![Jasonerskine](https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/ext/resources/Guest Columns/thumb/JasonErskine.jpg?1725405255)
A StarCycle studio is opening in the Hansen Park Plaza, home to Yogurt Beach and other businesses, at 910 S. Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick.
Darian Kaia PhotographyA new fitness option is coming to Kennewick.
A StarCycle studio is opening in the Hansen Park Plaza, home to Yogurt Beach and other businesses, at 910 S. Columbia Center Blvd.
Classes and on-site child care are free during the grand opening weekend, Jan. 12-15.
Dana Ward owns StarCycle in Kennewick and Yakima.
| Darian Kaia PhotographyThe owner is Dana Ward, who also operates a StarCycle in Yakima.
Ashley Moala of SVN Retter & Company secured the space.
StarCycle is a boutique indoor cycling studio.
"I say 'boutique' because if you walk into our studio, you feel like you're in larger city," Ward said.
Classes are led by an instructor, set to music and conducted in candlelight.
The vibe is "dance party on a bike," the StarCycle website says.
The candlelight "takes away the intimidation factor. It allows people to turn within and focus their body and mind on themselves," Ward added.
She noted that StarCycle "welcomes all shapes, sizes and fitness levels."
The workout is high intensity and low impact. Most classes are 45 minutes, with a series of sequence blocks.
"We speed it up, we slow it down. We're full body," Ward said, noting that participants can make modifications when needed.
StarCycle is a franchise. Ward opened the Yakima studio after moving to the area for her husband's job.
She found herself craving a spin class – as well as a feeling of community.
StarCycle offers that, she said, describing it as a place where people are cheered on, supported and included.
"We want everyone, from the minute they walk in the doors, to feel seen and empowered," said Ward, whose career in fitness has included everything from being an aerobics instructor to a professional figure athlete.
StarCycle, a new indoor cycling studio, is located at 910 S. Columbia Center Blvd. in Kennewick.
| Courtesy SVN Retter & CompanyThe Yakima studio has a staff of about 15 people, and Ward expects Kennewick to eventually match or exceed that.
Child care is offered on site. Ward encourages people to download the StarCycle app and sign up for classes, especially the free grand opening classes. They also can register online at starcycleride.com/studios/kennewick.
Founding memberships in Kennewick are $109 a month and include unlimited classes. Class packages and other offerings also are available.
StarCycle Kennewick is on Instagram at @starcyclekennewick.
Ward said she's excited about the Kennewick studio – and the chance to offer StarCycle classes in the community.
"It's something everybody should try," she said. "If you combine exercise and fun, people will come back. I feel like this is a sport for everybody."