SoulCycle RHSQ’s Signature Yellow Adds a Nice Glow to 16th Street

The 411

SoulCycle, the cult-spinning studio, finally brought their Army of Love to the City of Brotherly Love and I am ready to be drafted! For the small minority of people unfamiliar with the SOUL way, let me break it down for you.

SoulCycle is big into the “tribal” (read: communal) riding experience. In a dark, candlelit room, with bumpin’ beats, the instructors guide you through a 45-minute choreographed spinning session that feels more Dance Party USA (shout out to Kelly Ripa Dance Party alum and self-professed SoulCycle fan) than indoor cycling. Their intention, according to their website, is not just physical but mental. They hope that through the shared SOUL experience, you will not only smash it but bond with other riders. Like after four weeks of summer camp, high-fiving and writing songs for each other... or was that just me?

Class

When you are in the sweaty SOUL capsule, it’s like a suspension of time. It’s easy to get swept up in the positive affirmations, BPM’s and ‘tap backs’. Like all reliable cults, they have their own lingo. Tap back translation: a move that involves standing in ‘position two’, cranking on the bike while quickly tapping your tush back on the seat and attempting to keep your core tight. Yeah, good luck.

Lots of spinning studios incorporate an arm element into the workout. Usually, I discount this part because it’s too easy for me. But between the variety of handlebar push-ups and light dumbbells (1-2 lb. located on the back of the bikes under the seat), my MOA’s (Michelle Obama Arms) were feeling a light burn. On this note, I know there is a lot of criticism out there with regard to cycling studio’s that claim to be full body. Lots of naysayers think that spinning studios should “stick to what they are good at”. One common argument is that while your legs are moving and not planted firmly, most people’s form will be compromised, which can lead to injury. I am a stickler for form and don’t necessarily disagree, but we aren’t talking about a 150 lb. bench press here. Also, critics say that you’ll never get sculpted arms from 5 minutes of exercises 2-3 times a week. True again, but isn’t something better than nothing? The fact is, not everyone has time to go spinning AND hit the gym (or the discipline to do push-ups in the living room) and besides, we don’t know everyone’s personal goals. MOA arms may not be your thing. Spinning studios, SoulCycle included, should get credit for the effort to be a one-stop shop.

Instructor

I rode with Nick Turk at 8:30 am on a Saturday morning to a packed studio. Nick had Lady-Gaga-at-half-time level energy. He was on the platform spinning with us and walking the rows while shouting instructions and encouragement like a spin-evangelist. He was very well versed in the SOUL style of combining a smashing spin-sesh with positive affirmations and moving meditations. By the end of class, he was as sweaty as we were. Nick seems to love handlebar push-ups and incorporated a few different varieties, from elbows-out to hands-close-together, at a variety of tempos to keep up with the beat. He also throws in a lot of tap backs, jumps, positions, and speeds, again all influenced by the beat. For one song he turned all the lights out and for a solid 4-5 minutes, we pushed ahead in complete darkness with just the music, the pedals, and our thoughts.

Vibe

The studio buzz buzz buzzes with SoulCycle's signature party vibe. Selfie's abound, including a wall dedicated to them. Your heart might beat a little faster upon entering...your cardio warm-up.

Space

The small studio was packed and the flow at check-in a little tight. It is more spacious up a flight where the bathrooms and free lockers are located. The decor is clean and minimal with some SoulCycle merchandise in the front. The studio itself has about 50 bikes and is super tight. There is not a lot of wiggle room, literally. Also, there isn't much ventilation so the room gets very hot without much airflow. I was in a corner and although I enjoyed my ride, it felt very stuffy/stagnant. I was happy the bike next to me was empty (probably the only one).