§ It’s a lifestyle as much as an exercise regimen. As CycleBar approaches its 100-franchise milestone – it currently has 99 open studios and nearly 400 studios sold – Harris and her team are concentrating on engaging local residents with an experience both inside and outside of the studio. “They leave sweaty and smiling,” said Harris. “We are all about hugging and high fiving,” as well as offering variety. You can saddle up for a Classic ride, or up the ante with a Performance, Connect or Themed class. Convenient studio locations also bring the sweaty, smiling masses back for more. “We want to grow the brand in areas where customers are currently spending their time being active,” said Harris. “And if it’s a cool and hip neighborhood, that’s even better. Since we operate on a franchise model, it’s important that the point of entry is affordable for our franchisees, so we take a holistic approach to looking at real estate.” And as CycleBar is looking for new communities to serve, those looking for a more customized experience are likewise looking for them. Harris referred to the IHRSA 2014 Health Club Consumer Trend Report, which showed boutiques now comprise 21 percent of the $22.4 billion U.S. health club market. And according to Lifetime Fitness’s 2014 Investor and Media Daily Report, the number of boutique studios grew by more than 400 percent from 2010 to 2014. “Boutique studios are here to stay, creating significant growth,” she observed. And who’s signing up for memberships and scooping up cheeky “Meet me at the Bar” tops? “Based on our data, we appeal to a wide range of ages,” said Harris. “We have people between the ages of 23 and 65 taking our classes regularly, and about 75 percent of those are female.” Although indoor cycling isn’t new exactly new, the activity “continues to attract new riders every day,” she continued. “We love being a part of that movement.” Photos courtesy CycleBar