Walking through the transparent doors with the yellow bike sticker you could be in the US. My local SoulCycle studio sits modestly on Great Marlborough Street, Soho. And every day its studios welcomes riders day-in day-out ranging from the pro’s, the first timers and many more.
It’s funny thinking back to the first time I rode at SoulCycle – it certainly was not in the London studios. Despite being a Londoner, the first time I rode at Soul was in the states; New York to be precise. Just before Christmas time my family and I would visit New York as a chance to spend some quality moments together. My Dad was the one who first got me into SoulCycle. My Dad travels a lot and during that time he likes to keep fit by doing spin classes. And that is how I was introduced to Soul. On that very family holiday, at a mere 12 years old, I was taken to my first class. Needless to say it was that very experience that opened my eyes to the vibe of Soul. I fell in love with it: the music, the dark moments where you could just ride and the instructor spoke profound words. It felt like an experience that I wanted to be a part of.
Fitness has never come naturally to me. It was actually around the same time I attended my first Soul class that I realised I wanted to give exercise a chance. On reflection, I have undergone a huge fitness journey: from being the last girl to being picked on the netball team to a keen long distance runner and front row rider. I take pride in how far I have come.
After that experience in New York, I have continued to do Soul classes when I’ve been visiting the States. If I regret anything it’s not having the app when I was much younger. So far, I’ve ridden in New York, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Miami and (of course) London. I hope to visit many more too! When I heard that Soul was to be coming to the UK it is fair to say I was overjoyed. I did my first class in Soho (though there are also studios in Notting Hill) and was instantly transported to that same vibe and energy I felt when I rode in America. It’s safe to say that the classes have easily integrated themselves into my work/life balance.
I am obsessed with the aesthetic of the Soho studios. It’s safe to say there have been many (shameless) insta selfies in them! The staff are lovely and are always happy to help. In my experience, the team have been super efficient at getting you clipped into your bike and helping you prepare for the ride. I remember how nervous I was the first time I rode by myself, but honestly I had nothing to worry about. Within minutes people talked to me and I already felt at ease. So far, my favourite instructors to ride with in London are Mantas, Abbey Ashley, Josh and Lauren Naomi. But I am yet to ride with the other instructors too! I love how individual every ride is; every instructor brings such a unique vibe to their class.
The experience of riding is unlike any other spin class I have done. Not only does the class entail strength work with the incorporation of dumbbells, you are basically dancing on a bike. The lights go out and you honestly feel like you are a party (just with water not alcohol). I have always stood by the belief that fitness is a lifestyle. It’s no quick fix. It takes hard work and determination to suceed and progress. And I feel like the classes teach you that. Though the rides are super fun and are there for you to enjoy yourself, they are by no means “easy”. I guess it comes down to how you define “easy” but what I mean is that you have to put the work in to reap the benefits. That means turning the wheel up when you are told to and challenging yourself. But when you do, the rush feels incredible. It becomes addictive honestly; espeically in those 5 minutes of class where you sometimes don’t think you can make it through. Somehow you persist and the feeling is like no other.
Another thing I truly love about Soul is that it gives you an opportunity to leave whatever is going on for you at the door. Those 45 minutes are for you and no one else. Therefore, if you want to cry quietly in the back row you (literally it is so dark) can but equally if you want to release your stress by just going for it – you can. The class is such an individual experience.
All in all, I could not recommend Soul Cycle enough. The instructors, the ride, the team, the vibe – everything is on point. Convinced you enough? Give it a go. I hope this may have inspired you to maybe think about changing up your fitness routine and trialling a class. Hey, we could go together! Riding is so much fun with others too.
As always, I hope you are staying safe and keeping well.
IVC