Montreal has long been a city that moves to its own beat—a place where European flair meets North American energy. But if you head down to Notre-Dame Street West in the Sud-Ouest, you’ll find a place where that beat is cranked up, the lights are low, and the energy is absolutely apologetic.
I’m talking about Heart Spin, a boutique studio that is quickly redefining what it means to train in this city.
As someone who has ridden in studios all over the world, I’ve seen a lot of concepts. We all know the drill: you go in, you ride, you leave. But Heart Spin is doing something different. They aren’t just a spin studio; they are a “movement sanctuary” that has cracked the code on the perfect fitness ecosystem. They’ve combined the high-octane thrill of rhythm riding with the grounding power of Pilates and Yoga—all under one roof.
I wanted to feature them on the Indoor Cycling Society website because they represent exactly where our industry is heading: community-driven, multidisciplinary, and incredibly stylish.
The Vibe: A “Party on a Bike”
From the moment you walk into their space at 2620 Notre-Dame St W, you can tell this isn’t a generic franchise. The aesthetic is clean and modern, but it’s the energy that grabs you.
Heart Spin was founded by Rita Sebti, a passionate spinning enthusiast who wanted to create a space that mirrored Montreal’s soul—intense, diverse, and supportive. Her vision was to build a studio where the workout feels less like a chore and more like a release. And they have delivered.
The spin room itself is designed for immersion. We’re talking low lighting and sound systems that rival a nightclub. The philosophy here is simple: “party on a bike.” The instructors curate playlists that range from Afrobeats and French rap to Dancehall and Latin heat. It’s loud, it’s sweaty, and it’s designed to help you get out of your head and into your body.
But what I appreciate as an instructor myself is the technical depth. They aren’t just dancing on the pedals. They have instructors like Hardip, who brings over 23 years of experience and is certified in the original Jonny G Method. That means you’re getting a ride that respects the biomechanics of cycling while still delivering that emotional high we all crave. It’s a rare balance of safety, technique, and pure adrenaline.
The Fusion Concept
Here is where Heart Spin really separates itself from the pack. We all know that indoor cycling is an incredible cardio workout, but it’s demanding on the body. We hunch over handlebars; we tighten our hips.
Heart Spin solves this by housing a dedicated Mat Pilates and Yoga studio right next to the cycle room.
After a 45-minute high-intensity interval ride where you’ve left everything on the bike, being able to walk a few feet and transition into a breath-led flow or a core-strengthening Pilates session is a game-changer. They also offer HIIT classes for those days when you want to focus on off-bike conditioning. This “fusion” approach means you don’t need two separate memberships to get a complete training regimen. You can ride for your heart and flow for your soul, all in the same morning.
Amenities & Community
Let’s be honest: amenities matter. If we want people to treat indoor cycling as a lifestyle, the studio needs to be a place where people actually want to hang out.
Heart Spin has nailed the “third place” concept with their Coffee Space. It’s a curated juice and coffee bar right in the studio. It turns the venue from a “get in, get out” gym into a social hub. You see riders grabbing a post-ride espresso, cooling down, and actually talking to each other. In an era where everything is digital, seeing that face-to-face community building is refreshing.
The changing rooms are stocked with everything you need—lockers with built-in locks (no more forgetting your padlock), showers, hair dryers, and complimentary towels. It’s a premium experience that respects your time and comfort.
The Verdict
If you are in Montreal, or planning a trip there, Heart Spin needs to be on your itinerary. Whether you are a rhythm rider who wants to dance on the bike, or a purist looking for a Jonny G-style endurance session, their roster has you covered.
They have managed to create a brand that feels both exclusive and inclusive—a “heart-driven” community in the trendy Griffintown/Saint-Henri area that welcomes everyone from first-time riders to seasoned athletes.
Check them out at www.heart-spin.com, or follow their journey on Instagram @heartspin.montreal.
Ride on, Montreal.
