SoulCycle

Usually, I’m at the 54^th street location or the FiDi location, but came to this for Bethany’s SOUL SURVIVOR class with a friend. The location is very similar to all the other Soulcycle locations around NYC (1 studio, bathroom, locker etc) but I wanted to talk about the staff.
First of all, Bethany was amazing. She had an awesome playlist and was very high energy and encouraging. Definitely can see why she is a favorite among the Soulcycle crowd and 100% recommended if you want a challenging but incredibly fun class. However, she was so good that I pushed myself to and promptly over the edge — most likely in combination with the fact that I didn’t pace myself properly as this was the first survivor class I took.
So yeah. I was that girl. The one that had to stumble out of class as we got to arms because LITERALLY I saw my life FLASH BEFORE MY EYES and my stomach wanted to exit through my mouth. But WOW did the girls at the front desk react quickly. They were super sweet and attentive and didn’t make me feel ashamed of myself at all. Shout out to the fast reaction to get me situated and cooled down in the bathroom. Not only were they really nice and encouraging, they also gave me a free pass so I can retry the class – and I’ll definitely be back!
Thanks 63^rd Street for being awesome!

At $ 40 per 45 minutes it’s crazy that they wouldn’t include one bottle of water and the WiFi password (come on Soulcycle!). I’m sure this company has a sh*t load of money. Yes, obviously, these classes are for the more privileged ssegment of the population, but it would be nice to feel like you’re paying for more just than a spot during class.

I came all the way to the UES to enjoy the 80s Theme Ride on Saturday. Instead of smelling the adrenaline boosting soul cycle grapefruit scent, the room filled with the smell of pot. I don’t know if it was an employee on break or (as suggested by the gal at the front desk) someone in the lobby next door trying to unwind but it was so strong it smelled like it was in the room. Definitely not the right smell to kick UP your workout. It ruined the experience. It ruined my workout. I should add that the instructor and playlist were both totally what I was hoping for. At some point the smell was so overpowering that the instructor re arranged and blew out candles in an effort to mask the scent. I’m pissed off that I wasted time and money on a class at E 63^rd.

Wife had a gift card to use up so we took a nice jog through the Park then ended up at this Soul Cycle.
Like most of the other locations, the layout is pretty cramped. But, the main room at this location was bigger than most. Staff was friendly to us «first timers». (We are not first timers but used a different email address to get the cheaper rate. Don’t judge.)
Their customized candle smells pretty darn good and we thought about buying one — except they were $ 42.
Oh NYC.
Also, Love is a great instructor — perfect amount of energy to all types — noobs to the cultish.

Love this location! Instructors are great and you can typically get a seat pretty last minute. I’ve enjoyed all of the classes I’ve taken and will go back. Soul is my favorite type of spin but I wish they’d do more hip hop classes. Will definitely be back. Front desk at all locations really should be more friendly to people who are paying $ 34+ a class. They should have some $ 20 classes sometimes too. I’d definitely go more often.

Love this location! First off, I am a card carrying member of the soul cycle cult. I love it. This location is very big (two floors). The staff here is awesome. So nice, and always happy to accommodate you. Olivia, Austin and Noa are three of my favorite teachers at this location.

I am a fan of Soul Cycle. Yes… it is a bit cult like. However, anything that whips me into shape and burns a few hundred calories in an hour is good by me. I think what I enjoy the most is the music. Also, NYC can be a stressful place. I always feel better and stress free when I walk out the doors. Maybe that’s why people get addicted and go everyday. It’s also a pretty fun place to people watch :) My instructor Nicholas was awesome! Very fun, energetic, upbeat and kept a smile the entire time! You can tell he has a background in dance and I believe it helps him in the classroom! I loved his playlist too! I didn’t give five stars because I am not a fan of the dance movements. I feel that if you are new to the class these can throw you off. Nicholas said it best… You came here because it’s your your life… your health… your soul… and most importantly your booty on the line :) Try it out! Your soul and you booty will thank you! :)

Love! The atmosphere makes this so much fun! And seeing the instructor working so hard in the spotlight is really motivating, keeps me pushing. And no gross smell of stale sweat like in most gyms!

This is my first time going to soul cycle here on 63^rd, and I loved it! Always the Best workout out there. I recommend Rachel W, she is really motivating and fun in class. I don’t like the fact that we started like 10 minutes late today. Also, the fact that water isn’t free and the shoes aren’t complimentary is not cool because the class already costs $ 34. When you get the shoes and water, it costs you $ 40. But other then that it’s great.

I’ve been taking classes since about January at this studio as it’s super close to my apartment. I love it! I’ve tried a number of instructors, and haven’t been disappointed yet. I’ve found that you always can get what you’re looking for… a fun class, a challenging classing, or a mixture of the both!
I’ve recently started taking the survivor classes too. Check one out if you haven’t yet! Bethany’s survivor class kicks my butt every time but I love it. You walk out feeling great. Wonderful staff as well.

I wrote a review on the 19^th st location (which I loved — read here
) but now that I finally settled into my apartment on the Upper East Side, this location is actually the closest.
I came with my sister who was visiting from Buffalo as I wanted to show her what a unique workout Soul Cycle is. We took the class with «Love» (her name). To be quite honest, I wasn’t a fan. I think it was the combination of a late night out the night before and music that wasn’t quite to my liking. I didn’t come back to this location (or soul anywhere really as I had kind of put soul cycling on hold).
I received an email from Alyssa inviting me back to another class as I hadn’t been there in quite some time. I again, somehow ended up in a morning/​early afternoon class with «Love». It was on Mother’s Day and there were a couple of mothers in the house which was cool.
The music was
SPOT
ON.
This time, I absolutely loved this Soul class and danced my heart out. I must have burned a gazillion calories. Soul cycle really IS all about the music. You can’t just «wing» a class. You need to do your homework prior to entering a class. Go to their website and check out the instructors playlist beforehand. It really makes a difference. If you don’t like a song, you’ll likely get distracted and realize how hard you’re working so if you take away anything from this, research the playlist of the instructor you plan on going to.
Like I said in my 19^th st review, Soul Cycle is like a cult. They really should have someone in the back giving free tattoos afterwards but that’s another story…
I will become a regular once my summer traveling is over!

Oh SoulCycle, how you have stolen my heart (and money). The staff is always amazing and so helpful! This is definitely my favorite SoulCycle location (and 4 blocks from my house). Trammell’s classes are TO DIE FOR! Jo is also ahhmazing! Unfortunately because of my job I can only take «late night» classes, but I have no complaints because all of the instructors are fantastic! Love love love my E63 crew!

Soul cycle is a great work out! Love the hot, sweaty room and the inspirational music. Each instructor I have been to is fun and motivating. Front desk staff is super friendly. Two complaints: the 63^rd location’s locker room is designed oddly and the locker room is tiny. Gets very crowded. I also think it’s ridiculous how many people pay $ 3 extra for a class (that’s already around $ 35) to rent shoes. Buy your own people! Nothing’s grosser than rented, sweaty bike shoes. Due to the sanitary appearance of pretty much everything in the studio, I’m sure they clean them properly but still… This is definitely a place where people have «drank the kool aid», myself included! Was in town visiting for 9 days and went 6x. Go go go!

No matter what your opinion is of the touchy-​feely, «this is your ride, make it worth it» philosophy espoused by the SoulCycle brand, you have to admit — these workouts kick your ass.
I took my first SC class almost a year go, with a friend who was (and still is) an addict to SC. I’m glad I did, because frankly the flurry of activity in the studios as classes transition can be intimidating.
I was a pretty regular spinner at the time, and even so, it was impossible to keep up with the cadence during my first ride. At the end of each class I am always drenched in sweat. You definitely get the post-​intense-​workout high.
I take Amanda M.‘s classes most regularly. I find her to be less preachy and more genuine in her desire to provide a good time and a serious workout. I like Emily T. as well, a matter of opinion perhaps but I think her classes are harder than Amanda’s. That girl does NOT give a single break. I once took her class the day after she ran a marathon, and I am convinced she is a cyborg.
Olivia is also pretty good, more resistance oriented and lots lots lots of push-​ups on the bike, which I enjoy. It take the focus off of the burning in your legs and instead, towards the burning in your triceps/​abs. Though my one critique of SC workouts is that for all of the focus on ab/​core, it really does not provide the absolute best core workout. If could be that I’m just not doing it right.
This studio is not the most spacious (NoHo is sick!), and only two showers in the tiny bathroom, but the service has always been friendly and upbeat, and I’ve never had a bad workout here. If that’s one thing you can count on with SC, is an ass-​whupping. Guys (or anyone, really) looking for a «real» workout should not bypass SoulCycle. Take a class first (your first is *only* $ 20) so you can see for yourself.

first time at this location and was lucky enough to take Gunner’s class. I did my research and read her workouts were intense. and boy she definitely kicked my butt. if you have a chance take her class. She provides a great workout music and encourages the class to push as much as possible. the arm workout wasn’t too bad. staff is friendly and this place is pretty clean
the only con is that this place gets super crowded when ppl are leaving class and coming in. there’s only two restrooms and two showers.

Just took my second class here and am really really loving this place! I’m not the most «in-​shape» person, and this class kicked my butt, but in the best way! I felt great walking out afterwards.
I asked for help to set up my bike the first time I was there, and they were extremely helpful. They went step by step to show me exactly what to do so I could be ready for future classes. All of the employees are extremely friendly and attentive. The space is a little small, so it easily becomes crowded between classes. That being said, I am really enjoying how fun and creative the instructors are.

My favorite instructor regularly teaches here (not disclosing his/​her name, spots are hard enough to come by) and it is THE SHIT. The music is way on point, energy is great, and the workout always has me beat and soaked. What more could you want?
Yes, it’s a bit pricey and the clientele is a bit… Long Island, but a much better cardiovascular investment than 2 cocktails.

I love spinning, especially when it’s somewhere fancy and pricy and someone else is picking up the tab. This was the case the night I came here. Spinning is an expensive hobby.
I went on a Thursday for a 7p class. My guess is this is considered peak time. It was packed. The locker area was a zoo as those who just wrapped up were trying to remove their belongings while those coming in where looking for a locker. Lockers are free and no locks necessary.
Every time I go spinning, I feel like I’m at the club, a good club. Dim lighting, top 40 on blast, and DJ hyping you up. But then my legs and bum start to burn and I feel the sweat running down my back and I remember, this is no club and it’s not fun. This is torture. But then my jam comes on and the DJ starts to talk again and I forget once again that my body is taking a bruising. It’s quiet the mind f*&*&8.
If you’re like me and suck at spinning, try to get a bike in the back with all the other sucky spinners. If you’re not so luck (like me) you end up looking like the worst kid of slacker next to that gal who goes hard the whole 45 minutes.
Overall I enjoyed my experience. Great instructor, good jams, and nice location.

The 63^rd street studio only has one studio and I must say, it was not pleasant having only 5 minutes to get through the crowd to locate and adjust your bike, especially if it’s your first visit.
If it is your first time at Soul Cycle, I would recommend reserving a bike towards the back of the room so you do not feel the unneeded pressure to cycle at an unnatural pace just to keep up with the rest of the class. Unless you are up for the challenge!
Before the class starts, you are asked to adjust the saddle to sit right at your hip bone, and a forearm’s length from the handle-​bar and that is exactly how I adjusted my seat. However, the next couple of days after my first riding session, I felt bone pain from unnecessarily bumping my behind into the saddle as I was maneuvering the aerobic-​style moves that requires you to fall deep, with your hands at «third position» (the bar on the handle farthest away from you) engaging your core and thighs.
The second time I attended a Soul Cycle class, I decided to move the saddle a forearm + hands (including the fingertips) length away from the handlebar. This was a great move on my part because I did not suffer any of the same painful aftermath as I did after my first cycling session.
Also, your shoes click into the pedal. You step into the pedal, with as much of your body weight as possible, and you will hear a ‘click’. To remove the left shoe from the pedal, you need to shimmy your heel as far left to unclick the shoe. To remove the right shoe from the pedal, you need to shimmy your heel as far right.
They have free lockers for your belongings. No lock and key required!
Also, they sell $ 2 water bottles in case you forgot yours at home.
They also have free hair ties and gum.
And they have Lululemon athletic gear with Soul Cycle and its recognizable yellow bicycle wheel and rim logo all over them. Overpriced as Lululemon is always is.
The trainers are friendly and approachable. The other employees are not though. The employees working the phone and front desk seem a bit snooty to be a part of the growing and trending #SoulCycle culture.

I came here for my free class after signing up with Girls HBO with Ryan S. and it was great! Definitely a non-​boring way to a great work out. It is a mix between a club and spin class, with the room dark the majority of the time and lit with candles.
My class started at 7:30 am and I got there right at 7:30 am. The girls up front were nice to let me in but my friend came at about 7:40 am and she was not allowed in. I would recommend getting there about 15 minutes earlier, especially if it is your first time. That way, you have time to get used to the lockers, use the rest room and have the girls teach you how to use the bike.
There are special shoes for the bikes and the rental is $ 3 each time. However, if it is your first class, you don’t have to pay the fee so make sure to mention that it’s your first time if it is.
Since I was a bit late, the girl had to teach me while the class had already started and we were yelling over the music. I didn’t get a chance to ask how to unstrap my shoes so another major inspiration for me to finish the entire workout was that I didn’t know how to physically unstrap myself!
Ryan S. was great, very motivating! I liked that, even though it was my first spin class, no one looked at you funny or called you out if you couldn’t keep up. They are mostly concentrating on maximizing their own work out.
Some tips are:
–there is a towel at every bike and make sure you hang on to it during the workout. Mine fell a couple of minutes into the workout but there wasn’t enough time to unstrap myself and get it without interrupting my momentum and trust me, you will need the towel.
— bring at least one bottle of water in with you.
–take the time to adjust the seat so that it’s comfortable before the class starts. Since I was a bit late, I didn’t have time to adjust it and it was not comfortable during certain moves.