The Vicious Cycle, Medford

Hearts pound, palms sweat, and feet spiral—but wheels stay put. Such is the unique fate of the stationary bikes at The Vicious Cycle, which embark on 20- to 25-mile journeys without ever leaving the studio. Here, riders can burn up to 800 calories in each 45- or 60-minute class, though the intensity of the workout remains entirely up to them. Spinners can adjust each cycle's resistance level in order to control the difficulty of the ride or the mimic the unpredictable nature of outdoor terrain. Through every class fun, upbeat music pumps through the studio's speakers, which can help to motivate cyclists to push themselves faster, just like the memory of the menacing rollerskater who chased them during their last real ride.