SoulCycle is a trendy spin class that originally launched in New York City 10 years ago. Today, SoulCycle continues to expand across America. Read our review to find out everything you need to know about SoulCycle.
What Is SoulCycle?
SoulCycle is a series of gyms located across America. Each gym is outfitted with dozens of stationary bikes. They’re high-priced spin classes ($30 to $40 per session) with a few twists thrown in.
SoulCycle takes pride in making spin classes that are entertaining from beginning to end. They create a unique atmosphere that inspires you to work together as a community – even though it’s just you sitting on a bike listening to an instructor.
Based on the popularity of SoulCycle across New York City, Austin, and other locations, the company’s efforts are clearly working. Some even describe the company’s followers as “cult-like”.
What to Expect During a SoulCycle Session
If you’ve ever been to a spin class, then you probably know what to expect during a SoulCycle session. However, SoulCycle would take offense at being called just another spin class. Here’s how the company’s website describes the classes:
“We climb, we jog, we sprint, we dance, we set our intention, and we break through boundaries. The best part: We do it together, as a community.”
Each session lasts 45 minutes. You can also add hand weights and additional core workouts to your program. With or without the hand weights, you can expect a full body workout.
SoulCycle’s website also makes lofty promises like,
“SoulCycle doesn't just change bodies, it changes lives. With inspirational instructors, candlelight, epic spaces, and rocking music, riders can let loose, clear their heads and empower themselves with strength that lasts beyond the studio walls.”
If you’re looking for a spin class that goes above and beyond expectations, then you might enjoy SoulCycle.
How to Start with SoulCycle
Starting with SoulCycle is as easy as finding your local location, booking online (sessions are between $30 to $40 each), and showing up.
The online booking form lets you view a range of available times and instructors at your local gym. You can see a basic profile for your instructor before you arrive. You can even pick your desired bike location in the class.
The company has a great “beginner guide” at their website. They suggest wearing a t-shirt or tank top and form-fitting pants or shorts on the bottom.
Show up to the location 15 minutes before the class starts. Let the front desk know you’re a newbie, and they’ll get you set up on a bike with special cycling shoes. Those cycling shoes actually clip into the SoulCycle bikes, which allows for a more stable, safer ride according to SoulCycle.
After grabbing your shoes, you’ll need to claim your bike on a sign-in sheet. Other things to expect during your first ride include a waiver with bike safety instructions.
For your first class, the shoes are free. After that, you’ll be asked to pay $3 to rent the shoes. You can also bring your own cycling shoes to clip into the system (it’s SPD compatible).
Other things to expect from a SoulCycle gym include water and beverages for sale, daily lockers with coded keypads, and an array of colorful, adjustable bikes.
SoulCycle Locations
SoulCycle launched in New York City 10 years ago. Over the past decade, the company has expanded across America. There are one or more locations in all of the following cities, states, and regions:
-NYC
-Connecticut
-Chicago
-Massachusetts
-Maryland
-The Hamptons
-Westchester
-Southern California
-New Jersey
-Washington DC
-Pennsylvania
-Norther California
-Long Island
-Florida
-Texas
You can view a complete list of studios, addresses, and locations here: https://www.soul-cycle.com/studios/
SoulCycle Pricing: How Much Does It Cost?
One of the most surprising things about SoulCycle is the price: at around $40 per session, it’s one of the more expensive 45 minute workouts you’ll encounter. If you’re paying class-to-class, you’ll pay $34 per class, plus $3 for shoe rental, and $2 or $3 for an optional water bottle (small or large), which works out to $39 or $40.
Pricing varies depending on your region. New York City SoulCycle sessions are priced at $34 per session, for example, while Austin sessions are $30 per session, and classes in the Hamptons are $40 per session. The price never drops below $30 per session when going from session to session. However, you can save money by ordering multiple classes at a time. Here’s how prices break down for the $34 per session markets:
-1 Class: $34 (Expires in 30 days)
-5 Classes: $165 (Expires in 45 days)
-10 Classes: $320 (Expires in 3 months)
-20 Classes: $600 (Expires in 9 months)
-30 Classes: $850 (Expires in 12 months)
-Super Soul 50 Classes: $3500 (Expires in 12 months)
Typically, when you buy a pass, you can use the sessions in other nearby areas. Long Island multi-session passes, for example, can be used in New Jersey and Westchester. You can also transfer passes to different regions – say, if you move from Long Island to California halfway through your pass.
You must purchase a class before you show up at the SoulCycle gym.
Unlike other gyms, SoulCycle does not provide any monthly memberships. You pay for each session as you go.
How Many Calories Can You Expect to Burn?
SoulCycle claims that calorie burning varies widely between individuals. Indoor exercise bikes have different resistance levels, and you can adjust those resistance levels to be as hard or easy as you would like.
Overall, SoulCycle claims you can expect to burn 500 to 700 calories in each 45 minute class.
About SoulCycle
What’s the story behind SoulCycle?
SoulCycle was founded by a pair of entrepreneurs named Julie and Elizabeth, who met in 2005. The company’s first studio opened in New York City in 2006. They expanded to the Hamptons in 2007, and launched an instructor training program in 2009.
In 2012, the company launched its SoulCycle, a company-branded bike you can use in your own home. In 2015, they launched the SoulCycle mobile app, letting you compare yourself against other indoor cyclists in your local area.
You can get in touch with the company by emailing [email protected]. Or, to learn more about SoulCycle and to find classes in your area, visit Soul-Cycle.com.
