FAQ

Q: How does a WattsUp class work?
A: You show up to class with your bike and bike attire. Place your bike on our CompuTrainer. Ride for 90 minutes with your class mates, following the expert instruction of your class instructor. At the end of class, take your bike off the CompuTrainer, shower/change, and head home. (Note: We have optional bike storage on site for a nominal monthly fee.)

Q: Do I need a power meter on my bike to participate in your classes?
A: No, you don't. Our indoor trainers allow each athlete to train with power. A lot of our athletes do, in fact, have on-the-bike power meters, but they are not required.

Q: What kind of trainers do you use?
A: We use the industry-leading indoor bike trainer: CompuTrainer. We have 24 CompuTrainers in our training studio, along with another two: one for testing purposes and one for our Class Instructor.

Q: What bike can I ride at a WattsUp class?
A: A road bike, a triathlon bike, a hybrid bike. So long as the rear tire is smooth, that the rear wheel is a 26 to 27" diamter, and that we can squeeze the rear axle into our CompuTrainer stands.

Q: Your program looks pretty hard-core. Is there room for a recreational rider like me? I don't compete in triathlon or cycling events. I don't have an expensive bike.
A: Our program is not an exclusive program. We welcome anyone who likes to ride their bike and wants to get fit or stay fit on their bike. Competitive triathletes and cyclists are only a portion of our client base. We have (and would like more) recreational riders, "stay fit" Moms and Dads, and general fitness enthusiasts.

Q: Is WattsUp Cycling a membership program?
A: Yes and no. Yes in that our program is ongoing, and athletes are encouraged to ride with us year round to gain optimal performance improvements. We charge a monthly fee for as long as you're part of our program. Athletes can enter and exit our program anytime they wish. There is no "initiation" fee, or annual dues. Just a monthly fee.

Q: The fees seem higher than other cycling programs I'm familiar with. Why is that?
A: For our main three services (WattsUp Standard, WattsUp Light, and WattsUp Comprehensive) the fee is composed of two things: classes and testing. The fee for the regular physiologic testing is rolled into the monthly WattsUp fee. The remainder of the monthly fee covers the actual indoor riding classes. While the classes are a group class, by knowing your individual, current training zones each athlete is getting a personal custom workout. When compared to a one to one personal training session at a private training studio (often valued at around $80 per hour), a WattsUp Cycling class/program is much more affordable.

Q: How often am I tested?
A: Upon joining WattsUp, you will be tested. And thereafter you will slot into the every-four-month testing schedule. Typical testing times are October, February, and June.

Q: Can I get a discount if I'm a coached athlete receiving testing elsewhere?
A: No. We at WattsUp want to ensure that the testing protocol you receive is the same each time, and specific to our WattsUp program. That being said, our testing protocol is a relatively standard one which we can control. What we cannot control is the testing protocols employed by other coaches, etc.

Q: Can I forego the testing and lower my monthly WattsUp fee?
A: No. The testing is an integral part of the WattsUp program. Without knowing your current training zones, you are training by guesswork.

Q: Can I split a WattsUp service with my partner?
A: No. The program is designed for one athlete. Each athlete receives regular performance testing (about every four months). Splitting the program with a partner would complicate the testing component of the program. Some athletes find that our classes are an outstanding way to spend time with their partner. Leave the kids at home with a babysitter, come to class, each get their respective workouts completed, and head home happy and fitter.

Q: Do you offer 6, or 8, or 10 week WattsUp programs?
A: No. Our WattsUp services are all monthly services. Athletes are free to sign up for as short as one month, and as long as, well, forever. We bill monthly, not annually or semi-annually, etc.

Q: Can I just drop into classes when I feel like it?
A: Yes and no. We are restricting drop-ins to two times only. After which we ask that the athlete commits to the program and signs up for one of our various services.

Q: Where the heck are you located?
A: Good question! We are at 100 Sunrise, Unit 157, Toronto. South east of the DVP/Eglinton interchange. We are located in a huge industrial warehouse. The warehouse isn't much to look at from the outside. There's a huge (free) parking lot. And once inside our studio, you'll be impressed with what you see.

Q: Do you have showers on site?
A: Yes, we do. Two showers in the women's changeroom and two showers in the men's. Each changeroom is large enough to handle about 10 athletes at a time. We have two unisex, private washrooms.