rhythm & release - El Portal

rhythm & release - El Portal

Miami, USA

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The rhythm & release Story

RHYTHM | RELEASE is a boutique fitness studio based in Miami, Florida, founded by Kaylei Ibarra Blackmoon, an entrepreneur and fitness influencer. Located inside The Citadel food hall, the studio offers a combination of rhythm-based indoor cycling, strength training, and recovery classes designed to provide a full-body experience.

The studio’s core concept integrates music-driven movement with physical training to encourage both physical and mental growth. Each class is structured to align with the beat of the music, with the aim of fostering an immersive and community-focused environment.

Its flagship Rhythmic Cycling class is a 45-minute full-body session that combines endurance work, upper-body engagement and choreography performed to high-energy playlists. The studio also offers Mat Pilates Sculpt, and a “Hip Hop Edition”, which builds strength through bodyweight and light resistance exercises.

To complement its higher-intensity options, RHYTHM | RELEASE provides low-impact recovery sessions focused on mobility, flexibility, and breath-work. The company positions its offering as a holistic training experience that blends fitness, music, and mindfulness.

How Did rhythm & release Score Overall?

The full client experience at rhythm & release was impressive, achieving The Fit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was also excellent and has achieved our Class Experience Award of Excellence.

The Highlights

The dark, club-like studio with pulsing lights created an unforgettable atmosphere that made the ride even more energizing.

The personal touches, from friendly check-in to the refreshing cold towel at the end, left us feeling truly looked after.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“I loved how the class was built around the music. It kept me motivated and made the whole session fly by.”

“The atmosphere in the studio was amazing. With the lights, the energy, and the playlist, it felt more like a night out than a workout.”

“From the moment I walked in, I felt welcome. The cold towel at the end was a nice touch.”

What to Expect From A rhythm & release Session

rhythm & release offers rhythm-based indoor cycling classes where the music sets the pace of the ride. Sessions combine speed, resistance, and choreography to create a structured workout that engages both the lower and upper body. Lighting and music are used throughout the class to build atmosphere and guide intensity. In addition to cycling, the studio also offers strength training and recovery-focused classes.

The core cycling class runs for 45 minutes and includes climbs, sprints, and upper-body tracks set to the beat of the music. A shorter 30-minute version is also offered for those seeking a quicker option. Strength classes focus on resistance training using weights, bodyweight movements, and functional training methods. Recovery sessions are available to support stretching and mobility after training.

The Reception Service

From the moment we stepped through the door, we felt genuinely welcomed. The check-in was smooth and efficient, with everything explained in a way that made us feel comfortable and prepared for what was to come. There was a friendly, upbeat vibe at the front desk, and the personal guidance we received before class helped us feel well looked after and ready to clip in.

After class, time was taken to walk us through the different package options in detail, with clear explanations of what was available and how we could get started. It felt encouraging without being pushy, and we left with a really positive impression of the service. A little more nudge to sign up right then and there could have made it even stronger, but overall the reception experience was warm and engaging.

The Class Experience

rhythm & release received our Class Experience Award of Excellence.

The class we joined was a lot of fun and full of energy from start to finish. The instructor’s personality came through strongly, and we could feel their passion for both the workout and the club. The format was clearly explained, and the music-driven ride kept the energy high and the atmosphere electric. We always knew what was coming next, which made it easy to follow along and stay in the rhythm.

We especially appreciated the personal touches, like being acknowledged as a first-timer and getting a shout-out during the ride. These small, thoughtful gestures made the session feel welcomed and included, considering we weren't regulars. The refreshing cold towel handed out at the end was a strong final touch. While an injury check or a formal introduction at the start might have added to the experience, the overall feel was motivating, upbeat, and memorable.

The Equipment And Studio

The studio space struck us as sleek, modern, and atmospheric. The dark setting with color-changing lights created a high-energy, club-like vibe that nicely elevated the workout. Combined with the industrial touches, like the brick wall at the back of the room, the space felt stylish and exciting.

The bikes were professional-grade and felt smooth to ride, and all the equipment was arranged neatly with plenty of space to move around. We liked the use of branded elements such as towels and bike logos, which tied the design together. A few more bold touches of branding on the walls could have added even more impact, but overall it was a cool and motivating environment to train in.

The Facilities And Public Areas

Arriving at the club gave us a strong sense of place, with unique wall art and a glowing sign that immediately caught the attention. The interiors had a sleek, modern look, complemented by atmospheric lighting that added to the brand feel. The waiting area was comfortable, with enough seating and a relaxed vibe that made it a pleasant spot to spend time before class.

Workout towels were complimentary and nicely presented, with a filtered water station, bottled water, and energy drinks available. The restroom facilities, shared with the food hall next door, were clean and in good working order. While having in-club restrooms or showers would have made things more convenient, the overall public area experience was fresh, stylish, and comfortable.

Digital And Technology

Booking a class at Rhythm & Release was simple. The website and app were both smooth to use, with clear class descriptions, timetables, and instructor bios. The confirmation email arrived instantly, letting us know exactly when to arrive and what to expect.

The website looked professional, with strong branding and a fun tone of voice that captured the spirit of the workouts. Social media pages were also a highlight, kept up to date with on-brand content that gave us a real feel for the energy inside the studio.

Pricing

Rhythm & Release El Portal offers an introductory deal for first-time clients. Newcomers can pay $33 and enjoy three classes.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from $260 for 20 classes per month up to $330 for 30 classes.

Drop-in sessions are available at $30 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a 10-pack for $180.

Top Scoring Categories

Reception Services
five
Class Experience
four
Equipment & Studio
five
Public Areas
four
Digital & Technology
four

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