Last week I went to my first SoulCycle class. Whenever I’m up north I contemplate going to a studio because it’s all the rage in the blog/fitness/celebrity world. Well, now there’s one 2 miles from my apartment.
Located in a beautiful, upscale outdoor mall, SoulCycle fits perfectly with the mall’s exclusive vibe. I went the class with my cousin and we were ready for a unique experience, as I had heard rumors about holding hands, chanting and praying.
The studio itself was immaculately clean (everything was so white it hurt my eyes) but very small. The front desk attendants were not as friendly or competent as I expected, but got us signed up and gave us shoes. For the first class the spin shoes are free; after that, they cost $3 to rent. I purposely didn’t bring my own spin shoes because I knew they would be free.
The class was packed. 28/30 bikes were taken and everyone looked like regulars, which is weird because it opened 3 weeks ago. The room was dark when we entered but I did my best to snap a few pictures.
There are maids (yes, they call them maids) who clean out the room in-between classes and place new towels on every bike. That’s a feature I’m not used to. The bikes road very smoothly and had a spot underneath the saddle to hold small dumbbells. Part of the Soul-Cycle difference is the incorporation of non-leg-focused movements such as crunches, push-ups and upper body weight lifting.
SoulCycle contradicts many of the classic Spinning “rules.” Not that either one is right or wrong, just my observation. For example, in this class we did a lot of “popcorn jumps” which means transitioning very fast from seated to climbing in 3. Those are not advised in Spinning branded classes. We used the hand weights for a song and did some push-ups on the handlebars, which again, is not suggested by Spinning.
Part of it felt like yoga on a bike. The instructor, Allison, had a zen-like voice but was still empowering. She chanted spiritual mantras and read inspiring quotes during the ride. Don’t get me wrong, the music was loud and upbeat! It felt weird to “namaste” after the ride.
If you aren’t familiar with Soul-Cycle, you should know that it is very expensive, at least I think so. Your first class is $20 but after that, it’s $35. Not including shoes, if you rent those. Plus it costs $3 for me to park at the mall so it adds up to an expensive form of exercise.
One thing I will always say about spinning/cycling: you get what you put in. It can be as hard as you want, or as easy as you want. You control the resistance no matter which studio or class you attend so a fancy membership doesn’t equal a better workout.
I’m very glad I attended a class, and my wallet is glad I don’t have a newfound obsession. I suggest taking advantage of the first time fee and experience the “journey” for yourself.
Have you attended a SoulCycle class?
What’s the most you’ve paid for a workout class?
Ugh I’m glad I read this. I’ve always been intrigued by soul cycle but I love the studio I go to here so I don’t feel the burning desire to go anymore. I don’t think I’d do well with the yoga-ey feeling. I go to spin to get an intense workout in and generally that type of class wouldn’t work for me. Part of me still wants to try though!
Sarah recently posted…Sometimes I run
I was looking around the room to see if anyone else was on the verge of laughing during the “namaste.” Nope, just me. I think you should go just to try it! If nothing else is was a good workout.
Oh my goodness, I don’t think I could pay $35 for any kind of class! I’ve heard all the hype about soul cycle, but that’s crazy expensive. I’m glad you got to try it out because it does sound really interesting!
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Weekend Snapshots + Trying New Things
Right?! $20 was expensive in my mind! It’s crazy how many COLLEGE students I know who go regularly.
I love that it is all up to you to get out of it what you want or need! If you really want it, it will be great, if you go in ho-hum, it won’t be. It can work for anyone though and how they feel that day which is great! Yoga on a bike for sure!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Power Monday #67 How To Keep The Newness Of The New Year
Exactly! I guess that goes for most workouts. It’s not a magic pill…you have to work for the sweat/burn/whatever you want.
Thanks for your review! I’ve been curious about SoulCycle since I’ve heard so much about it. I’m not too big on spinning, but it seems like it was a cool experience!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye recently posted…This Week In Food & Fitness
“An experience” is the best way to describe it :)
I’m jealous you got to try it out as there isn’t one near me. However, that cost for the class is too expensive for my budget so maybe it is a good thing that there isn’t one close by. lol
Betsy recently posted…RunDisney Star Wars 10k Recap
It’s WAY too expensive for my budget too. The first time fee of $20 was high for me.
I’d love to try Soulcycle once but yikes it’s expensive!
Lauren recently posted…My Rockstar Spring Half Marathon 12-Week Training Plan {and other Thursday Thoughts}
Yes, “only once” was my mindset going into it!
Wow – that is pricey. I pay $10 a class for yoga (which I think is totally fair), but I can’t imagine paying any more than that for one class of anything. I’ve never taken any sort of spinning class, but I thought your comparison of traditional spinning and SoulCycle was interesting.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Three Things Thursday – January 22
I pay about $10 per yoga class too, which I agree is fair. But I just can’t fathom handing over $35 for ONE workout.