our partnerships, we’ve been able to provide this opportunity for students to have a state-of-the-art fitness studio here on campus and for students to be able to experience high-quality spin classes,” Gould said.
Director of Campus Recreation Dr. Kim Scott said collaboration between the groups helped bring the project to campus.
“One of the biggest blessings of working at Baylor is being on a team that has the same goals,” Scott said.
Although nationally certified instructors lead the classes, cyclists can choose their own difficulty level. In President Linda Livingstone’s Presidential Perspective released Thursday, she explained the goal of the first demonstration.
“The First Ride sessions will feature short rides designed to give you a feel for the energy, atmosphere and experience of the new studio, without the high-intensity workout,” Livingstone wrote.
According to the Campus Recreation website, Bear Cycle classes include endurance rides, sprints and climbs to help students “improve cardiovascular endurance.” Riders can adjust their resistance, pedaling speed and intensity throughout the class.
Bear Cycle is the only studio of its kind in Waco. Gould said the new studio responds to increased student interest in cycling and cycling classes.
“Cycle is one of the most in-demand formats in the country, and our students really have sought it out over the past couple of years,” Gould said. “We’ve seen a 250% increase just since 2023.”
Scott said it is important to her and her team that students’ opinions are taken seriously and acted on when possible, which led to the building of Bear Cycle.
“We have the best cycling studio in the state of Texas and the Big 12, which is pretty much nationwide,” Scott said.
Students are invited to attend classes during FitWell FREE WEEK beginning Monday. After that, users must purchase a FITPASS from Baylor, which costs $50 a semester for students and $60 for faculty, staff and dependents.
