SoulCycle – Union Square

I’m usually at Soul Cycle in Culver City but I was in dire need of a session. Went to the location in Union Square boy it kicked my butt. Great 45 minutes! Will definitely come back again when I’m in town. ENJOY!

The teachers at this location re some of my fav! If your taking a class because its at a convenient time for your schedule you still know whoever you have will give you an amazing workout! Knocked a star off because the locker room downstairs is very tight! Between classes it gets tough to move by people — but overall its worth it!

Typical small space locker room area. The staff is not the friendliest. I DO NOT recommend Madison, she’s all over the place, her music was slow and putting me to sleep in addition to her bouncing around, I was not impressed and upset i wasted my time! She is also very rude. This class was very dry from the other amazing experiences I’ve had at other soul cycles with great instructors and classes. Maybe I’ll go again to try another instructor.

The two stars is for the cycling experience not a reflection of the check in staff and the staff in the cycling room who helped me set up, they were friendly and helpful.
This was my first time doing SoulCycle, what I liked was the cycling part itself is definitely a good workout, gets your heart rate pumping for sure, its an hour of fast pace nonstop cycling, so if you’ve never worked out in your entire life this might be a bit too much for beginner.
What I didn’t like about SoulCycle was that the room was very small and crowded, the locker room was also shoulder to shoulder jammed packed (Tuesday at 5:30– definitely a popular time), they jamm packed bike to bike with no room to spread your arms. I had Melanie as instructor, I didn’t really care for her, as she didnt do much but talked about her personal life and gave some“inspirational «quotes, she didnt go on the bike herself (she wasn’t very friendly either except to the regulars that she knew), we had two other instructors on the bikes, and to be honest I’m not even sure if you even need «instructor» for a cycling class since all you do the bike really fast to the beats of the music.
In conclusion, I will not be going back for a second class, for the price, and for the experience. I can just go bike outside with fresh air and scenery instead of a small dark crowded room for free (felt like I was in a rush hour subway station)

Okay, okay, I was really resistant to drinking the Kool-​Aid, but I totally understand why people are addicted to SoulCycle.
I was able to take my first class free — SoulCycle is offering a free-​first time class to anyone through the 18^th (thanks Racked NY for the tip!). I hadn’t tried it previously since the intro class is normally $ 20. Since I’m on ClassPass I couldn’t justify spending additional money on spinning when I have so many options already, but for free, of course!
I walked into the location and thoroughly inhaled the amazing citrus scent, totally on point with their yellow accent color. Signed in and complimentary shoes for my first ride! Headed down to the locker area, which is definitely REALLY tight but I believe being renovated.
I got into the class, got my bike set up and was genuinely greeted by a fellow rider. When Melanie kicked off the class, I really understood the sense of community that she was building. They actually had two instructors-​in-​training spinning on the podium so Melanie was free to walk about and coach. The messaging was better than I expected it to be (think about what you’re pedaling on tonight, etc.), and I was able to buy into it.
At first, I hated it. I thought, «why are we just pedaling to the beat out of the saddle for the whole song? It’s so boring!» But then I realized, «well, that’s what makes it HARD. That’s what makes it a challenging work out.»
Maybe about 20 minutes in I was loving SoulCycle. Even though I have been spinning for 6 – 8 months now (primarily SWERVE, Peloton and Flywheel), I found the class difficult because much of it was pedaling quickly out of the saddle, which does require a strong core; I’m also no toothpick so I feel as though I need more resistance underneath me for stability. I do wish there was more guidance around the resistance; I like at Cyc they’ll say «take all resistance off, then go 4 turns to the right) so I can gauge where I can be, but I do respect that it’s not part of the SoulCycle methodology.
The weights section was pretty good, but the bikes are too close together, so I kept bumping the bike right behind me when doing some of the arm motions.
By the end of the class, I really just plain old liked it and was thoroughly disappointed the work out was over. I thanked the instructor and the demoers for a great first ride, and they all HUGGED me, even though I was disgusting and sweaty. The people at SoulCycle are a very interesting crew, with the common thread being basically most of the women are skinny and beautiful ⁹⁄₁₀ types.
Showers were decent, although I didn’t think their bath products were great; the conditioner felt cheap to me. I prefer the Malin & Goetz products I use at other studios.
I do see the appeal. There is a sense of community because they stayed off of ClassPass. But you have to keep in mind that it’s a community people are paying for. The classes are really expensive; 1 class is $ 34 and to get the price point down to $ 28.33 you need to buy 30 classes and use them within 12 months, meaning you’re committing to soulcycle at least 2x per week. If your goal is to enjoy a work out and to be part of that community, then it’s a worthwhile investment. If your goal is to seriously transform your body, I feel like it’s a more effective use of time and money to have a personal trainer.
Will I return to SoulCycle? They were nice enough to give me another complimentary drop-​in class, so yes. Beyond that? It’s hard to say; maybe it’s an occasional treat to myself or something I convince an employer to pay for as a social event, but not something I would make a regular habit.

Not my favorite Manhattan location but soul cycle anywhere rocks! Keep growing and come to Houston!!!

I’m splitting my review in two: for SoulCycle as 1) a concept/​business model and 2) this particular location.
For people who have no clue what SoulCycle is, READ THIS:
1) SoulCycle is definitely an American phenomenon that is flawlessly executed in terms of marketing («riding an exercise bike with other people in a smelly dark room is cool. if you don’t get it, get out»), customer service, and not much else. It is clearly tailored towards young Manhattan women — you will find a 50:50 mix of corporate 20 year old’s who work in finance/​law and housewives with loads of free time and always on top of the newest fads in fitness) sporting Lululemon and Goyard bags. Admittedly, I am a mix of those two groups. Unsurprisingly, I fell for it.
2) My first class (intro offer for $ 20) at the SoulCycle near Union Square was in a dark room where there is a stand in the middle and an instructor (with a DJ set — I kid you not) who is screaming the whole time over obnoxiously loud music that actually hurt my ears (They were ringing after I left). The sequence consisted of jumping up and down the saddle while crunching your stomach and then lifting some light weights. You have shoes especially designed for the bikes that are locked to the pedals — I can understand why they did this but it was EXTREMELY uncomfortable to say the least. Depending on your knee situation and how already built you are, I surmise there could potentially be loads of safety disasters and injuries. I’d be surprised if they don’t get sued to be honest. Nothing about the bike and the program, the blaring music, doing quick bouncing and contortions («choreography» takes on new meaning here) translates to «health and fitness» to me, yet this is precisely what SoulCycle claims to be. I was seriously dying to leave after 10 minutes not because of how intense the workout is but how unnatural and uncomfortable it was.
This location is probably one of the smaller ones downtown — there is one extremely narrow passageway in the basement where after class is a bit of a nightmare. To be fair, the staff is extremely friendly though one girl was a bit domineering for the service industry.
Summary: I will not be returning, but at least I experienced how something with virtually no substance can make ridiculous profits. I get it, New Yorkers want a nice work out (add the adrenaline rush, rave concert atmosphere, light effects) condensed into a 45 minute class with other attractive, fit girls, but SoulCycle is nothing short of insane (not in a good way).

I tried SoulCycle for my first time today with some of my colleagues, luckily for free as a promotion going on with our company, and it KICKED MY BUTT — in a good way.
I’ve done spin/​cycling classes in the past and they just aren’t for me; I get bored easily and instructors all have different styles and music preferences which doesn’t please everyone. I’ve always been athletic and love a great workout and I’ve also heard such great things about ALL SoulCycles, so I thought why not give it a try and find out what all the hype was about.
This place can look intimidating walking in, especially as a beginner, but the staff was SOO helpful with the whole process. From checking in, giving me a tour of the place/​locker room, to helping me set up my bike and verbally walk me through what I should expect. Because of this, I didn’t feel lost/​nervous and got the most out of my experience!
My spin instructor was the perfect combination of hardcore, helpful, funny, and energetic. His music was ON-​POINT and coincided perfectly with the music/​beat which made the time fly. I couldn’t believe how much I was sweating and felt muscles burning in my body that I’ve never felt before. When it was over, I felt something similar to a «runner’s high» from the workout (I love that feeling).
The locker rooms are extremely clean and they provide so many essentials like shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, spray deodorant, hair ties, blow dryers, and so much more.
The only minor complaint I had was I wish there was somewhat of a breeze in the room; I didn’t feel or hear any fans going off. But then again, they may do that on purpose to make you sweat like a pig.
I hope to return and do SoulCycle more often, but with the hefty price tag I might have to wait until I graduate and have a full-​time job to be able to afford it. If you can afford it, it’s definitely worth it.

I had my first class yesterday, and was pleased that the intro class is $ 20 and the shoe rental is free. Admittedly I went in with some pre-​conceived notions (loud techno! Dark! Crowded! Enthusiasm!) and those turned out to be correct. A big plus on staff friendliness– they helped me get set up, showed me around, and just generally made me feel very welcome. My instructor was Erin and she came and introduced herself before class, which was really nice.
The facility is beautiful. Yes, it’s crowded but what do you expect in Manhattan? Bathroom was actually pretty spacious and filled with free amenities, like spray deodorant, hair products, and facial cleanser. Didn’t go in the showers but I imagine they were just as nice as the rest. Towels are provided.
The only thing I didn’t love was the class itself. Nothing against it, just not my vibe. I’m not really into the motivational stuff, and didn’t see the point of the arms weights part. I did like the actual spin part though, and it was definitely a great workout with a very motivated and enthusiastic instructor.
I’m glad I gave SC a try, and my 3 stars is just because the workout personally isn’t for me. The staff couldn’t have been friendlier and the facility is very well maintained.

Akin was fantastic. He worked everyone to their limit, and motivated us along the way. I may have lost 5lbs in that class alone. So hard. Also love that it is a full body workout and weights are incorporated. One setback is the congestion before and after classes by the locker/​entry area. Highly recommend!

I’m so sorry, my beloved Soul — I was too quick to judge you. I had never before been to a Soul Cycle with two floors, where the locker room and bathrooms are situated in a basement (I normally spend my time in Los Angeles), so I immediately considered the Union Square location inferior to the franchise’s expansive locations elsewhere. But boy was I wrong.
For the quality of the teachers alone at the Union Square location, it deserves 5 stars. Danny and Madeleine are some of the greatest instructors I’ve come across, both in music taste and motivationally. This location does get overcrowded, but only because of the quality of the teachers and staff. I started coming here for convenience since I moved to the East Village, but I kept coming because I fell in love with the instructors. I look forward to my classes here, and I’ll miss Union Square when I head back to L.A.

Giving them a 3.5!
Friendly staff! Walked in and was greeted nicely. Told them it was my first time at this location and I was shown to the locker room. This location is a lot smaller than the 19^th street one. Not a lot of room in the bathroom to change; just saw a lot of showers.
Had Erin T. as the instructor who has great energy and really pushes everyone in the class to work hard! Really great work out! I definitely sweat a lot! But considering this is the Union Square location, it was pretty packed and the cycling room isn’t that large so things felt a little stuffy. All in all, good experience but I will continue to check out other locations that are more spacious!

The management and staff at this location are exceptional. They ALWAYS go above and beyond to work with their clients to ensure customer satisfaction; they are professional — effectively address and resolve any issues or concerns. From a frequent soul-​cycle enthusiast’s standpoint, I am more inclined to trek all the way to Union Square to be in the presence of a group of an amazingly talented instructors and friendly staff.
If there is ever an award for top-​notch customer services satisfaction, the leadership team needs to take notes and give everyone an award for their dedication to the success of SC Union Sq.

This is my favorite Soul Cycle location. The receptionists at the front desk are super friendly and accommodated my friend, who had never tried it before. She’s not in super great shape and they were really kind and helped her a lot. They got her set up and she had a blast.
The locker rooms tend to get a little crowded, but they are extremely clean and the lockers, while a little small, are about the same size you would find at another cycle place or any gym or yoga place.
You really need to book fast or classes sell out right away. That’s kind of annoying because I don’t always know my exact work schedule.
Overall, recommended if you know your schedule and can book ahead and are available when classes open up for advance bookings.

My company and SC paired up for 3 weeks in January and my co-​workers and I received free classes (at weird times, but free is free!) major points to my employer #pleasedoitagain
Embarrassing story: To save myself some money I brought my own cheap spin shoes (30 bucks on amazon) — which I haven’t worn in about a year … and of course my shoe gets stuck but the front desk saved the day and fixed my shoe for me and while she was fixing it she lend me a rental for free for that day! :)
SC is addictive, my co-​workers and I are facing some withdrawal symptoms but for the 3 weeks we had free classes that’s all we talked about. The instructors, the energy, the nice free products to use in the showers. I still go to flywheel but after experiencing SC, I keep wishing flywheel would have more arm dancing…
SC gets 5 stars but if I was paying $ 34 a class, I wonder if I’d still give it 5 stars.

I’ve had a lot of great SoulCycle instructors in NYC and LA… in fact, it’s pretty difficult to get a really bad one. But Danny by far is my all time favorite. For that reason this location gets five stars despite the $ 37 price tag (including water and shoes). If you’re going to charge that much for a 45 minute class your instructor better be top-​notch… and Danny is.
From beginning to end Danny will take you to a fitness land you never knew existed, with the most amazing energy and of course the perfect soundtrack. He’s certainly the most acrobatic instructor I’ve ever had, climbing on top of his bike during the class in incredible ways.
In terms of the facilities, they’re spotless and aesthetically pleasing like all SoulCycle locations. The front desk folks are always friendly and welcoming and the place always smells good in spite of the buckets of sweat each person loses during each class.
I know it’s a ridiculous amount of money, but it’s the best workout I’ve found and the only class that I haven’t gotten sick of yet. I’m a believer!

Quick & Dirty for this location:
Sydney was phenomenal and if you can sign up for one of her classes, you won’t be disappointed. I like how she pushed the class but didn’t call out anyone specifically to correct form, pick up the pace, etc — she was very down-​to-​earth and encouraging.
If you can wade through a sea of Lululemon and Louis Vuitton gym bags without drowning, an exhilarating endorphin-​filled experience awaits: You will be exhausted. You will be drenched in sweat. and you will feel like a Super Hero.
SoulCycle is delightfully loud (they offer ear plugs), fast, cathartic, and downright fun. It is definitely on the pricier side. This location charges $ 34/​class for regulars + $ 3 to rent clip-​in shoes. If you are a first-​timer, you can take advantage of a one-​time $ 20 rate with free shoe rental (introductory class only). To me, it is money well spent for a feel-​good total body (and soul!) workout.

It’s true that some SoulCycle classes are harder to get into than elite colleges, but having taken *just* 3 classes now, I feel confident in saying that those sold-​out classes are worth it!
From the front desk to the front row, everyone was very nice and encouraging to me during my first class. Maybe they were doing the hard sell, but I felt very welcomed.

Attended my first-​ever Soulcycle class, and I have to say I was very impressed!
I have never in my life attended a spin class, and have avoided it for the longest time because the ones in the Bay Area tended to be more of the «bootcamp» type – a total no-​no for me. I LOVE to be challenged in group exercise classes like barre and yoga, but I absolutely hate the bootcamp style where instructors yell at you. So when my friend invited me to come try a Soulcycle class with her, I was both intrigued and nervous.
The Monday 9:30pm class was perfect. We immediately received the special shoes, and I was impressed with the huge space – lots of digitized lockers and bins for towels/​shoes. I had trouble clicking the shoes into the bike, but thankfully they had a Soulcycle staffer in the room helping people adjust their bikes. I was impressed that they could fit that many people into a room and keep the space smelling fresh and clean.
The class itself? INCREDIBLE. I almost wonder why we even go to bars and nightclubs when instead we could just go to Soulcycle and have just as much fun while burning calories. I could feel my butt melting off in the first 5 minutes (which was a little torturesome since I haven’t visited the gym in weeks), but afterwards it became a genuinely FUN experience. I can see how it’s a little «cult-​ish», since the music and vibes kind of have everyone drinking the «Kool Aid» and shouting joyous cheers every 5 – 10 minutes or so. It’s hard to deny the rush of endorphins, however, and for that I can see how Soulcycle clients just keep coming back for more.
Our instructor MC was amazing – she did a fabulous job motivating us, managing the music and keeping up with the pace!
One star off for price, and because I wish they would offer a student discount. All in all though, it’s a fabulous experience and everyone should try it at least once!

I must apologize in advance to those Soul Cycle addicts that this is not going to be a 4 –5 star review. Here’s why.
1. Greeted by not so friendly staff. It’s like one of those where they try to be friendly, but they don’t feel like telling you how this whole pretentious place works just because they assume everyone knows how Soul Cycle works.
2. Locker rooms are co-​ed. It’s a very tight area in the locker room but I think some personal space should be mandatory.
3. I have never worn those special cycling shoes before so I wish someone taught me how to click or unclick from the pedals. The instructor clearly knew I was a newb but she didn’t even bother assisting me when she saw me struggling with the pedals. So instead, I got help from a fellow rider next to me.
4. Music is great but deafening. Or maybe I’m just getting old. Either way, it doesn’t help me understand the instructor’s verbal cues as she tried to talk over the music.
The only plus side of this experience was the actual workout itself. It did not only worked out my knees but also my abs and arms. However, I’m only saying this now because it was a $ 20 experience for first time riders. After that, it’s going to cost you $ 34 a class plus shoe rental and I don’t have that kind of money to spend.
If Soul Cycle has changed your life, then good for you. For me, it didn’t touch my soul at all.