The Ultimate Friday Night: Karaoke Spin at CADENCE

Who says your Friday nights need to be spent in a crowded bar or club to feel energised and pumped up? Lindi, our Senior Designer and I tried something completely different — a karaoke spin class at CADENCE Indoor Cycling Studio. What we experienced wasn’t just a workout but a fun, invigorating night of cardio, laughter, and, surprisingly, some serious therapeutic benefits.

The idea of blending karaoke and spin might sound like a gimmick, but CADENCE has perfected the mix. From the moment we stepped into the dark, neon-lit studio, the atmosphere screamed “night out,” with karaoke music that Lindi had already text-ahead to request. The excitement in the room was palpable as regular riders clipped into their bikes, waiting for the music to start.

I’ve always known about the importance of activating the vagus nerve, especially after using devices like Sensate, but I didn’t expect to get a vagus nerve workout in a spin class! The vagus nerve, which runs from the brain through the face and neck to the abdomen, is crucial for maintaining your parasympathetic nervous system. Essentially, it’s your body’s way of regulating the "rest and digest" response, helping to reduce stress, lower your heart rate, and promote relaxation.

One of the most effective ways to stimulate the vagus nerve is through controlled breathing and, surprisingly, singing. When you sing, the vibrations from your voice create resonance in the throat and chest, which can help stimulate this nerve and encourage relaxation. This explains why belting out songs in the middle of a sweaty spin session was both exhilarating and soothing at the same time.

In the class, as the instructor turned up the volume and shouted out, "Everyone sing along!" the whole room was belting Miley Cyrus in unison. I could actually feel the tension in my body ease up with each song. That’s when it clicked for me — not only was this a cardiovascular workout, but the act of singing was adding a whole new dimension to the experience by stimulating my vagus nerve.

Let’s not forget that spinning itself is a serious workout. It’s no secret that indoor cycling classes like the ones offered at CADENCE are renowned for their cardiovascular benefits. Throughout the class, our legs were pedalling to the rhythm of the music, and Oura Ring detected my heart rate increase. Spinning is an incredible way to improve your cardiovascular fitness because it gets your heart pumping and engages major muscle groups, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core.

Cardiovascular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy heart and lungs. Regular spin classes help improve endurance, strengthen the heart muscle, and can even help reduce blood pressure over time. The interval training involved in these classes, where you alternate between high-intensity sprints and recovery, increases your body's ability to use oxygen more efficiently, leading to better stamina and endurance.

One of the most exciting aspects of the karaoke spin class at CADENCE was that we didn’t even realise how hard we were working because we were having so much fun. The music distracted us from the effort, and before we knew it, we were drenched in sweat, our muscles burning, but still smiling and singing. The class flew by, and by the end, Lindi and I looked at each other, knowing we’d just sang our hearts out and while giving our hearts a great workout too!

Having Lindi by my side made the experience even better. Working out with a friend provides a level of accountability and motivation that’s hard to replicate when you’re exercising alone. There’s something about knowing that someone is in it with you that makes pushing through the toughest parts of a workout easier.

Not only did we motivate each other, but we laughed and sang together, making the experience feel less like exercise and more like a night out. Studies show that social support in fitness can lead to better adherence to workout routines and increased enjoyment. The shared experience of a group class, especially one as fun and light-hearted as karaoke spin, strengthens social bonds and releases endorphins—those feel-good hormones that boost your mood and sense of well-being.

Another unexpected benefit of working out with a friend is the comfort it brings, especially if you’re trying a new class for the first time. Walking into a high-energy spin studio might feel a bit intimidating if you’re going solo, but having a friend like Lindi made the whole experience less daunting and more enjoyable. It also meant that we carried on the evening at Granger & Co afterwards where I enjoyed their Salmon dish and Lindi, the Pear & Chicken Salad.

By the time the class ended, Lindi and I felt completely rejuvenated, but not in the exhausted way you’d expect after an intense cardio session. We were energised, relaxed, and on a natural high, the kind you’d get after a great night of dancing. Our bodies felt the burn from the workout, but mentally, we were calm and centred.

The unique combination of spin and karaoke gave us the chance to engage our bodies and minds in different ways. From the cardiovascular benefits of cycling to the mental relaxation and vagus nerve stimulation from singing, this class had it all. Plus, working out with a friend made it a social experience, adding layers of fun and motivation.

CADENCE has truly found the sweet spot between fitness and fun, offering a class that leaves you feeling physically worked, mentally soothed, and emotionally uplifted. So, if you’re looking for a workout that feels more like a night out with friends, karaoke spin is the perfect way to break a sweat while belting out your favourite tunes. Trust me, you won’t even miss the club!