Zengo Cycle Kentlands

I’m a newbie to the whole cycling world. I primarily lift weights. Until now, my only cardio was the time I spent walking to/​from the gym to my car. A few of my friends had been talking about it as a fun way to get their cardio in. I decided to try it out without any real expectations. After one class, I was hooked. I have taken classes with Teryn (high intensity but fun), Sahar (crazy energy levels and very motivational) and Nas (my favorite). Nassi’s classes don’t feel like cardio. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not easy. But, her songs and the moves she has you doing to them, flow perfectly together. You are moving to the beat and not just listening to blasting music while you cycle. Before you know it, it’s been an hour and you’ve burned 700 – 800 calories (at least I always do). They offer specials in bulk pricing but I usually just buy one class at a time. They just dropped their prices and the Kentlands location is the cheapest per class. The first class is free so you have nothing to lose.

I had never been to Zengo before a friend asked me to come along with them two months ago, and I can honestly say it was the best workout I have ever had! I am a fitness class junkie, trying out all types of classes, but rarely committing to one long-​term. This class did more than just kick my butt-​it changed my attitude about working out! Nas and the other Zengo Kentlands instructors have a lot of passion and you feed off that energy during the ride. Before this class, my workout régime was all over the place… but now that I have discovered Zengo I have committed to an exercise routine that works!

I have been to this location three separate times with classes by Nasreen and Sahar and have left the class each time in love with the experience. It’s not your typical gym spin class as they incorporate great music and vibes into a one hour full body workout. The equipment is fantastic, the staff is great, and it is an overall great experience. The price is something you’ll see some people complain about, however I would consider that an individual opinion compared to a reflection on what the class is about. I recommend buying the packs of 10 as that is the best bang for the buck.

Everything I expected. And a great feature is the reasonable drop in rates. I specifically chose this place because I didn’t want to be hounded to buy a membership. I am not a regular indoor spinner; so wouldn’t use the membership enough. I can walk here, and they have morning classes. Perfect.

This is a review for one of the classes I took with Sahar, one of the newer instructors, at the Gaithersburg location. I have taken classes with Melissa and Teryn, which were amazing. But unfortunately this one was a real disappointment.
The studio: Smaller than the Bethesda location. Not sure why they made the locker area so small. There were about 10 people in the entire locker area and it felt so cramped because everyone is on top of each other. Water fountain is one of the automatic filter types, which is convenient. But it looked like it needed to be cleaned because there were rust stains (?) and gunk all around the water fountain.
Vibe/​Experience: Not much of a vibe at this studio compared to the other locations. Classes seem to only have 10 – 15 people in them, so there is never a big hootin and hollerin type experience that I’ve gotten at SoulCycle. Older crowd, so if you’re looking for the young Lululemon types, stick with the DC location or SoulCycle.
Class: The instructor was fine, definitely seemed like a new instructor. Music was pretty bad though, all old overplayed songs and nothing that you would hear on the radio within the last few months. Also, music was definitely not loud enough. I like my music loud and it was definitely not in this class. Choreography did not match the music in some cases. Felt weird to do fast paced jumps during the slow part of the song. The instructor also seemed glued to the podium and got off the bike for maybe 2 minutes. In a small class of 10 – 15 people, the instructor needs to command the room and be able to read the energy of the crowd. At SoulCycle, the instructors spend time both off and on the bike, and get into the crowd to pump people up. I felt the instructor needed to do this more because I was honestly bored watching her up there. Additionally, the instructor talked the ENTIRE class. I felt like I could never get into my «zen» because she was constantly saying something. Perhaps she will learn with time to balance her «on» and «off» moments.
For the price that I’m paying to take a class at Zengo, I would like to know that I’m getting a consistent experience across the board with the instructors. I feel at Zengo some are definitely better than others, so you will have to shop around and find the ones that you like. Might be switching over to SoulCycle where I have seen more consistency with their instructors.

Hold on to your credit cards people and check your transactions. Stopped in for a one time visit and ended up getting charged triple. My first call in, I was told that credits would go back on card. That didn’t happen. 3 days later I get an employee whose name starts with an «E» (left out her full name out of respect) I explained the situation and she was talking to me with a full mouth of food, and didn’t seem to care that she shouldn’t do that. SHE replies ‘actually we didn’t triple charge the class, it was the card holder” At that point I asked for the manager who claims it will be resolved. As far as cost/​rental of shoes itc its OVERPRICED compared to what’s available in Gyms with 4 miles. So perhaps looking around will not only save you money, but get you better value
As an addendum to my review. despite the issue mentioned above. The actual spinning experience with Sahar (the spinning instructor), was reportedly awesome. Her performance and reputation certainly precedes her. Thanks Sahar for making the actual class the best ever.

I was already a regular at the Zengo Bethesda studio when the Kentlands location opened up. I don’t live particularly close to either location, but was excited that I had another option, especially since I frequent the Rio/​Downtown Crown area.
The Kentlands studio is slightly smaller than the Bethesda studio but the parking situation is a lot more convenient. It’s also still pretty new so the «prime» bikes don’t fill up as quickly. The signup window is every Monday at 1pm and you have the option to sign up for any bike from that Tuesday through the following Monday. Every Monday at 12:59 I am logged into my Zengo account and eagerly waiting to sign up for all the classes I want for that week (spin nerd). My favorite seat is 21.
For anyone reluctant to try spinning, I’ll just say that it has CHANGED my life. It may take you a couple classes to get the hang of it, but it really is indescribable. I posted a more detailed review on the Zengo Bethesda Unilocal page, but will include some of that review here:
My first class was with Teryn. I was basically thinking WTF the entire time… I felt so out of my element! I could hardly keep up with the normal pace, let alone when she’d go double time. Thank goodness it was dark or else I would have been mortified if people saw how badly I struggled. I left the class thinking spinning is NOT, I repeat, NOT for me. My sister convinced me to give it another try — that it takes «a couple» classes to get used to it. I mean, I saw what spinning was doing for her body and figured I’d try it again. My second class was equally challenging but it totally awakened something in me. It’s empowering. I know it sounds totally cliché and cheesy but that’s really how I feel.
I am now a regular at both the Bethesda and Kentlands studios and cannot stop raving about Zengo to anyone and everyone who will listen to me. I really love all of the instructors there. Everyone has their own style and it’s worth riding with each one of them! Teryn is so upbeat and sassy. Sahar is motivating and makes me feel like a machine. Melissa is a firecracker (the good kind!). Rhonda is a powerhouse. And all of the people at the front desk are so damn sweet and nice!

If you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding workout, that is different every time you go, then Zengo is your go to class! From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave all of the staff are so friendly and helpful. You leave each class with a motivational high that you’ve never experienced before and of course you leave soaking in sweat! I suggest arriving 15 mins early if its your first class so the staff can show you around the studio and set up your bike. All you need to bring your first day is a bottle of water and an open mind. They have electronic storage lockers so no need to bring you’re own lock, they have water bottles ($) and cycle shoes for rent ($). Also, the locker rooms are stocked with the essentials if you need to shower after class. Your first class is free so if definitely worth trying!

Great intense workout, you will be sweating– embrace it! The front desk girls are so welcoming and will help you get set up on the bikes and the instructions are motivating and will push you! One would think because it’s a cycling lass that its just a lower body workout but they incorporate your mid-​section and arms too.
They rent shoes for free for the first class and after that it’s $ 3/​class.

I have such mixed feelings.
On one hand, the staff was incredible. Very friendly, very helpful, made me feel at home and the instructor (Rhonda) was phenomenal at pumping us up. I’m not completely out of shape and I still spent most of the class huffing and puffing (that’s a GOOD thing). The studio was beautiful from the front desk to the locker rooms to the actual spinning room. I adored the water refill station, I think all gyms should have one. The class was incredible, I found myself smiling throughout. I know some people complain about the shoes but I really liked being locked in. I would’ve probably slid out otherwise, or knocked myself onto the floor.
On the other hand? $ 22.00 for one class is a lot of money. I mean, it’s a lot of money for a 50 minute class. They do occasionally have free Instructor Spotlight classes, so that’s nice and I totally plan on taking advantage of that in the future, but like another Unilocaler said: right now they don’t really have competition in the area so they can afford to cost that much but $ 22 for a drop-​in class plus $ 3 for rental shoes is a really steep price for what, at the end of the day, is a (albeit great) workout.

I’m not sure what to think of this studio but my first thought is that I wasn’t impressed. Considering the cost (which is higher than other studios I’ve been too not including shoe rental (?!)), it wasn’t worth the money.
The bikes have no read-​outs. You have no idea where your resistance is at any point during your ride. This also makes it very difficult to know your RPMs and the instructor cannot give you any guidance as far as where your resistance or speed should be throughout the ride because she cannot look at a screen and tell you where she is. I simply found this annoying since I like to know where I am during my rides. It’s also very difficult for beginners to learn if they have no point of reference.
The studio has no fans that I could see and it got fairly warm. The studio also seemed a bit small. The sound system and music were great. I will say that. And the bikes are top of the line.
I brought my own shoes so I cannot comment on what they provide but if you’re renting shoes on a consistent basis, just stop and order a pair. $ 3 a ride for shoes just seems tacky when you’re already charging $ 22 for a drop-​in rate.
I’m also not sure how I feel about the «zen» time… To me, it’s 4 minutes during the session that the instructor just doesn’t have to teach.
There were also a LOT of new beginners in the class. I feel like an intro class for these students would be a better use of time for them and the riders who are more experienced. For example, all riders should know how to safely release their shoes from the bike and not be told to just undo the Velcro on their shoes leaving the shoes attached to the pedals. This could be taught in an intro class and add to the beginner’s experience. The beginners in my class still do not know how to safely release. I think that is a problem.
Re-​reading my review, it seems harsh but there are much better studios out there that (surprisingly) cost less! I think the lack of competition in this area may be to Zengo’s benefit right now. But they’ll have to up their game if clients have an eventual choice.
I don’t think I’d pay to return. I’m sure some riders love this studio but it wasn’t what I was looking for.

Class is challenge if you follow the instructor and really work the intensity but you can sit back and ride the way you want, take breaks or eve. Don’t add resistance to the bike. the bike is amazing and so are the shoes. its rented for 3 $ and each class is $ 22 its. Great class love it and bought a package

I signed up for the inaugural ride, wasn’t really sure what to expect but was thinking something along the lines of Zen Cycling, peaceful, yoga type stuff. I was wrong!
First, you have to go online and create an account and it is there that you can purchase credits for the classes and reserve your bike. 1 class is $ 22.00, 5 class package is $ 105.00, 10 classes are $ 190.00 and so on. Obviously, the more class credits you buy at once, the cheaper it is per class. 30 classes gives you the best deal and comes to $ 17.00/per class. This is why I took off a star. For the average person this is quite pricey and many can’t afford to buy a larger package. This definitely keeps the clientele at a certain level and so this, for me, would be a treat when I can afford to spend 22 bucks for 50 minutes of exercise.
On my fitbit I got just over 6,000 steps and get just about that or more for one hour of dance fitness with an average of 5 bucks per class. Now, of course, dancing and cycling are two different things so I’m not exactly comparing apples to apples. But I digress.
Make sure you arrive 20 minutes before class to get set up and accustomed to the place. If it is your first time, it is not a good idea to walk in 5 minutes before class begins. Come early! Grab a locker, you don’t need a lock, create your own four digit code to open and close, they will assist you with this. Get your shoes, they provide you with them the first time and after that, it will cost you $ 3.00 or you can purchase your own from them. They provide great quality and very clean towels and have a great water refill «station» that accommodate any size bottle, a small but very nice shower area and changing room with deodorant, lotion, shower gel, everything you need to «cleanify» yourself. I know, cleanify is not a word but I like how it sounds. So, the place is on the smaller side but space is used well and the bike studio is very nice.
Get your bike that you reserved online, mine was number 30, ask for help on adjusting the seat and getting your feet clipped into the pedals (at the end I had to take my shoes off because I couldn’t get them off the pedals, apparently this happens all the time so I didn’t feel like a tool), make sure you have your hand weights, gel seat (they provide), water and towel and you are ready to ride.
Now, get ready for some seriously awesome beats and a very energetic instructor (Dale was my guy), and this class will have you in and out of your seat, going on hill climbs, working your arms until they burn, follow the beat as you dip up and down, your arms will work as hard as your legs and this is what I loved. It was like a dance/​strengthening/​core/​cardio/​yoga/​stretch class all in one. You will leave drenched in sweat, feeling like jelly, invigorated and pumped up. I wish it weren’t so expensive because you will also leave $ 22-​$ 25 poorer but the first class is free so I suggest you give it a try and if you can, make room for it in your fitness budget. That is all!