Dammit, that 'Atkins Diet' line should have been the title of my post on Charlee. You're making me look bad, Lactic. Happy to see my two favorites in here!

Don't feel bad. It's like, really hard to be this clever.

You should totally check out Kristin Kenney at Equinox. She definitely got me back into spinning and keeps me coming to class week after week (multiple times a week). She has a massive following at Equinox (her classes book online in like two minutes). She maps out the rides and has the best music. She's a cyclist and has amazing energy and her classes are crazy FUN. She should definitely be included in any list of awesome NYC instructors.

Thanks for the tips moons!

You've just handed me my "to do" list for NYC. I try to hit a different class every time I make a business trip. Hope I can get into some of these. Thanks!

I've been a member at Equinox for over 6 years and have been on the elusive search to find the perfect spin class. Some have great music, some have great eye candy, some are good workouts. But no one seems to have it all. Two years ago, it was all about Chris' Tuesday night class at Greenwich Ave (he kept us in position 4 for 45 minutes.) Then last year I stumbled into Kristin Kenney's class. Awesome music, devoted students, been hooked every since. One of the best assets (same goes for Darryl's classes) is the camaraderie. When 80% of the class are regulars, it takes it to a whole new level. You work harder, yell louder, and have a better workout.

free.bee - amazing! Keep in mind for booking: Flywheel booking opens every week at 5PM on Sunday; Soulcycle opens every week on Monday at noon; Equinox, if you can get a guest pass, opens the spin list up 30 minutes pre-class; Crunch opens up their list 1 hour pre-class, and you need to go put a towel on your bike to claim it; Clay opens up the list 30 minutes prior I believe. Not sure if you can get day passes there, though.

Atom - Kristin is on our to-do list; what is Chris's last name?

Also, WTF is position 4? Is that like the 6th sense?

I'm obsessed with Carl! I try and go to 6 of his classes per week. Another fabulous one at Crunch is Reign Hudson! She's freaking incredible -- has so much spunk and energy, I never leave without a drenched shirt! Her Ft. Greene class on Monday nights at 630 (it's an hour, but she tends to go an hr fifteen) is da bomb! Last night we were out of the saddle the ENTIRE CLASS! #dead today

Lactic - His name is Chris Griffin. I don't know if he still teaches at Equinox though. My bad about Position 4. I'm not sure if he called it that or if I totally made that up in my head. We would be in the standing position, but I feel like it was more aggressive than Position 3.

I heard Danielle Hopkins @ Equinox was great. as for Chris Griffin, he is well appreciated for his hard core classes and has a great following by professionals as well, but i could never get past the monotonous trance music and his lack of encouragement (or speech for that matter). but that's just me and there's always Gregg Cook who's easy on the eyes, very motivating AND plays great music. so there.

Just another reason for me to visit NYC... great list!

I second moons' comment: Must check out Kristin Kenney @ Equinox. I race, and last winter she was the only thing that got my butt into shape to podium @ Battenkill and win the NY State Time Trial Championship. She actually races outside - so she knows what she's doing in class. Super motivational, super positive attitude. And she CARES about her students and follows up with them. She in essence becomes more of a trainer and coach to her loyalists. MUST SEE!

Kristin Kenny’s High Gear possibly THE BEST spin class in town, here’s why:

1.  Kristin is a real competitive cyclist, in the classroom she brings an exceptional level of motivation and energy, with an emphasis on posture and form
2.  Each High Gear class is based on a ride that she has actually done, and is mapped out on the board in front of you, so you have a “visual” goal
3.  She asks that the class rides as a TEAM; this creates a positive energy and vibe, which you will carry with you throughout the day!
4.  Her Playlists are PHENOMENAL and carefully selected to match the cadence/RPMs to pace yourself/challenge yourself!

I have taken many other classes but find that other teachers fail to bring the same level of energy, enthusiasm and drive to their class the way Kristin does.  

Sounds like I have to check out one of Kristin's classes! Re: Danielle Hopkins, I've started going to her Weds class recently and have enjoyed it. Lots of high-intensity intervals and some team drills. She's also a "real" cyclist and she's very good with watching form. Avery Washington is my absolute favorite, though.  

I agree with the recommendation for Gregg Cook.  HARD class, but his music and constant encouragement make it awesome.  Best Equinox teacher, I think (and I've tried a bunch of them).
Michael MacNeal is also awesome - unfortunately they replaced his Tuesday night 92nd street class with Jillian Wright who really tries hard but just doesn't have it.

Carl is truly my hero. I never thought of him as silly or goon-ish, more like crazysexycool! I try to work hard alll through out, until he says something that'll tickle my funny bone, then I'll just collapse! Absolutely,  adore him!

Gregg Cook is the greatest cycling instructor ever. It's like having a personal Olympic coach. All other Spin classes are a waste of time compared to his.  It's impossible to space out in his class because of his intensity and commitment, and the workout never gets easier even though I go every week.

You are all forgetting RUTH Zuckerman! Class gets harder and harder.

Rachel Buschert at Equinox is by far the best instructor.  She knows her stuff and will call you out for "cheating"!!  Which is awesome and a bit horrifying, but I'm not paying for entertainment (I want a workout!).  The music is great and she plans the cadence well with the ride which is really great and I've found most instructors don't have that talent unfortunately.  Her classes are super efficient and truly mimic an outdoor ride which I appreciate.  You should totally check her out. Plus, she did Insanity - you can't argue with that!

Hi, this is a super helpful post as I am just about to get into spinning and feel overwhelmed. However, it would be even more helpful if you included WHERE each of these people teach. You did with the first few but the rest, I dont see it. Thanks.

Ramani, you are so right. We will edit this into the post ASAP. In the meantime, you can go to our full site www.rateyourburn.com/home and look them up - it will show you everywhere they teach in the city plus additional reviews from the community. Happy spinning!

I think Akin A. from Crunch is the best, never had anyone better. i have never seen anyone that could sprit faster than him. He has so much energy, super friendly, best music and so encouraging.

Thanks Oliver! Will def try to check him out. You should write a review! Here's a link to his profile:

http://rateyourburn.com/instructor/akin-akman/2029

Show him some love, he only has one review so far!

stacey griffith!! She's a party animal. So much love for her.