As a fitness professional and indoor cycling instructor for over 12 years, I have heard all about SoulCycle, and have been curious given its cult like following.
This past Family Day I switched thing up, instead of being the instructor I was the participant. I attended my first SoulCycle class with my step-daughter, read on for our experience.
For those of you that dont know..….SoulCycle, a popular brand of fitness that uses indoor cycling bikes, and Tony Robbins style cueing to motivate people set in a dark club like environment.
SoulCycle has grown in popularity over the past 10 years, it has grown into a fitness phenomenon. However, this style of riding is riddled with controversy from fitness professional community and exercise specialists. But that isn’t stopping this brand from gaining attention worldwide for their ‘dance style’ movements on the bikes.
Our instructor for the day was Abbey, a tiny bubbly blonde with a ponytail swing that would make Ariana Grande jealous.
The Ride:
The room was dark. I think someone with less expeirnce may have found it hard to set up their bike properly. However, as soon as Abbey started playing her music and giving her uplifting, free-spirited intro, I’m was on board. There was no pressure to ride at a particular intensity, she merely suggested and encouraged. The bikes did not display your speed or watts, which made it a lot easier to focus on the ride rather than the numbers. It was clear that your workout was in your control and you’d get out exactly what you put in. That being said, with years of Indoor cycling workshops under my belt, I did feel that some of the movements encouraged were contraindications, however I participated at my own safety and comfort level.
The spin studio itself is a long rectangular space. There are 50 bikes but they’re a maximum of three rows deep, so there isn’t much space for hiding in the back.
Music:
What kept me going was not only Abbey’s uplifting words but the excellent music. For me, music can make or break my workout. Music for the classes I teach is catered to my riders preferences, so it was nice to listen to a different mix of hip-hop, pop and electronic beats.
Dance:
In SoulCycle, you ride to the beat of the music. At times, I felt like I was dancing at a party. During the ride, we did short routines on our bikes, Front-back, side-to-side movements. The most consistent movement throughout the class is what I would call, the “soul bounce.”
Abbey grooved right along with us , dancing across the front of the the class, adjusting the lights for our own personal light show .
Final Word:
EVERY single employee that I dealt with during my SoulCycle journey- from my phone call, Manager, front desk registration, to the instructor was POSITIVE, FRIENDLY and SUPPORTIVE.
Regardless of any contraindications. The customer service coupled with the contagious positive energy and beautiful Instagram worthy studio breaks down your barriers. You cant help but LOVE your experience.
Regardless of mine or anyone’s thoughts on SoulCycle specifically, or the content of its workouts, the concept of stamping a truly unique identity onto a specific fitness discipline provides interesting food for thought for any fitness professional.
