SoulCycle West End

Big Fat No Gracias! I had tried SoulCycle in Georgetown, and I did not fall in love but a friend of mine had some classes that were going to expire, and so I agreed to tag along with her and give this location a go.
After this experience I am completely convinced SoulCycle’s main agenda is to make people feel cool. People drool over their «soul gear» and love the low glow of the signs reading «find your soul»…let me tell you– the soul SoulCycle wants you to find is the soul that continues to pour money into their accounts for crappy spin classes. SoulCycle is definitely offering a very chic and trendy lifestyle brand, but is certainly not offering a good exercise regimen. In many cases in fact I would consider some of their methods dangerous.
Lets get into detail so I can explain myself:
As with my experience in Georgetown — as one class was coming, another class was leaving leading to a packed locker room and difficulty navigating through check in to the studio.
When we finally got into the studio and found our bikes– surprise surprise– I am once again asses to elbows with my classmates. Many newcomers had a difficult time finding their bikes and setting them up. Many employees helped in this, but some people attempted set up themselves without assistance. Clipping into a bike if you have never done so is difficult, and so is adjusting the seat and handles. It would be nice if SoulCycle offered beginner or first timer classes, but this may cut back on how many sessions they can fill a day– so they don’t. Instead some newcomers get assistance, and some just flounder around.
Class starts off, and to no surprise the studio is extremely loud. I can’t hear much, but I can see people shouting at one another over the music, laughing, and occasionally texting. SoulCycle has a pretty strict no texting rule which it posts upon coming into the studio. I am assuming because they don’t want you to know that their workouts suck, and that you could text through them.
Once again the instructor uaed terms similar to what I had heard in Georgetown like «Be a Warrior!» and «Ride or Die!»… this is ridiculous. They use nonspecific terms of empowerment that to me just seem childish and silly.
Nothing about this workout is challenging. Music and tempo is good. They pick songs you can consciously hone into and hit the beat appropriately, however I feel and good spin class/​instructor should be in tune to this. Instructors have you out of the seat for large portions of time however you are not instructed to go up on resistance. A standing position is only challenging when resistance is added; not by adding «bike push ups». I also worry about people possibly hurting their backs doing standing runs along with pushups– and by the way this bobbing up and down does nothing for your arms. Using weights on the bikes, especially for newcomers, can be dangerous as it is easy to hyperflex your back if your core is not stable.
The work out is not hard– it’s just hot. The studio isn’t vented, and is either heated or just left to get hot. Because of this you tend to sweat a lot. As mentioned by others; this only gives the illusion of a good work out however sweating is not a barometer of exertion. Sweating means you are hot and giving up water, or an area is humid and you are precipitating that humidity much like a cold glass of water on a hot day. You are precipitating your classmates sweat essentially.
I am not a fan of the co-​ed locker rooms. Call me old fashion but if I planned on showering/​using the restroom/​changing my clothes I am definitely not going to perform any of these activities in the presence of men. No offense to the opositte sex; I just don’t like being sweaty and disgusting, then raising my arms to change my top or dropping trough to change out of bike shorts. I have never been comfortable using a restroom around men, nor do I want to be. Anyway, this goes back to SoulCycle’s over optimization of space. Not only are classes stacked on top of one another for highest profit turn over, but they only provide one locker room. Also, some people seem very impressed that SoulCycle provides things like Q-​tips and deodorant, but I honestly expect that at any premium club gym or health club.
Athlete, Legend, Warrior, Renegade, Rockstar … Let’s just list lots of strong, cool words and that really apply to no one.
As a competitive athlete and washed up D1 college swimmer I take my workout’s very seriously, and I really put time aside no matter what for physical fitness. I don’t like this place. I can’t give something fitness related one star since I am just happy people are willing to go out and try to get in shape, however this just isn’t for me.

Love this place!!!
If you’re looking for a modern, trendy, intense but FUN workout vibe with a diverse group of strangers, this is the place for you!
Book & reserve your bike in advance & pay online for your shoes to avoid any hassle.
I wish the place was bigger because it gets kind of hectic in between class changes, which sometimes deters me from arriving early.
Nevertheless, the bathrooms are fully stocked for everything you need from shampoo, to hair ties
I’ve only gone to Wayne’s classes. His music gets me hype every time!

I definitely see what all the Soul Cycle hype is about. I do cycling at my regular gym and so it’s really all u have to compare it to. It is definitely a full experience. From the check in, to the sales area, to the locker room (thats co-​ed), to the shower area… very clean, organized, and accommodating!
I came with a friend so we had a great experience together for the 45 minute class. We sat on the elevated back row.
The class was very fast paced, loud, and sweat-​inducing. I wouldn’t mind going again.
The workers were very friendly and helpful. The cycling instructor was energetic and helpful with bike set-​up.

My two cents: the big tradeoff, and one which I’ve not seen much emphasis on here, is that you’re trading physical health for hearing.
If you’re the kind of person who needs to drown out the strain from a hardcore cardio session with loud music, then that’s fine, you’re actively deciding to make that trade. Odds are pretty good that earplugs won’t work for you because you’ll just start feeling the burn once you plug the noise out.
If you’re the kind of person who does *not* need to drown out the strain from a hardcore cardio session with loud music, then you probably don’t need to pay for SoulCycle anyway. Any cardio will work for you, so save yourself the $ 30 per session. Your gym might actually have their own spin class that, while not as varied and loud as SoulCycle, will easily get the job done for you.
I just don’t see the justification in the fee. If you value your hearing, you probably won’t get as much physical value from SoulCycle as you will from other group cardio classes which are decidedly quieter.
Maybe I’m just weird.

LOVE! Dear, SoulCycle, please come to Richmond, VA!
This place is amazing, even if you have never been on a cycling bike before, bite the bullet pay the $$$ and take this class. You won’t regret it!!!
From the moment you walk through the door, you instantly feel the energy. It is bright, busy, YELLOW, and there is this energy that is inspiring. Sign-​in, grab your shoes, and definitely grab a water you will be breaking a sweat! If you are new, get there a few minutes early because it gets packed, especially the change between classes, it can be very very overwhelming with what feels like a thousand sweaty bodies everywhere. But once you get in the room that feeling goes away.
Find your bike, get the bike set up by one of the very knowledgeable staff members who are positive, nice, and very helpful! Once the ride starts you completely loose yourself in the music. They are constantly changing the mood of the room with the music, the lights, the candles, the environment is incredible!
Before you know your class is coming to an end and you find yourself kind of sad because you are definitely not ready to be done yet!
If you couldn’t already tell, I will definitely be making that drive to DC to take another class ASAP!

Was convinced by a friend to drive through some snow from Columbia, MD to west end to try soul cycle. Needless to say it was worth it!!! I signed up for my first class online, only took a minute to get checked in. They didn’t charge me for shoes, because it was my first time.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted with cheerful smiles. The facility was so clean and smelled great, considering the fact that everybody walks out of class drenched with sweat. They facility provides towels, shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash, hair dryers, hair ties, feminine products, everything you may need except for an extra pair of clothes.
Each class is about 45 mins long with one instructor. The instructor during my session was DJ, he was awesome! He was so energetic and encouraging throughout the session, you could tell he really loves what he does. A lot of the fun comes from the music and cycling to the rhythm of the beats. This class was definitely challenging, but s good cardio and overall work out. You leave feeling accomplished!
I am definitely going to try this again!

OK, I finally caved and became a Basic B**tch for a day and went to Soul Cycle. Luckily it was a free class with an alumni group. As it was my first class, I was nervous I would be lost, but the people there were super friendly and helped me set up my bike. The class itself was awesome. Lisa was our instructor and she was just a tiny ball of energy, and I totally vibed with her upbeat style. The class itself goes by super quickly, and Lisa’s music was an amazing mix of modern pop and old school!
The negatives to this studio is that it’s tiny and the locker area is super cramped and chaotic. Also, the clientele is a little younger and more basic than other studios. When I overheard one B say to her buddy «I just feel like now that Im 23 Im not young anymore», I almost lost it!

I got a bunch of classes to try SoulCycle out and I’m a huge fan. Okay, yes, sometimes it can get very «empower yourself and find your soul and you can climb a mountain.» But I am a person who digs that.
Can I afford SoulCycle on the reg? Absolutely not ($ 25 – 30 a ride). But when I do go, I always walk out feeling like I’m going to run a marathon (but I can’t. I can only run a few miles). I love Tiffany, but she really kills my abs. But, I’m going to say my favorite instructor is Wayne! He plays dope music and he really focuses on getting a great cardio workout in and building up your endurance.
If you want to feel a little trendy, have a kick-​ass workout, and listen to great pump-​up music while you’re doing these things. Go to SoulCycle. Just once. Just try it. You’ll wanna keep going.

So the plan was for me to test out Soul Cycle with about 20+ girls in my social group. I went and got there within the 10 grace period (thanks public transportation) and they would not let me in. She kept asking if I wanted to stay for the next class. No thanks. I’m not waiting around for another class to start when I made the grace period for this one. I’ll just leave a review. Needless to say I will tell my social group SoulCycle is not for us (cause we are late humans) and we can take our business elsewhere. Deleting this app now. Never gonna use it. I’ve been to several spin classes and it’s not that serious.

SoulCycle is one of my favorite workouts, and I now attend weekly (or 2x if my wallet can handle it)! The 45 min (or 60 min Soul Survivor) classes go by so quickly since you have great music and a bunch of other people who are just as motivated as you are to get a workout in.
For first time riders, I suggest going during off-​peak hours (or go with a friend who has been before). The scene can be intimidating for the mad rush in the early morning and after-​work. Other things to note:
— You can call to schedule your first class (I think it’s $ 20?) Sign ups for the week open up Monday @ noon. Cancellation is 5pm the day before, but I’ve called to cancel before when I was sick and got my credit back.
— When you book, you’ll have to specify a bike. Just because you’re new doesn’t mean you have to be in the back! I like the 2^nd row and sidebar — you can still see the mirror without feeling squished in.
— Show up to your first class early! You’ll have to sign a waiver and the front desk staff will show you around (just ask for a mini tour)
— If you don’t have spin shoes already, renting them will cost $ 3. Water is also available for purchase. They also have water fountains for reuseable bottles.
— They have complimentary ear plugs, hair ties, and gum at the front desk. I always grab ear plugs… I look uncool but don’t want to end up deaf in 10 years, ha!
— Lockers are available free of charge. The newer studios have USB ports in them to charge your phone. WEND does not have USB ports.
— The bathrooms also have showers, which are loaded with everything you’d want and more (towels, shampoo/​conditioner/​body wash/​face wash/​razors/​q-​tips, etc.)
— When you walk in the studio, flag down a staff member. They will help you set up your bike!
— Clip in… and most importantly have fun!
I like the other studios better than this one (MTVN, GTWN, 14^th). This is the original DC studio, so it’s a bit worn down, and it’s small! Rush hour classes here are hard to get in/​out of since the locker area is tiny. The studio itself also seems smaller. I’ve had negative interactions with the staff here as well (I get that you’re busy, but that doesn’t mean you have rude to me). Docking a star for the overall experience.
Wayne, Michelle, and Kathleen are my favorite instructors here. Keep an eye out for the themed classes — they’re extra fun!
The iOS app makes classes easy to book, I would suggest checking it out.

Oh SoulCycle… Glorious SoulCycle…
The place where fat runs in fear at the mention of your name… Oh how I love thee…
So… My girlfriend invited me to try out this place. It was my first time. I’m pretty in shape… I do spin, Bikram, and run on a weekly basis. But this workout was like nothing I’ve every been through.
I walked in and it was pretty busy. Girls and guys trying to grab a locker and change, but that’s to be expected. We check in and then wait in line. They also let us know someone would be there to help us set up our bikes if need be. Our instructors name was Wayne. After a few minutes class begun.
The lights went down, but the turn up started right for the warm up! The music was amazing. It’s like workout trap music. It’s really loud, which is right up my alley. Like I was literally dancing on the bike. Wayne made sure to keep the whole class motivated. Getting off an on the bike to get us hype and push us which was great for me!
Make sure you get here early if you’re driving. It can get a little tricky in the evening.
Highly recommended!

Had a really fun first ride! For new members they are so absolutely sweet and helpful. When you sign up online for your first class, they send you an email to prepare yourself since it can be a very overwhelming experience– especially with so many regulars! The email told me to arrive 15 min early and how to dress. When I got there I was immediately greeted at the door, like literally. I think the ratio of staff to rider is 1:1. I was helped with picking out shoes, towels, how to adjust my bike, lockers, etc. Also– huge win. They have free granola bars with inspirational quotes, free earplugs if music is too loud, and hair ties. I got a welcome letter that came with a free next spin class if I came back within 14 days. Uhm duh. Each class is like $ 30– of course I’m going to use this free pass.
Now onto the class part. 45 minutes. It was all dark and there were these no joke amazing soul cycle specific made (not even kidding) candles that smelled amazeballs. The class was difficult and but there was amazing music that helped distract me.
The only cons– 1. it’s so expensive, it’s hard to justify the cost 2. I couldn’t really understand my instructor because maybe she was mumbling or the microphone was only so so 3. Helloooo why weren’t the fans on?! 4. I had no idea how to do these weird push-​ups on the handlebars WHILE cycling– not entirely their fault, but a tutorial would’ve been nice (I mean they do have one, its a special class called soul cycle 101– but it’s not offered all the time and I didn’t realize I’d need it, I assumed it was for idiots who’ve never been to a slim class before)
Ok. End rant. Definitely check it out, even if it’s just once to see what the hype is all about.

If you had asked me to review SC after my first class I probably wouldn’t even have given them one star. I didn’t find the front desk people very friendly, I was turned off by the co-​ed changing area, and I thought the space was WAY too small for the amount of people that frequent every class. The class itself was hard, but I was pretty much lost the entire time, despite the fact that I have been spinning pretty much my whole life…
I don’t really know what compelled me to try it again, this time in NYC, but slowly but surely I started to see why people are so obsessed with it. No matter what studio you go to, the quality of the instructors is solid and each workout is different and intense. I think that’s what I’ve hated most about other spinning studios — the experience is so dependent on the instructors. But at SC, you get consistently good workouts no matter what.
And once you get the rhythm of the choreography the intensity of the workout duplicates. Suddenly you’re pushing yourself harder than you normally would to keep up with the beat.
So, yes, they are expensive, and cultish, and I still think the front desk people are hit or miss… but it’s probably the best spinning class I’ve ever taken (though Zengo is a close second — same level of workout minus the attitude).
I’d also like to add that Megan is great for beginners.

This review is WAY overdue, but here we go:
To preface, I was participating in indoor cycling classes about 2 – 3 times a week at my local gym. Cycling classes weren’t new to me, but I had not experienced SoulCycle’s style and clipless pedals.
In June, I was in D.C. for an event and wanted to try out the popular «cultish fitness experience,» SoulCycle. I booked a 4:30 p.m. class but had issues with the train and arrived late. The front desk associate was super accommodating and booked me for the next class at 5:30 p.m. with Abby. Awesome! Bonus: It was a Taylor Swift x Calvin Harris theme ride which was on a waitlist online. She handed me my shoes, gave me my seat number, and informed me that when it’s time, she will help me set up my bike.
With an hour to kill, I checked out the facility which was very attractive and clean. The atmosphere and smell of grapefruit sucks you in. I could hear the booming music from the class and was anxious to hop on my bike.
Suddenly around 5:15 p.m., there was a mad rush. Sweaty, modelesque men and women leaving the spin room and more rushing from outside to sign in. Everyone was dressed head to toe in the latest SoulCycle, Lululemon, Adidas and/​or Nike gear (I don’t blame them. I indulge in the same brands as well!) and their Prada and Louis Vuitton gym bags. There was a lack of diversity in this particular class, though I’m not sure of others.
After the staff resets the spin room, we all pile inside. I find my spot and the front desk associate helps me adjust the bike. I appreciated her help, but it felt rushed and there was lack of guidance to give me enough information to set up my bike next time (but that’s what YouTube is for, right?). Abby walks in, the lights turn off with the exception of the candles and one bright light behind the instructor bike. It’s time to work!
The class itself is like a party. It’s a full body workout that added a level of intensity to cycling that I hadn’t experienced before and in an amazing way. The music was great, Abby was dynamic (though, at times, difficult understand under the music) and I could feel the energy in the room. Or maybe it was the lack of air flow? I wasn’t expecting the room to be so hot and there were moments I felt I may keel over from dehydration, but I took consistent swigs of water and pushed myself through the rest of class.
Unfortunately, I did notice a girl in a row ahead of me whose seat collapsed during a standing climb. She raised her hand to get Abby’s attention but Abby seemed to focus more on the front row and didn’t notice. The girl never clipped out to adjust her seat. She sat so uncomfortably low during the rest of class that it wasn’t a matter of inconvenience, it was then a safety issue.
I noticed my neck and upper back were beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable half way through the class. New exercises can cause a little discomfort as you work new muscles and settle into the correct position, and at the time, I chalked it up to that. Later, I realized it was likely how my bike was set up.
I also had issues unclipping my shoes toward the end. The associate explained how to get in, but not out. Ha! I politely asked my neighbor to explain how to unclip. She wasn’t amused, but was helpful considering I contemplated taking my feet out of the shoes and leaving them on the bike.
All in all, despite its faults, I left the class feeling accomplished. I didn’t know what to expect and, for the most part, I was pleased. The energy was wonderful, I had a good workout and left sweating. With some adjustments, I’m sure my next experience will be significantly better.
Lastly, I found a studio in my city which offers a full body, cardio workout similar to SoulCycle, so I’ve come a long way. AND it has inspired me to work towards my certification to teach classes! Woop! Honestly, had I not experienced this class, I wouldn’t have explored a newfound passion for cycling.

I’m actually a little upset this was my first time doing a spin class because now the bar is set so sigh!
Came here last night with some buddies after trying to coordinate a group activity and while I was a little apprehensive about doing a spin class with a bunch of bros, I’m extremely glad we pulled the trigger.
— Tips —
— You have to create an account online first before making a reservation, and the create account button is on top right corner of site.
— $ 20/​first time & $ 30 thereafter — while a little steep I can definitely see this being worth going as an occasional change of pace in your weekly work out routine.
— Great for all skill sets! Saw a few people sitting on their bikes mid set to catch their breath and no one said anything.
— If you’re a first timer, make sure you get there early so the staff can get you situated/​show you how to clip/​unclip your feet on the bike.
Awesome instructors. Great vibes. Perfect play list (better than any club I’ve been to). Hats off, SoulCyle!

Fun first cycle class!
Classes are pricey– first class $ 20. $ 30/​class after that.
Tips:
1) The music is really really loud – it’s like you are in a club. You might even want to grab a pair of ear plugs at the front counter if you have more sensitive ears. But wearing earplugs might kill the vibe.
2) Bring your own water bottle so you can fill up at their filtered water stations-you’ll need it. Or else it costs $ 2 to purchase a smart water.
3) Get there early, teacher will come around and help you snap your shoes to the bike. Even though there were over 50+ people in the tiny room, I was relieved that the teachers managed to come around and help me adjust my bike & snap my shoes.
4) Really try to concentrate on the beat of the music while cycling. If you have a preference on a type of music, maybe check the schedule and see what type of music will be playing. I noticed this week they had a florence and the machine vs. ellie golding — I would have gone to that class.
5) Was it just me or did everyone had a hard time hearing the teacher. The music was incredibly loud and sometimes I couldn’t hear what the instructor wanted us to do over the music. I was in the second row.
6) There are mini weights attached to the rack of each bike. I thought the weights magically appeared and then I noticed that the girl in front of me had grabbed her weights from behind her seat.
7) The bikes are really close together! Maybe 1 foot of space between all the bikes. Just enough so you don’t hit each other. It also means if someone is in front of you and farts, you will smell it.

I was really excited to give Soul Cycle a try. I had heard so many fantastic things about it from my friends.
The studio is really nice. Everything is clean and very pristine. There isn’t enough space by the lockers or in the showers so things get very crowded and uncomfortable between classes.
The staff were all friendly and helpful. There were many people staffed to help with sign in and bike adjustments. They also wipe down bikes between classes, which is an added luxury.
The décor and overall vibe of the studio is that we are capable of so much if we just push ourselves. It’s a great mind-​body connection that many spin places have. And I like how deliberate and purposeful this one was.
My biggest issue with the studio was the sound. Definitely use ear plugs here if you’re going to go. The music was absurdly loud, so much so that I started to get a headache during class. The speakers were right about the bikes and just unbearable. And because it was so loud, I couldn’t hear the instructions of what to do because of how the bikes are configured. If you’re not in the front row, it is very hard to visually follow the cues. And you’re not supposed to go front row unless you are a Soul Cycle veteran and will be following the cues carefully.
It was exciting to give it a try, but I don’t think this place is for me.

I’ve been to SoulCycle twice, spaced a year or so apart, both free classes. I can’t justify spending their $ 30/​class when there are better spin studios around like Zengo and RideDC with classes that are $ 22 or below (still expensive).
Soul Cycle sells their brand name and a ‘high end’ experience, but most recently, I thought it was pretty run of the mill standard. They do what every spin studio does better them them now — dark room, pump up music, muscular instructors, hand weights. People working the front desk and staff aren’t particularly friendly.

I went to my 1^st Soul Cycle class on 7÷3÷15.
In full disclosure, I am a part time spin instructor and it may be hard for me to love Soul Cycle because it goes against how both Schwinn and Kaiser trains their instructors. I understand now why Soul Cycle requires their teachers to only teach at their studios. In a Soul Cycle class, you spend the majority of your time performing moves in a standing position including, but limited to doing pushups and using weights while spinning. You also stretch at the end of class in yoga type postures while standing on the bikes. In a more traditional class, you will have you more time seated than in a Soul Cycle class and although jumps and standing runs are performed in more traditional class you do it without pushups. It is also a «no-​no» in more traditional class to stretch while on the bikes (unless you’re stretching your upper body only). The rationale for a more traditional class format is it prevents people from injuring themselves by using the bikes to overextend.
I am going to start with why I am not rating Soul Cycle higher and then explain what I liked about my experience.
The studio space for both changing, storing and where you take the class is very small. Most of Soul Cycle classes overlap so the co-​ed locker space can get very crowded, when the classes are transitioning.
The studio does not have a proper locker room. It has 2 bathroom stalls and 2 showers. It appears Soul Cycle fills most of their classes (with primarily women) which can hold up to (or at least it looked like) up to 30 people (now think about even half of that number sharing 2 bathrooms and 2 showers).
The air quality in the studio with the bikes is not sufficient. The cycling studio has 1 small fan mounted on the corner of the ceiling to cool down a room that can hold up to 30 people. A hot cycling studio does make you sweat more but don’t confuse with sweating profusely with working hard. Sweat is only indicator of how much water you’re losing, not how hard you are working. I have seen people perform extreme weight lifting with barely breaking a sweat.
If you go to a Soul Cycle class drink plenty of water before, during and after the class to prevent dehydration.
It is a nice feature of the studio that they offer you bottled water, towels and shoes (free for your 1^st class) and I loved the fact that lockers in the co-​ed locker space did not require you to bring a lock.
Soul Cycle is also kept very clean and the colors of the clothing and merchandise make it feel very warm and welcoming.
The front staff although most of them look like Abercrombie and Fitch models are extremely professional and polite. The sign in process was very easy.
I also have to comment on how well staffed Soul Cycle is. They’re a number of the staff members along with the instructor who spend time helping people with bike set up. It also looked like they were trained to wait a couple minutes after the class starts to make sure everyone is set up correctly on the bikes.
The sufficient amount of staff also extends to end of class. I saw a number of staff right after class come into the studio and wipe down the bikes. In the majority of gyms, I have been to you have to remind and ask people to wipe down their bikes, having the staff at Soul Cycle make sure this is being done is a huge positive.
I also thought our instructor’s energy and choice of music was good to excellent. She was able to keep her moves almost exactly to the tempo of the songs (which I can speak from experience is not easy to do).
In a nutshell, Soul Cycle is not for me because I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to indoor cycling. However the amount of people Soul Cycle has gotten exercising is impressive and if they’re method of teaching gets you motivated I would rather see that then people not exercising at all.

I have been coming to Soul Cycle at least once or twice a week since February and I absolutely love it!
The front desk staff is incredibly efficient and helpful and manages to get what seems like an impossibly large crowd checked in and into their bikes pretty seamlessly. Additionally considering how many sweaty people in and out each day the place is spotlessly clean and even smells fresh.
All the instructors are phenomenal and motivating but I am particularly a big fan of Megan and Wayne.
The only time I was even slightly disappointed was last week where I took a Rihanna Vs. Drake class with Abby. She was fabulous but she only played maybe three Rihanna remixes and only one (!) Drake song. A little disappointing since I was really looking forward to that class! Play the artists that are advertised!

A huge fan of taking classes at Soul — especially this location. It’s very busy and the class schedule is always packed with good classes. The gym is always clean and looks as if it were brand new. There are lockers available and bathrooms with showers. The front of the gym has a sign in location where you can also purchase Soul Cycle gear. They have smart water for sale and they also have a place where you can fill your water bottle.
The classes are really fast paced and focused on the music. The instructors all have a great workout planned — lots of hills and lots of arm workouts too. I never leave without feeling like I’ve had a good workout.
The classes are a bit steep at $ 30 a pop, but it’s definitely worth it if you need that high energy experience.
I appreciate the open community feel at Soul. Other gyms have made me feel left out or not part of the crowd, while at Soul it’s definitely different. I find that I’m able to enjoy my workout without feeling like people are judging me. It’s really a warming, welcoming community.

Hype can be fun sometimes. $ 30 for a spin class in the dark, with really loud music is what you’re paying for.
Does this sound like fun/​a good use of your cash? Do you like peer pressure to have fun?
Think of it like a Bikram Yoga class but way more trendy and definitely more cultish.
This ultra-​specialization, «we’re different from all others» attitude is what is killing the yoga world, so take the hint SoulCycle, you’re not that special. Sorry, but your inspirational quotes didn’t inspire. Sorry not sorry.

Wow, definitely interesting to say the least. I can see how SoulCycle can be, or already is, a cult. It was my first time working out in the dark, watching the instructor in the front on a podium with a laptop next to her, shouting orders into a mic and swinging arms to control the music like a DJ. Oh, not to mention the portable lights strategically placed in the four corners on the podium that added even more a mystery feel to the room.
The workout itself was a blast, challenging but fun. The music was loud so you can work up a sweat and run out of breath and your neighbor won’t hear you. It’s also dark in there so you can focus on your own workout. At various times the teacher also told us to close our eyes and just go at it. The 45 minutes definitely can push you to the edge, granted you follow the instructions and keep adding the resistance. I also liked that we used weights towards the end to work on our arms. All in all, a pleasant experience, but the classes do cost a bit and I don’t see myself coming back regularly.

I’m a pretty devoted road cyclist but also enjoy a good spin class, especially on a gross winter’s day, when being in a sweaty room actually sounds like a treat.
I need to give SoulCycle big props for their customer service. My class was actually free and had been given to me from a Sweetgreen promo back in Sept. The month it also expired. Seeing as how I just took my class on March 1^st they are clearly great at prioritizing customer satisfaction (and let me reschedule said class about five times).
With that said, I really disliked the SoulCycle experience. First off when you arrive there are a million people (real number in the 40’s) crammed into an awkwardly small space that spanned both the reception and locker room area. The locker room is also a co-​ed space with very small bathrooms given the size of the classes, so I’d advise that you change ahead of time.
When the class was finally opened up it was a little challenging find my (pre-​assigned) bike in the dark space. Again the staff was helpful in making sure us first-​timers were well set-​up on our bikes (between the clips and the weights SC set up is a little different from other gyms). The actual class was entertaining but not really cycle focused. We spent almost the entirety of the ride out of the saddle and 80% of the instruction was about pulsing our upper bodies up and down, very little on resistance or speed. I can respect this «choose your own style», but when it’s combined with «and yank your torso aggressively» I’m worried that the class sets people up for serious back issues — I know a few friends who have really injured themselves with these moves as bikes aren’t really designed for that kind of upper body workout. The weights portion I did enjoy and that seemed perfectly safe.
Long review short, while SoulCycle is a great brand it’s not the kind of workout I really need to go back for.

We may not have SoulCycle in Chicago (coming soon!), but I consider myself an expert. In fact, if there’s a SoulCycle in any city I happen to visiting I make it a mission to get there. Even at 6am! Fortunately, during this week’s trip to DC my work schedule allowed me to take a late® class at 7am with Abby.
I think SoulCycle does an incredible job of finding energetic and inspiring instructors, but Abby may be the best around. I wasn’t so sure about her at first since she started off the class by lecturing us to stay off our phones. I may spend way too much time on my phone, but find it hard to believe people can text, talk, etc during a SoulCycle class! If they can manage that they deserve to be on their phones.
Once class started I became a fan of Abby. It was an incredible workout yet fun! Her energy was amazing, her tunes were even better & I felt like I knew exactly what I needed to do at all times. Forty-​five minutes later I was exhausted, but bummed the dance party on a bike was over.
Like all Soul Cycles you spin, find your lockers & get changed in very close quarters. If they are going to charge $ 30/​bike you’d think they could rent some bigger space. I rubbed shoulders with a very sweaty man on my way out (gross), but well worth it for a workout with Abby. It appears I’m not the only Abby fan so be sure to book her classes when the booking window opens right at Monday at noon! I promise she’s worth waking up early and 30 buckeroos.

I’m all for trying new workouts in DC (and there sure are a lot of them to try). So when I saw that a SoulCycle was opening up across the street from my office, it was inevitable that I would give it a spin. I signed up for a class on Sunday and was super excited to check out the hot workout that all the celebs are doing (apparently).
SoulCycle isn’t just selling a spinning class. They’re selling a brand. For me there was just too much going on. The candles in front of the instructor and the dark studio and the loud music and the cues to «find your soul» etc. was a little too much for me.
You’re gonna sweat. A lot. Like you will at any other spinning class. It is a great workout (like any spinning class will be). I didn’t find riding with the «pack» to really push me harder. It stressed me out when my pedaling wasn’t on pace with the regulars in the front row.
SoulCycle is a good cardio workout. But for me it’s not worth the price. I don’t feel like I need to pay extra to workout at a brand name studio when I can get just as good or better workout with a trainer at a basic studio.

I am a fan.
My first SoulCycle experience was here in DC, with Kathleen as our instructor. I had no idea what to expect, especially because this was also my first spin class.
We reserved bikes online, down to where we were sitting in the room, and upon check in, we initialed, signed waivers, and received instructions. Water is $ 2, first shoe rentals are free, and after your first visit, shoe rentals are $ 3. There are lockers with a 4-​digit code system, so you don’t need to bring a lock. They provide towels for you — they’re already on the seat of your bicycle.
When you enter the studio, the bicycles feel a little close together, but they said that’s how we feed off of each other’s energy. Someone came to adjust our bikes to our height, and then they helped us clip in to the pedals with our shoes (some people brought their own cycling shoes to clip in).
The room gets dark, and then dance music floods the room. Kathleen faced us on a cycle up front, super energetic, encouraging, and fun. The music was fast paced and easy to ride to. Right at the beginning, Kathleen made it clear that if you needed a break for water or to sit on the seat of your cycle, take it, because she wasn’t going to stop.
At times, she walked around the room to give a little personal attention and to push us. She danced, she sang along to the music, and she pushed people to go harder. I really enjoyed her class.
Toward end, we used weights to work arms while still cycling. Not easy if you’re still figuring out how to be comfortable on a bicycling seat, but doable. You absolutely need water, and you will definitely sweat.
At the end, Kathleen finished with a stretch series that felt really good. Everyone in the studio was really friendly and supportive. I would definitely take another class when I come to town.

SoulCycle’s motto is «find your soul» and their promise is that you can do anything. Started in NYC, SoulCycle has exploded since its launch and developed a cult following. In August, SoulCycle opened its first location in West End. Tonight, I was able to try this pedal power workout.
Signing in, shoes were given as well as a bike seat assignment. Lockers were quickly filled and a queue for the restroom formed faster than lunch hour at a food truck. Even when the doors to the studio opened and folks filed in to find their bikes, folks waited for an instructor to help adjust their bike seats and handlebars. Most of us were newcomers to SoulCycle. However, friendly faces and helpful instruction allowed everyone to comfortably get on their bikes and our instructor, Garrett, began the class.
Lights dimmed and that’s when I noticed the flickering candles in front of Garrett’s bike. The music pumped us up as we began pedaling. Garrett started fairly slow at the lowest resistance, gradually building us up as the tempo steadily increased. Each song welcomed a new challenge. We soon increased our resistance and began doing pushups as we pedaled faster. About 20 minutes later, we switched to an upper-​body toning routine with light hand weights. Up and down, punch, punch. 45 minutes later (even though it felt like 15), we were stretching out our sore muscles.
I’ve tried a spinning class before, but SoulCycle is beyond just a spin class. It’s about letting the rhythm push you. High-​energy, this is a full body workout. You will sweat. You will ache tomorrow. But you will have also changed the way you perceive workouts.
Inspirational instructors, modern spaces, fast-​paced playlist, and a full-​body, cardio workout. Welcome to DC, SoulCycle!