Member Article

Joanne Bannatyne Launches WattCycle

New indoor cycling experience arrives

Indoor cycling, the new fitness regime sweeping America and favoured by celebrities including fashion designer, Victoria Beckham and Tana Ramsay, wife of fiery restaurateur, Gordon Ramsay, has arrived in the north east.

Thanks to Joanne Bannatyne and her business partner Lee Howe who trade as JoLee CrossFit Ltd and is the team responsible for bringing five CrossFit boxes to the region, the latest technology in indoor cycling is now being rolled out with the imminent launch of WattCycle, and further investment and job creation at CrossFit Telic, the company’s Hartlepool box.

Following research into the flourishing indoor cycling sector both in the USA and London, it was clear that this area of fitness was a growing sector. However, to maintain their high standards and commitment to selecting only the best quality bikes, after careful consideration WattCycle invested in Wattbike, the only indoor cycle to be endorsed by the British Cycling Association and the preferred bike of cycling clubs up and down the country.

WattCycle has made the largest single purchase of Wattbikes outside of London, buying 15 cycles, with more orders to follow as further WattCycle spaces are launched.

Keen to take indoor cycling to the next level and create a functional fitness programme, Lee, Joanne and her team have also applied their experience and knowledge of CrossFit to devise PerformanceCycle, CrossCycle and JustCycle, three new and exciting classes.

Further to this Adam Brooks, a top local cyclist with the Manilla Cycling club, will be on hand to work with members and in particular other cycling clubs and triathletes to deliver classes.

With this combination anyone using this method of training has the ability to not only create a training schedule but fully track and monitor their progress either as an individual or a team.

Speaking about these latest developments in both the fitness sector and their fitness organisation, Joanne Bannatyne said:

“ This is an exciting time for WattCycle as we move closer to our official launch in October. The day has finally arrived when accountability is going to enter what was previously known as a spinning studio. Ahead of opening we have been running taster sessions with local cycling club Manilla and received fantastic feedback.“

Lee Howe added:

“In the professional cycling world Wattbikes are regarded as the best on the market however, WattCycle also appeals to people of all fitness levels and, thanks to our business model and ethos, we work to create a community and it is that which gives our WattCycle spaces a real buzz.”

Since opening the first CrossFit box in 2011 membership is strong and growing steadily. WattCyle will launch a new standalone space in Teesside in November.

Wattbike’s sales manager, Steve Marshall, added:

“Joanne, Lee and the team have put a lot of effort into combining aspects of the CrossFit training programme with indoor cycling to develop the WattCycle brand and improve upon the traditional spinning class set up. In the past five years cycling has gone from strength to strength, with indoor and outdoor cyclists demanding more sophistication in their training.

“Apart from the obvious fitness benefits, another advantage to how WattCycle operate is the fact that teams and individuals can train and improve all year round and this is a real bonus to cyclists and members. I am delighted that WattCycle have chosen Wattbike and I look forward to continuing to work with them as more spaces come on line in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leigh Chelton .