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    Cycle614 Opens as City’s First Indoor Cycling Studio

    If you love riding your bike for exercise, but hate the oncoming winter weather, you’re in luck. Cycle614 opened their doors at 1636 Northwest Blvd (just north of King Avenue) on Monday to offer an indoor biking facility that is open year-round. The facility offers instructor-led classes, lunch-hour sessions and bookings for private events.

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    We spoke with owners Demi Tsapatsaris and Mark Placenti to find out more about the new business. Our full interview can be found below:

    Walker Evans: First, can you tell us a bit about your background as it relates to the world of cycling and fitness?

    Demi Tsapatsaris: I am a mother and blessed to have three children. I have been in the fitness industry since 1989 when I started teaching my first group fitness classes. I have certifications in personal training; group fitness; spinning; yoga; sports nutrition and life coaching.

    Mark Placenti: I was in advertising and marketing for 35 years – most recently as the chief marketing officer at Safelite AutoGlass. I grew up in Columbus, but my career took me all over the country. I realized I missed the Midwest and returned to Columbus in 1999. I love it here.

    WE: What prompted you both to want to start this new business?

    cycleDT: When I was co-owner of my former studio, That Gym on Grandview, I really missed spinning as I was always passionate about teaching. After checking out studios on the East and West Coasts, where indoor cycling is the hottest thing around, I knew that I could start this in Columbus and make it even better with my knowledge and personality. We have created a safe full-body workout by using weights and/or bands on our bikes. Coming from a trainer’s perspective some of the “exercises” (which is really dancing on bikes) which other popular studios do are not really safe and could actually cause injury. At Cycle614, we pride ourselves on our creativity — every single workout will be different. You may do some of the same fundamental exercises with the weights, but we take our workouts to a whole new level and are so excited to share it with you.

    MP: I met Demi about three years ago. I was in really bad shape and my health was not the best. I decided to do something about it and hired her as my personal trainer. She helped me lose over 100 lbs. So, I knew how good she was at what she did. She started telling me about her idea. We put it down on paper in the form of a business plan and everything made sense. So, we took a leap of faith.

    WE: What drew you to open in this Grandview-area location?

    DT: We both live in Upper Arlington and my former studio was on Grandview Avenue. I have such a kind, and loyal clientele that I wanted to accommodate them as well as be able to be convenient to OSU, Victorian Village and the Short North. We are in a great spot and have a parking lot, as well as additional parking for overflow at the OSU Medical Center in the evenings and Donatos in the morning.

    MP: Plus, Grandview Heights, Upper Arlington and the Short North are such vital and vibrant areas. Everywhere you look, people are outdoors and active. We knew there was an audience for Cycle614 if we built it here.

    WE: So what type of training, resources, equipment and expertise will Cycle614 offer?

    DT: There are several things that set us apart from other places… We are Columbus’ first and only fitness studio completely dedicated to indoor cycling. Our inspiring classes provide a full-body workout using weights and bands to allow you to burn up to 1,200 calories per class. Easy online booking lets you set up an account, schedule classes, purchase ride packages – even reserve which bike you want to ride so you’ll never have to arrive 45 minutes early at the gym ever again.

    We have purchased awesome bikes, installed state-of-the art technology like our “Beat Boards” — large screens that display a leader board a few times during each class. So, if you’re the competitive type, you can opt in to see how you rank against other riders.

    WE: Anything else we should know?

    DT: Cycle614 is an experience — not just a workout. We have thought of our clientele down to the last detail as we know there are a lot of good people around. You can expect an epic workout, inspiring space, rockstar instructors, and awesome bikes!

    For more information, visit www.cycle614.com.

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    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
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