Kimberly Oberg’s indoor cycling studio opens in the former Yogawood space May 18.
By Matt Skoufalos
Kim Oberg and Zoe. Credit: Matt Skoufalos.
The first time Kimberly Oberg took an indoor cycling class, the experience agreed with her mind, if not her body.
“I almost puked,” she said. “So immediately I was like, ‘I want more.’ I’ve been obsessed with it since.”
The bike gave Oberg the same adrenaline high that she’d enjoyed as a runner, but without the impact to her joints, “and it was awesome,” she said.
Soon she was taking four classes a week. Then she earned her instructor certification, and eventually worked up the gumption to run her own studio.
As the community manager for the Lululemon athletic apparel store in Marlton, Oberg had an ear in the local fitness community. When she heard that Yogawood owner Beth Filla was relocating her business, she knew she’d found her location.
“I used to practice yoga here at Yogawood every once in a while,” Oberg said. “The exposed brick and the hardwood floor; it was beautiful, such a cool space. The second it opened up, I had this whole vision of exactly what it would look like.”
Upcycle logo. Credit: Upcycle.
Oberg wants to establish Upcycle, her indoor cycling studio, as a community fitness space with different events every day of the week. She’s planning on catering to students of all ages and ability levels, from the action junkie to the casual drop-in.
“I’m not all about the bells and whistles of videos and leaderboards and crazy stuff like that,” Oberg said.
“We’re going to have really high-energy playlists, but it’s basically going to be you and your bike. If you’re just starting out and you’re not comfortable standing out of the saddle for a song, you can sit down and ride.”
At Upcycle, customers ride through classes at an individual pace. In 45 minutes, a cyclist can burn anywhere from 400-800 calories, Oberg said, and the experience is entirely customizable.
The Startrac Spinner bikes in the studio allow for a range of settings for cyclists from four-feet, ten-inches tall to six-feet, ten-inches tall.
“You control the resistance; you control your speed,” she said. “The instructor is there to guide you.”
Upcycle schedule. Credit: Upcycle.
Oberg wants to incorporate deejays and cross-training exercises into the routines, combining cycling and yoga or strength training to offer a variety of work-outs.
She also plans to offer a 101-level class for newcomers with a focus on proper cycle setup and practicing different positions, as well as open hours midday, during which guests can simply ride at their own pace.
Weekends will bring special events like “bikes and brunch” outings or Saturday night cycle-and-yoga; instructors will also create their own classes based on a variety of creative formats.
“I really am huge into connection and community,” Oberg said. “I like hanging out with like-minded people and I want to create the space to do that.”
Upcycle classes are available at a $15 drop-in rate ($10 for students) with a month of unlimited access for $100 and multi-class package rates. Schedules are posted online through the Mindbody appointment client manager.
“It’s going to be fun,” Oberg said. “Come prepared to have a good time.”
Upcycle is located at 688 Haddon Avenue in Collingswood. Hours are 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. most days. The studio opens May 18 with a grand opening June 6, when classes will be free all day. For more info, call 856-477-2724 or visit upcyclenj.com.
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