WEST HUMBOLDT PARK — Bikettle, a fitness studio that combines indoor cycling with strength training, recently opened in West Humboldt Park.
The fitness studio debuted less than a month ago at 4353 W. North Ave.
It was founded by Quentin Love, a self-described "philanthropist, restaurateur and healthy-living guru." Love's goal is to bring fitness and wellness to a neighborhood that's plagued by violence and poverty.
“Communities like Humboldt Park are known more for its stressors than its stress-relievers," Love said in a prepared statement.
"Bikettle goes beyond the physical; it elevates you to a new mindset. Not only is this good for me, it’s good for my community to see me taking care of myself. That’s motivating to others.”
At Bikettle, an instructor leads a room full of students on stationery bikes, routinely increasing and decreasing the resistance — just like your typical spinning class. What's unique is the instructor also calls out a series of synchronized dance moves and asks students to lift five- to 10-pound kettle balls — all as they spin.
Love describes the workout as "like dancing on a bike."
Love also runs West Humboldt Park restaurant Turkey Chop, 3058 W. Chicago Ave., where he gives away free meals and clothing to the needy every week, as well as a nonprofit called The Love Foundation, which awards people with business, education and community-related grants.
Class schedules are available on the studio's website.
