If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you’d see that a couple times a week, I’ve been attending classes at SoulCycle. Every now and then, I get a DM from one of you all asking me questions about what SoulCycle is *really* like, if I enjoy the classes, etc. So, I’ve decided to write a blog post all about my experience with SoulCycle so I can share my thoughts with you all.
If you’re more of a visual person, I also created a YouTube video about this topic, which you can watch below:
First of all, let’s discuss how I came to become familiar with SoulCycle. I’ve been an athlete almost my entire life, but when I got to college, I started to feel really unmotivated in my workouts. Don’t get me wrong – I still went to my university’s gym a couple times a week. But I didn’t feel like I was really pushing my body to it’s full extent or seeing any personal growth – I was more so just *maintaining* my current weight.
This past summer, my blogger friend Mitra was in town for a blogging conference and we decided to meet up for lunch. During our lunch conversation, Mitra couldn’t stop raving about SoulCycle and her experience working out at the studio. I had never known anyone (besides bloggers/celebrities) that went to SoulCycle, so I started to really pick her brain about class and what SoulCycle is like. Mitra had only good things to say about SoulCycle and encouraged me to give it a try.
After our lunch date, I decided to sign up for a SoulCycle class at the studio close to my apartment (the Southport location for those of you also in Chicago.) Let me tell you – I was scared as HECK to go to my first class. I’m already a paranoid person, but walking into the SoulCycle studio alone really freaked me out for some reason. However, my actual first class experience could not have gone any differently than the nightmare I imagined in my head. Once I arrived at the studio, I informed the person behind the front desk that it was my first time. She greeted me with a warm smile and had me fill out a flyer for first-time riders. From there, I was given a pair of cycling shoes and she explained to me how to use the locker system to store my belongings before class.
The studio itself is beautiful – so bright, white, and clean. I love walking into any SoulCycle studio because of the environment filled with welcoming and friendly people.
Once I got into class, the instructor (Katie, one of my favorites at Southport), asked if there were any first time riders. I raised my hand and everyone in the room clapped and cheered for me – how sweet?! Workers at SoulCycle sit in the cycling studio for the first few minutes of “setting up” (adjusting bike and handlebar height, clipping into the bike, etc.) and helped me get on the bike for the first time. They are always willing to help out and answer any questions.
The actual class itself is something that isn’t easily described: it’s a combination of amazing, loud music, fun choreography, and LOTS of hard work. I leave the studio DRIPPING in sweat every time. That’s one thing I love about SoulCycle: it always makes you feel like you accomplished something and really pushed yourself to your limits.
After that first class, I’ve been pretty much hooked on SoulCycle. Seriously…I can’t stop talking about it. Ask of any of my friends or family and they will tell you. I’m not a morning person AT ALL and have been known to go to 7 a.m. SoulCycle classes now. 😂 It’s that good.
My purpose in sharing my experience is that I wish I could’ve known that how amazing SoulCycle and it’s community were earlier. Hopefully by sharing my story, I can inspire someone out there to get outside of their comfort zone and push themself to try something new (SoulCycle or otherwise!)
Since attending classes, I’ve already seen a change in not only my physical self but also my mental self. SoulCycle classes allow me to take 45 minutes completely to myself, and get real with the goals I want in life and how I’m going to get there. It might sound crazy, but I feel like I have so many emotional and mental breakthroughs during class when I’m on the bike. All the SoulCycle instructors I’ve encountered have been extremely motivational and inspirational, and truly want to see their riders get the most out of class.
FAQ about SoulCycle:
How do you know which instructor to take?
Starting out, you don’t really know which instructor to take (unless you maybe know someone who has ridden at your studio before?) However, I’ve never had an instructor before that was “bad” or “not good.” I’ve found that all the instructors are awesome, they just have small differences about them, like what type of music they usually play in class, their favorite choreography, etc. You really can’t go wrong.
Can I ride at SoulCycle if I don’t work out a ton right now/am a beginner?
Totally! I really feel like SoulCycle is for a variety of people and that you can customize class in small ways to fit your needs (for example, using lighter/heavier weights, adjusting the resistance of your bike, etc.) The more you go to class, the stronger and more confident you will be! I love how many different types of people attend SoulCycle classes because it proves that there is something for everyone inside the studio.
Is it scary going to class alone?
Not at all! I always go to class alone. It would be fun to have a friend to go with sometimes, but for
Any other questions about SoulCycle? Feel free to comment on this blog post or DM me on Instagram. I’d love to talk more!
*I am a digital influencer for SoulCycle. All opinions are my own and honest.*
