New cycling studio promoting body positivity opens at the Detroit City Fieldhouse

The gym can be a bit of a Catch-22. Many go in order to look better. But some are intimidated to go because they lack confidence in their looks. 

That's one barrier a new cycling studio on the near east side hopes to break. Rebel Cycle Studio bills itself as inclusive and aiming to "shatter perceptions of what healthy 'looks' like."

Owner and cycling instructor Amy Latawiec says she has dedicated her career to promoting body-positivity. She had to stop training for triathlons after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012. 

"I want to break down the barriers to indoor cycling and show people how powerful they can feel on and off the bike," says Latawiec in a press release. "Exercise, especially cardiovascular, intense exercise, is not designed solely for weight loss and calorie deficits. Intense cardio exercise is good for the body and the mind, and we know that when we focus on the latter, the former just falls into place."

Not surprisingly, Rebel Cycle Studio offers a variety of classes in duration and ability, and says that instructors carefully curate each class to meet ability levels. Classes are paid for individually. 

The studio held its grand opening on Oct. 20 at its location in the new Detroit City Fieldhouse. Some proceeds from classes this week will go to the nonprofit Detroit Dog Rescue

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Aaron Mondry is a Detroit-based freelance writer. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter @AaronMondry.