SoulCycle 19TH

Loved Emma L’s high energy, grooving music, and completely inspiring class. Best cardio, core, upper body work out in NYC!

«Congrats! Your SOUL is confirmed.»
That is actually the e-​mail they send you when you book a class at SoulCycle.
Now I’m not saying that I necessarily agree with modern Judaism,* which generally posits that the soul is believed to be given by God to a person with their first breath… but I do doubt that your life, your essence of being, your «I», is only established once you book a $ 35 spinning class.**
Then again, [full disclosure] I must admit that I signed up for a free trial session. Maybe you have to pay the full freight to truly authenticate your soul. I don’t know. I do know that many, many of my friends swear by SoulCycle, and a free chance to see what it was all about was tempting enough that I got ready to «FIND MY SOUL*** on bike 51 with Ariel!»
In the process of finding my soul (which I had already thought was confirmed… very confusing), here are five things I want to tell you:
1. Everyone here at 19^th Street is very friendly, and wants you to have a great time.
2. This is a great workout. It takes about 10 minutes to get the rhythm down, but by the time I left I was insanely sweaty, and my ass and legs hurt for days. That can be good or bad, depending on how you feel about it.
3. I feel as though when they designed this 19^th Street SoulCycle studio, they didn’t take the lazy, out-​of-​shape people (of which I am foremost) into account. Having to walk downstairs to the locker room after this workout was pretty rough. I nearly fell down and killed myself. Be careful, fellow out-​of-​shape folk.
4. If you are an idiot, as I am, then you might accidentally walk into the ladies locker room upon leaving the mens locker room because you are just walking around a corner and you keep going. Don’t do that. Especially not if some of your female co-​workers were in the class as well, because then you will be too embarrassed to go to work for a week (even if you didn’t see anything. I swear I didn’t see anything). Be careful, fellow idiots.
5. SoulCycle is not for everyone. More to the point, SoulCycle is not for me. I think I knew that going in, but sometimes you have to try things anyway, just to make sure.
That said, I’m not a workout class kind of guy. I prefer run after a ball, or do a few pushups in the quiet of my own home. I would probably go if they paid me $ 35 per class, but it turns out they want ME to pay THEM. And that’s not as good a deal. But it might be for you, so give it a shot.
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*I’m an odd, Buddhist/​Jew hybrid by heritage, and an agnostic (read: skeptic/​coward) by belief.
**To be fair, however, I’m what some call a «Doubting Thomas.»
***Capitalization was theirs.

typical soul cycle class. not a fan of soul cycle in general but its ok.
wish there were better locker rooms, cleaner and more spacious.

Ladies, have you had problems with your feet slipping off the pedal during spin classes at your local gym or feet aching afterwards? You will not have to worry about these problems at Soul Cycle.
This was my first time here and I absolutely loved it. The staffs are extremely friendly and welcoming. Lauren welcomed us with a tour and showed us how to attach our shoes to the pedal.
As for the class, the lights and music were spot on. We had our class with Emma who was super energetic and awesome. We were sweating like pigs for the whole 45 minutes. These classes are worth every penny you spend as you get a full body workout. I will definitely be going back.

I took my first SoulCycle class at the 19^th Street location on May 29^th, 2015. Unfortunately, it was not a positive experience. To me, it’s obvious that SoulCycle tries their best to make as much money as possible without providing a reasonably comfortable environment to customers.
Deal Breakers:
1. They fit 63 bikes in a small room and you can’t really follow the moves (upper body) without worrying about hitting people on your sides.
2. You have to line up to take a shower afterwards — very limited space in the lady’s locker room. It was probably a full class so imagine dozens of people sweating in the room trying to wash up or waiting for an available shower room. Not to mention there were also people in the next class changing next to you.
3. Front desk didn’t provide enough help to first timers. When I arrived, the person who helped me didn’t seem to have time to properly explain how things work. There were many people arriving at that time. He definitely didn’t make me feel welcome, more like «yeah this is SoulCycle, we are so cool…» Not really though.
4. There were no signs to help you situate yourself, and the staff didn’t seem to be helpful enough to compensate that. You can’t see the stairs that would take you to the locker room from the hallway. There was no sign outside of the classroom, either. I had to keep walking back to the front desk to ask them where things were.
5. I could barely hear myself after the 45 minutes of loud music and high-​pitched instructor’s amplified voice. It probably took me 20 – 30 minutes to have 100% of my hearing back.
I didn’t really want to complain about the loud and dark classroom because it’s just how they designed it to be. Some people like it, others don’t. But figured I should still mention it because it affected my health (hearing) and made it harder for first timers to follow along. I was a couple minutes late to the room. I couldn’t see anything, and even that I asked the staff to help me, I couldn’t really hear him. It was just LOUD and DARK in the room. It was definitely hard to get to the bike if it’s not in the front or on the sides — space in between bikes is pretty much nonexistent.
The workout was okay but I wouldn’t pay $ 30+ for what I got. I ended up leaving without taking a shower. I felt gross and this sums up my first experience at SoulCycle.

I decided to give Soul Cycle another whirl and I still just don’t drink the kool-​aid. The bikes are very basic and lack any sort of sophistication (i.e. being able to determine speed), the bikes are so close together that while doing the exercises while spinning you will knock arms with your neighbors and not to mention the lack of ventilation in the room… which is the MAIN reason people are waterfalling with sweat and not because this is «LIKE, SUCH AN AMAZING WORKOUT!» Seriously, I prefer my classes at Equinox where there are fans in the room and I STILL sweat, there is space and I don’t feel like I am rubbing shoulders with my neighbor AND I can challenge myself by monitoring my cadence. I mean the workout was decent, but I don’t get all of the raving. Maybe I need to be a sorority member to get it.

Prob my favorite SoulCycle location — it’s spacious and well designed, with lockers both upstairs and downstairs. The staff are always on point and although it’s great to be front and center, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house with this studio’s set up. Just beware the Dough donut shop next door — it’s torture to walk past it! Avoid any temptation to regain all the calories you’ve burned in SC by heading towards 5^th Ave instead of 6^th. Stay strong ;)

I absolutely adore the 19^th street SC location! They are more laid back than the SC in Union Square and you don’t have to worry about losing your bike if you don’t sign in within 10 mins prior to class. This location is clean and the locker rooms are large (co-​ed).
I go to several SC locations and like to try different instructors. Some instructors are fantastic and others are just okay. I have never had a «bad» class at any SC location.
I bring my own water and I own my own shoes– which makes the classes a little more affordable.

Really enjoyable experience here, and a great work out!
This wasn’t my first time at SoulCycle but it was my first time at this location. I let the staff know and they were super friendly. Someone took the time to give me a tour of the space (quite spacious & clean!), and someone else helped me adjust my bike to my body. The ladies at the front desk were definitely helpful!
Then there was my spin instructor, Sunny. Great energy and a really positive, motivational speaker! The music was fun and uplifting as well! Can’t wait to go back!

If you think you know all about spin from attending classes at your gym, think again. SoulCycle takes it to another level with its fun and engaging classes. Let’s be honest, everyone leads a busy life, SoulCycle understands that. One can easily be in and out in under an hour and still have a really challenging, satisfying, effective workout.
Oh, and just so that we are all on the same page, this is the REAL (sweat) bucket challenge!

I didn’t make time for much outside of work during a recent quick trip to NY, but I can always find time for SoulCycle. I was mid flight when the booking window opened up, but my colleague was nice enough to book a class for 4 of us. It’s hard enough to get into a SoulCycle class when I“m booking for just myself (hence why crazy businesses like this* exist!) so I was impressed when she managed to get 4 bikes next to each other for an 8:30am class! My colleague mentioned she wasn’t familiar with the instructor, but he looked like he’d be good from his profile. Since I’ve only had 5 star instructors at SoulCyle figured he’d be good.
When I first showed up at Ben’s class I was a bit nervous to see that the class was half full. I rarely see an empty bike in SoulCycle classes even at the ungodly hour of 6am. I figured he was just new and prepared to be wow’d.
While Ben was better than most spinning instructors I’ve had outside of SoulCycle I can’t say I was wow’d. He played pretty good music and gave clear instruction. I FINALLY got the hang of SoulCycle’s version of pushups thanks to his description. However, he lacked the crazy energy that sets SoulCycle apart from other spinning studios. Again, perhaps he’s just new and that that energy will come with time. In the meantime, I’d pay $ 20 for a class with Ben… but not worth the price of a SoulCycle NY class ($ 34 for 45 minutes!).
The actual studio isn’t much different than I’ve experienced elsewhere. They pay you into the spinning room like sardines and the locker area is small so you’ll likely bump elbows with another sweaty (ew) visitor.
I did notice they are only blocks away from the 18^th street location so business must be better for other classes.
*

Tough… challenging…inspiring…challenging.
I wiped out, yes it’s possible, but got back up.
Take a few classes, practice and take your time learning to moves.
I went by myself, intimated yes, but that went out the window as soon as I walked in. They couldn’t be nice, more welcoming and helpful with everything from showing me around to how to set up my bike and get clipped in.
And bring clothes to change/​shower or plan on going home to do so cause you will sweat no matter your experience level.

Okay. What? A place like this exists? Yeah. Sure I’ve seen the countless «Soul Cycle» Instagram posts and I was the obvious skeptic. A place just for cycling? psshh. Whatever. I never tried CrossFit and so I wasn’t about to try Soul Cycle.
Now that I moved back to NYC and there are ENDLESS workout possibilities in this glorious city, I decided to… well, try every single one of them of course! Someone suggested I «Soul». I’m like WTF does that even mean? She advised me «Be careful. Once you Soul, it’s like a cult». I’m like oh that makes me want to go even more now (not).
One rainy morning, I didn’t feel like going to a «gym». I was like hmm what options are there? I had just taken a kickboxing class days before and I wanted to try something new. Girlfriends of mine had Instagrammed in the morning a picture of them after «Soul» so… I decided well, today is going to be the day that I try this «experience».
I am subletting in FiDi so this location wasn’t exactly the closest but it had the time slot available that I wanted so I decided to make the trek.
I arrived to this magnificently modern studio and was given shoes. I already started laughing to myself and the chuckles really started when I was informed that Soul Cycle is like my very own «dance party». Like come on, that sounds funny when you hear it out of someone else’s mouth.
I put my things in my locker (very convenient as they lock with your own 4 digit code) and was assisted in gearing up for a class. They taught me how to lock my feet into place and how to take them out of place and what each positions were.
My instructor was Samantha J. I tend to take cycling classes from people who aren’t exactly in the best shape. It doesn’t make me think highly of cycling when I’m getting taught by an overweight instructor BUT Samantha J walked in and I was like wow. She has the perfect body and her voice sounds like a soothing jazz musician.
We got right into things and ohhhhh it was a dance party! You «ride to the music» and it honestly makes you not feel like you are even working out. You bounce all around and do arms as well (pushups on the bike, weights which are strapped to your bike) and more. The room is dimly lit and the instructor plays with the lights (and candles) throughout the whole experience and you finish in the dark. It was truly the best time I have ever had working out (in my life). Yes. It’s very hard to change a skeptical persons mind and in turn have their mind blown. That is what happened to me. I was blown away that such a workout existed and even more so that I didn’t believe my very friends who raved about this experience. I totally understand why it is like a cult. $ 35 a class? Yeah. It can be pricy and the packages don’t really take any amount off of that but it’s definitely a place I will be returning to. I will likely join a regular gym and do a class maybe once a week or every 2 weeks as a treat. When I grow my own money tree, I can start going everyday.
My friend joked when I raved about the experience and was all like «so is it a cult?» and I was like mmm sort of (jokingly). He asked me if I got a tattoo after the experience because I loved it so much. I laughed again. Then he goes «if you buy a 5-​pack of classes I bet they include a free Soul Cycle tattoo and have their own in-​house tattoo artists». Hilarious.
ANYWAYS! Your first class is free and the staff will help guide you even if you have never cycled before in your life. The music is SPOT ON and the instructors are amazing. DEFINITELY check out Soul Cycle!!!

From start to finish I had a fantastic experience as a first timer at this club.
Friendly doesn’t begin to describe the staff — I felt treated like royalty! Which is very helpful when you are nervous about keeping up in the studio.
Thank you JACKIE at the front desk, APRIL in the studio, and JACKIE again after.
It’s your service that prompted this review, but/​and the workout itself and the instructor were top quality. I wanted to hug everyone after. That’s a lot, coming from a cynic!
THANK YOU SOUL CYCLE 19TH STREET!!!
(oh — and all the shower amenities and lockers were brilliant)

Wow! I have been wanting to SoulCycle for a while and am so happy that I finally did it!
At first I was worried because I was running a little late for my first class, but they were able to accommodate me and offered to stay after class to show me how to set up the bike better for next time.
My instructor was Anna and she was AMAZE. Very energetic and spent time on podium and walking through the pack. It was blatantly obvious I was a newbie, but she made me feel great about myself and checked in often. It was so intense that I really wanted to give up at some points… wondering how I even got there… but here mantras kept me going!

This class looks like Miley Cyrus threw up all over it. Neon headbands, disco lights, and girls with abs tighter than China’s monetary policy. It was about two inches from becoming a fabulous rehash of Eric Prydz’s Call On Me music video, and this British NYC-​newbie is now obsessed.
The clean white décor of the lobby exudes class, but the smiling, helpful faces behind reception made even sweaty messes like myself feel more than welcome. My class was led by pink-​baseball-​cap clad Gunner — who is inspirational — and the class, despite being intensely challenging and an amazing work out, was easy to follow and fun. Yes, fun — not often the words fun and excruciating pain turn up in the same sentence is it?
So what does your $ 35 (ish) get you? Entrance to the class, access to the changing /​showering facilities (towel provided), bike shoes (for your first time only I believe — then you must pay the piper a small fee each time after that), use of the digital lockers and a towel to mop your heaving brow in the class.
Every time you don’t go to this class, a kitten dies. Save the kittens.

Samantha is amazing! Definitely the most exciting and pumped up instructor I have had so far. Then again they are all amazing but Samantha was particularly enthused and really got the crowd going.
Staff is professional and friendly and if you misbook you can easily get it fixed. Plenty of lockers with digital locks so all you need to bring is water and a pair of socks (for those of you who have never done this before). Cycle shoes are rented at $ 3.

My wife had a coupon for a free class to Soul Cycle and I went today.
First of all, it is a good workout and people L O V E this Soul Cycle thing. The place is clean, staff is courteous and professional, the bathrooms and lockers are top notch. It’s a great workout and people have a great time
So why the low review?
The class takes place in a darkened, crowded, airless room. If you want to get in touch with the living condition of immigrants in old New York, this will help you understand their plight– packed cheek to cheek with strangers (many of whom have recently eaten beans and cabbage), becoming ever more sweaty with each passing moment…
You do want to be sure to be up to date on immunizations, because you are breathing in everyone’s recycled germs. And it would be wise to ask your classmates if they have been infected with Ebola virus recently
My least favorite part was the music: it was way too loud and it included Alanis Morissette. Who included that horrible song You Outta Know in a cycling workout I don’t know. She is the only Canadian who sings worse than Bieber!
Listen friends– Alanis Morisette is pure torture. I thought the CIA had abducted me and sent me to Guantanomo, but then I looked around and saw all the Lululemon and realized that no one in black site prisons wears expensive yoga pants.
Soul Cycle is cool, it’s a blast, but if you are claustrophobic or are concerned about your hearing, I would just get a bike and go outside

Emily T is a ROCKSTAR instructor! I always leave her class nice and sweaty and feeling great. She motivates and inspires the way soul cycle is famous for. Her music is always fun and she is such an encouraging soul. This location rocks, I’m sure any instructor is fabulous but if you want the best-​grab Emily T! Happy cycling

Upon entering the shiny white space of Soul Cycle 19^th, I was greeted with no less than 6 smiling faces, all excited I was a first timer, gushing to me that I would have «a blast.» Once my locker was produced by a boy with a behind carved from marble, I was given special shoes that I was told would «keep me on the bike.» Uhh, I was going to be trapped on the bike?
I came pretty prepared for being a 37 year old mom of 2 with bulging hips and a pair of tits that graze my middle ribs: lululemon leggings (last season) and a lululemon dual-​colored strappy sports bra (this season). I was feeling confident in my outfit, that is, until the 5 different college girl groups came in. I couldn’t understand it — was there a tour bus waiting outside? They were all the same age, with the same perky ponytail and perky boobs and lululemon tanks and leggings. My sports bra was clearly WRONG and too revealing as these girls all donned the current long tank top with attached bra inside. Swift glances at my aging mid-​drift made my fashion faux pas quite clear. They all wore a different loose tank with their college emblem emblazoned on it over their primary lululemon tank/​bras. IU, UVA, UM, UP, OSU (I almost went over to the UM one to bond over our beloved alma maters when a swift mid-​drift glance told me to not even think about it).
After Marble Boy trapped me into bike #30 and showed me the 3 arm positions the instructor would use, I surveyed my surroundings. A dark, warm, intimate club like vibe. Lights low, music sexy and thumping. I had made it quite clear that I required a bike in the back. Well, I wasn’t in the back, but on the side, in the lane with no other bikes around mine. Behind me to my right, on a raised platform, were the undesirables: older, fatter, more out of shape than I. I flashed them a winning smile before class started to show them how nice I was before I was about to obliterate them with my speed and slick moves.
Class starts. Immediately I realize I am totally out of my league, as if I skipped high school and went from grade school straight to college. I certainly should have taken a basic spin class before attempting this Mt. Everest of a physical experience. Everytime the instructor said to get up and into 3^rd position and out of Saddle, I almost lifted the whole bike and toppled over, both knees jerking and
cracking out of the lower legs, forgetting that my feet are trapped into the pedals. And that is pretty much how it went for the whole class: my brain totally nailed it — the instructions, the beat, the concept, but my body did not get the memo.
Toward the beginning of class, the instructor comes over to me and makes some indecipherable arm motions, which he later explained to mean legs in, core back, elbows in, knees up, but to me just looked like the guy in Airplane! bringing in the planes on the runway. If that wasn’t enough, halfway through class he told the undesirables, myself now shamefully included, to sit down if we «can’t find the beat and just pedal.» «I’m a dancer!» I wanted to shout. «I am telling my legs to move faster and they are just not listening! It’s not my fault!» Then he started preaching about rising higher and higher in our personal lives. UM, OSU, and IU in the front were soo with him, right in time. Then the music slows, and for some reason the instructor comes over to me and turns my resistance dial all the way to the right, looks me in the eye, says «peanut butter,» and walks away. All I knew is now my bike had stopped, and I could no longer ride. So what was I supposed to do, just sit there while UM’s ponytail rose and fell in perfect time to «Shoop?» Or sneakily turn the dial back down to where I could move the pedals, which was basically all the way to
the left. As Fatty to my right was destroying my self-​esteem in perfect timing, I pretended to wipe my sweat while turning the dial to the left. And there I left it for the remainder of class. At the end of class we were told to unclick ourselves from the traps on the pedals so we can stretch our legs on the bike. No amount of heel turning would do it, so after several embarrassing foot smashes I just unstrapped the velcro of the shoe, took my feet out, and left the shoes trapped in. Ha! Hacked the system.
I loved it. I knew the whole time that this was the kind of thing of which, with just a million dollars and a lot of time, I could be queen. I could see myself, in the distant future, hitting every damn beat with the right foot at the right time, and even sitting next to UM and OSU and Fatty… well, maybe not next to them but at least right behind them.
After class, I hit the showers. This shower had more amenities than a 5 star hotel. I shampooed, conditioned, washed my face with soap that was actually made for your face, shaved my legs with real shaving cream and a new razor, and applied body cream. My personal hygiene would take a turn for the better if I keep this up.