Psycle: The Big 2026 Review
Psycle is growing at a rapid rate in London, possibly only rivalled by 1Rebel and Third Space. They’ve just opened their 7th studio, this time in London Bridge. At this point they’re everywhere - Oxford Circus, Notting Hill, and even venturing south of the river with their ride-only studio in Clapham.
They’re also still one of the more expensive studios to be a member at, so who do they suit best and are they worth it?
Psycle’s niche
One thing that Psycle has done very well is offering a combination of classes that most other ‘multi-location’ studios don’t. They’re the only major chain in London offering Megaformer (aka Lagree) currently. Normally, if you want that sort of workout you will need to find a specialist studio like KARVE or Blood, Sweat & Tears, or find a multi-class studio with only one branch like Studio Fix (Kensington) or Oncore (Clapham).
Psycle has also jumped early on infrared sculpt, which has been huge in New York and LA for a while now but is only just becoming popular in London.
They have a history of positioning themselves slightly ahead of the curve, yet catering to the masses, which is impressive considering they’re still relatively new compared to some of the legacy brands.
Psycle’s ride class is challenging
I’ve been to a lot of studios across London and Psycle’s spin and barre are noticeably more intense than most competitors. A lot of that isn’t even the workout itself but the atmosphere that they foster - especially in their Ride classes.
At most spin studios there’s an unspoken, or occasionally spoken, rule: if you don’t want to stand during the faster sections, that’s completely fine - just choose a bike nearer the back so you’re not disrupting the energy in the room.
At Psycle, that understanding seems to have wavered. I’ve been in multiple classes where instructors have said that they do expect you to stand. The tone can be slightly aggressive, yet said in an encouraging way, and after a few classes I have realised that the clientele actually like it that way.
In my opinion, Psycle isn’t really for beginners, but maybe that is its strength. It doesn’t back down from its own intensity. The issue is that not everybody should be doing that level of intensity. If you’re newly back from injury or trying to balance training for a primary goal (eg a marathon) alongside these types of classes, it can be a bit much.
Psycle will push you. Whether that’s what you need is another question entirely.
Barre
Psycle’s Barre is probably the hardest I’ve taken in London. I had taken over 100 barre classes in specialist locations before trying it and I still had to take breaks. They rest less, it’s more intense, and there is good use of props. However, I have to say that I really enjoyed the challenge and at no point did I feel judged for taking breaks. The instructors seemed to understand the challenge they were putting on us and accommodate accordingly.
If you’re progressing from another studio and want something that forces you up a level, Psycle’s Barre classes are probably perfect for you. I genuinely enjoy them.
Reformer
Interestingly, I don’t find their Reformer Pilates classes as challenging as their spin or barre. They’re definitely not easy, but London has had such a huge influx of Pilates studios that I’ve taken harder classes elsewhere. Whilst these classes do push you, the atmosphere is more encouraging and less aggressive than spin can be - although that may be due to Pilates culture in general. It feels like a softer, more welcoming corner of Psycle.
Ride Playlists
Psycle’s music is fantastic. Rather than pressing go on a Spotify playlist, the instructors are trained in mixing so there’s no awkward time between different tracks and they can design their spin classes to fit the music perfectly. It makes sense that a number of their instructors are dancers, DJs and musicians. The whole brand of their spin classes is built around performance and some of the more dance music-heavy classes have been incredibly well transitioned - Darius in particular is brilliant at this.
Studios
All five Psycle studios that I have visited look polished and clean, but the changing rooms are always too small when classes are full. When you’re running sweaty spin classes multiple times a day, this can become a real issue. If you’re working out before work and need a space to shower, change and leave it can be difficult to do without elbowing someone in the ribs.
Who is Psycle actually for?
Psycle is intense, polished, slightly aggressive at times, and very good at what it does. It, however, will not be for everybody. If you want a studio that will push you hard and you thrive in that atmosphere, it is one of the best in London. If you’re a beginner or trying to take it easy, it might not be the best place to start. But as a studio to progress towards, it is perfect.
Current deals
You can currently get 2 weeks of classes for £100 or 3 classes for £50. If these intro offers are purchased through this link, you will get an additional bonus class too.
Psycle also have student, graduate and Key Worker credits at up to 40% off available on their website.