Music
A member of Boyz II Men has opened an R&B cycling gym
by Mark Teo
March 4, 2014
Thanks to mega-hits like “I’ll Make Love To You,” we’d always assumed that the members of Boyz II Men got their workouts by partaking in hours of sensual coitus, maintaining unbroken eye contact while gyrating on silken sheets dusted with rose petals. (This, clearly, is the carnal workout David Usher sharpens his cup to.) As it turns out, though, babymaking is only part of the R&B group’s fitness package—as Shawn Stockman announced he’s opening Beatbike, a cycling-centric gym in L.A.
Odd as that may seem, though, cycling and music are a natural fit: If you’ve ever been to a spin class, you’ll know how central beat-based music is to the experience. It’s something that Stocktman understands, too. “Music is my first love and fitness is both a passion and a necessity for my life,” he said in a statement. “I need to keep fit so I can give my all on-stage, in the studio, on the road, and in my personal life as a businessman, a father, and a husband.”
And if Stockman plans on using the facilities at Beatbike, he should see plenty of results: Outfitted with organic juice bars and opulent lounge areas, the 4,500 square ft. facility will pride itself on 45-minute classes they’re calling “Ride the Sound.” These classes, it seems, are as much about music as they are about spin—over at their website, each instructor is asked to list their musical tastes.
“Music is the vessel by which we inspire, unite and relate within the Beatbike community,” says the marketing-ese on Beatbike’s site. “Music is a powerful tool; it has the ability speak to individuals in its own way, while also unifying a group under its mesmerizing rhythm. We believe that the immersive effect of music is the key to unlocking inner strength, inspiring change and releasing the unmistakable energy of a perfect class.”
It’s partially bullshit, but it’s also partially true: Music and cycling have an undeniable shared history. But while spin classes are often marked by anonymous, blaring techno, the musical selections at Beatbike promise to be a relief: Their instructors listen to everyone from Florence the Machine to Justin Timberlake to Foo Fighters.
Of course, we’re also hoping that they’ll have Boyz II Men-centric classes. I mean, how great a cool-down song is “End of the Road?”
“I love that Beatbike fuses music and fitness two for a cutting-edge,” continues Stillman. “And it not only allows you to achieve the physical results you want, it challenges you mentally and spiritually—and most importantly, you have fun doing it. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this amazing venture and to share Beatbike with the community.”
Indeed, Beatbike sounds like a wonderful extension to Stockman’s career—and to the L.A. community. Still, Boyz II Men aren’t the first musicians to open up gym—alt-rock stars Our Lady Peace also opened up a boutique gym in Toronto at their former practise space. And why not? Jeremy Taggart may not be a rock star anymore, but at least’s he’s a brick shithouse.
Tags: Music, News, Boyz II Men
