WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
It was no surprise when The Wall Cycling Studio won “Best Fitness Studio” in the 2016 Best of Manayunk competition or when owner Julie Sabella landed on the cover of Be Well Philly’s Health + Fitness Guide.
But it would have come as a surprise for 18-year-old Julie, an overweight soon to be college freshmen in August of 2003 who had just learned she was pre-diabetic. It was then that she knew she needed to make a change, a drastic one, so she started running. The pounds began to melt off and Julie started on a path to a healthier lifestyle, never expecting where it would lead.
Julie attended indoor cycling classes with her boyfriend (now husband) Karl, but wasn’t convinced that cycling was really her thing. At the time, Julie was working as a fitness, equipment and apparel buyer for an online fitness store. And just like what happened to many working Americans during that time, she got laid off with no warning.
During this time of transition, a friend said to Julie “You know what Manayunk needs? An indoor cycling studio.” And that’s when it hit Julie that she needed to bring this form of fitness in to town.
Once documents were signed, equipment was purchased, and the space was found, Julie still had to become officially certified to teach indoor cycling before opening her doors in May of 2012. The first few weeks, Julie admits there were classes with just one rider, and 16 of those classes she taught herself. As Julie brought on more instructors so she could teach fewer classes, they helped spread the word and before she knew it she was filling every bike.
“The instructors are the reason we are still so busy,” Julie said. “They are the ones that pull people. It’s as much their studio as it is mine because people come for them.”
Beautiful, open and clean studio with a knowledgeable and wonderful staff. You’ll get an ass-kicking sweat here and you’ll feel right at home! The owner, Juliet, is so hands-on and professional. It really makes you appreciate spinning local!
Julie and the staff at The Wall are incredible. I have never felt more welcome, supported, and encouraged at any other fitness facility. I love The Wall!
I love The Wall. From the first visit, I was hooked. The teachers are so motivating and that keeps you coming back.
I can’t express how much I love being a wall member! The instructors are so friendly and the environment is warm and inviting. I feel comfortable and not pressured to be athletic. I did a 6 week trial membership and the results on my body and self confidence has made me sign a year contract!
My favorite place to workout on Main Street. It’s the best cycling experience I’ve ever had-and my favorite place to be at 5am!
A great place to work out. Every instructor is top notch. You can’t go wrong no matter which class you attend!
The Wall provides an engaging and personalized alternative to the corporate-owned fitness studios of the world. The trained instructors consistently challenge you to test your physical and psychological boundaries — and the social events are great too!
The Wall is my absolute favorite place in Philly to work out! All of the instructors are friendly, motivating, and challenge you in every single class. I walk away from every workout at The Wall covered in sweat! In addition to the killer (but fun) workouts, the owner Julie, goes above and beyond to ensure members are happy and satisfied with everything The Wall has to offer!
Since I discovered The Wall Cycling Studio back in the Fall of 2014, it has completely changed my life. Back then, I was approximately 35 to 40 pounds heavier and didn’t have a good workout routine in place. Fast forward to 2017 and I just completed my 3 year anniversary. I’m 40 pounds lighter, feel good, and thoroughly enjoy the challenge in every class I go to trying to top the previous class numbers. My favorite of course is spin class, but I also enjoy spin & sculpt and yoga classes. There are two more milestones coming very soon and look forward to continued success at The Wall. I can’t thank all of the instructors enough who push me every class I go to.