‘Cycling has become a way of life for us’
We spoke with Mirjam Hilgersom, an enthusiastic 51-year-old cyclist who has been a familiar face within the CycleMasters community for years. What began as an introduction to spinning at the gym has since grown into a true lifestyle, shared with her husband, who is also an avid cyclist.
“I started spinning—or as you call it, indoor cycling—twelve years ago. Back then, I followed ClubVirtual classes at the gym. My husband was already a fanatic mountain biker at the time. During the pandemic, we decided to set up a workout room at home now that our daughter has moved out. Since then, we’ve been working out together at home three times a week. It has truly become ‘our moment.’”
From the Gym to Indoor Cycling at Home
Home workouts gained momentum during the lockdown. “I already knew CycleMasters through the classes at the gym, but when CycleMasters offered a lifetime subscription, we were sold immediately. We bought bikes right away too.”
Since then, she trains with her husband every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and occasionally on Sunday mornings. “It usually comes down to two or three times a week. It’s great not having to leave the house: no travel time, no excuses—just change your clothes and go.”
Experience, Motivation, and a Healthy Dose of Humor
For Mirjam, CycleMasters isn’t just about fitness; it’s about the experience and convenience. “The scenic routes are so beautiful. It feels like you’re truly somewhere else for a moment. You see places you’ve never been, but you get completely immersed in them while cycling. That really adds an extra dimension.”
Her favorite instructor is Evert, and she is particularly fond of the scenic rides. “But a studio class is fun once in a while too,” Mirjam adds quickly. “I even participated in a live studio ride at the CycleMasters studio once as an enthusiastic member of the audience.”
Furthermore, working out with her husband is a major motivator. “Sometimes you just don’t feel like it, but then the other person helps you through. We encourage each other. And yes, yoga isn’t exactly our strongest suit,” she laughs, “but we still do it sometimes. We usually end up cracking up rather than holding a pose, but that’s part of the fun too.”
A Cycling Family at Heart
CycleMasters has become an indispensable part of their daily lives. “We are truly a cycling family. My muscles are stronger, my legs more powerful, and my motivation is higher than ever. Mainly because everything is so accessible. You can start a class at any moment; you’re not tied down to anything.”
And her favorite route? “Mount Ventoux remains cool; it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done that class. You really feel yourself making progress. Sometimes we want a heavy session, and other times we deliberately choose something calmer. That variety is exactly what makes it fun.”
User-Friendly and Complete Platform
What distinguishes CycleMasters from other platforms for her? “Actually, we never looked elsewhere. We already knew it through the gym and were immediately satisfied. Everything is clear and easy to use. It felt good and familiar. There’s no barrier, and the variety is broad: cycling, bootcamp, yoga… though cycling remains the most fun.”
If there’s anything that could be improved? “Maybe even more new workouts per week, but that’s difficult, of course. We are a real cycling family, after all. Regardless, there’s definitely no lack of choice. Replaying a class is always fun too; you experience it differently every time because you’re making progress.”
Doubting whether to start?
What would she say to a friend who is hesitant to try CycleMasters? “That it’s truly the ideal way to train at home. The classes are fun, challenging, and you never have to think about opening hours or travel time again. Just at your own pace, whenever it suits you. And you get fit in the process, too.”
