Loud is the first word that comes to mind as a stumble my way out of the building after class. It’s loud, it’s dark, lights are strobing, I’m sweating… it really has that, “namaste in this club until the rave is over and the sun comes up” vibe. Don’t worry though, if you’re feeling old like me, the front desk has earplugs that you can grab on your way in.

SoulCycle is definitely the premium cycling experience. Front desk folks will check you in and help you setup your bike, the facilities are clean, the showers and bathrooms are fantastic, everything is upscale experience. One thing to note is that because the bikes are lined up directly behind each other, you will most likely have someone’s booty in your face… if that’s not a thing you’re ok with, and you don’t want to spend the whole time looking at the floor, past the person in front of you, or up at the ceiling; grab a bike near the side, or just make sure that the bike in front of you is empty. But be aware, if you grab a front-row bike, that’s like sitting front row at a comedy show; this gives the coach full license to roast you by turning up your resistance at their behest, or make you blow out a candle with the speed of your front wheel - if that sounds like fun, go right ahead - if that sounds like your personal nightmare, avoid the front row like the plague.

Music can vary a bit, but it’s almost always high-energy, the pace is usually high, and majority of the time is out of the saddle at that same high pace. So if you’re not used to that, get ready for your legs to burn and ache while you try to keep your legs spinning to the rave music and simultaneously do the choreography in at least for me, what feels like a “pat your head and rub your belly while breathing heavily” level of me lacking coordination.

The instructors are highly-engaging, and will most definitely call you by name multiple times throughout the workout, cheering you on and challenging you when you start fading, and ending class with the gratitudes and self love. Maybe some people think it’s a bit cult.. but all in all, I can see why people like this place and rock their “soul” swag; it’s a high-energy, supportive place that oozes with positive vibes. So if it’s your thing, fuck what anyone else says.