SoulCycle

Took advantage of a two-​week promo my work was offering, and am now officially hooked! The front desk staff are incredibly helpful over the phone and in person when you arrive — one of my classes had some music issues, and they ending up crediting everyone’s account with a free class to make up for it. Too kind, thank you 77^th!

I went today for the first time ever (never took a spin class before either) and instantly became obsessed. They were extremely helpful in all aspects of my first workout there. The front desk people helped me out with sign in and let me know about how to book bikes for other classes. Once I got into the studio, the instructor (Lori) and two front desk staff helped with setting up bikes and answered any questions. I was the only first timer during my class, and Lori made me feel super comfortable and kept encouraging me throughout the workout. It is definitely hard your first ten minutes (I didn’t think I would make it), but once you get going and focus on the exercise, you are truly in shock when the class is over! It is so upbeat and fun that it makes you want to keep on going through the entire 45 minutes. I really loved this place and really wish it wasn’t $ 34 a class or I’d be here every week!

I have been wanting to try SoulCycle for years to see what all the hype is about. I finally had to the chance to try it through a free class offered by Lululemon on a Sunday at 5pm.
Many times I have walked by the 77^th & Amsterdam location and I expected it to be spacious and luxurious once inside. Not the case. There was a small queue to check in and I was asked to sign the first timers waiver form. Although I was about 15 minutes early and no class was scheduled before it was crowded. There are not many lockers available and it is tight quarters especially when there are back to back classes.
I entered the studio a few minutes before class started to set up my bike and there was one person around if necessary to help adjust your bike, though it did seem like mostly regulars in the class. This particular ride was Miley Cyrus vs. Nicki Minaj and I found the instructor Ryan to be pretty enthusiastic. My main issue with SoulCycle is the amount of bikes they pack into the studio, 61! I had the unfortunate experience of having a larger/​taller man on the bike in front of me and his rear was in my face the entire class. I would suggest trying to get a bike in the front row to avoid this issue.
Being new to SoulCycle I expected to feel a little more welcomed. There were points in the class that it was expected you would know the choreography and movements and I was lost except for being able to see what others were doing (well mainly I was seeing a giant butt)! SoulCycle is a unique experience and I am glad I had the opportunity to try it. I do not think the workout is as good as Flywheel or Peloton. Since SoulCycle lacks monitors on the bike, I had no idea how hard I was working. Would I pay $ 34 to ride again, probably not.

Great studio! I’ve been to a bunch of studios between NYC and SF, but this is the only one where the staff offered me an extended handlebar for the bike. I didn’t even know they were an option, but I’m glad I do now… it made a huge difference in my ride (I’m 6’2″). Very helpful if you’re taller.
I also like the lockers here more than most studios… USB chargers inside ‘em. There are four showers in the men’s locks room which is nice.

It’s a Friendly environment, great energy, Clean and most importantly I sweated like crazy and I had fun, I will definitely go back and bring a friend!

I have to say the first time I took class I was not hooked as the seat was uncomfortable, but there is something special about soul that I cannot find at any other traditional studio. I am always greeted by the staff so kindly and the manager Darius is a personal favorite (although he is now at the new Bryant park location). The rides are inspirational and even more fun when they are themed. The studios are very clean and it always smells great (thanks to the grapefruit candles lit in the entry). One day I walked in and they were giving away sparkling water. On your birthday they come in with a cupcake and take a sweaty picture:)
As far as the class is concerned the teachers seem to take a great pride in their jobs picking out music that flows seamlessly and pushing the class in the most inspirational way possible. I love that they do an arm sequence using light weights resting below your seat. My personal favorite is Emily L.

Finally got to try SoulCycle! My first class was with Mikki and she was awesome! So intense. Her music selection was upbeat and fun to ride to. I would highly suggest looking up the instructors beforehand and find one that matches your music taste. That will greatly influence how fun your ride is!! The class is a mix of spinning, weights and of course, «tapping it back.»
Here are my suggestions:
1. I usually ride on a Schwinn bike so the SoulCycle ones took a little getting used to. Personally, I don’t think it’s as comfortable but I got over that once the class kicked off.
2. The rental shoes were also damp and very worn out. I’d recommend trying a size smaller if the shoe has stretched out a lot.
3. I also wish this was more affordable. At least have the first class be free? Not sure if they have any discounts or group packages.
Overall, loved it. Even though the price is steep it’s a great workout and so fun!!! Hope to be back :)

I enjoy SoulCycle, but be warned — no showers at this location!
The fact that there are no showers should be clear on the reservation page for this location. This did cause an issue for my friend and I, as we had to be somewhere after our class and ended up going to my friend’s apartment to shower. Not cool.
Most of the studios have space /​cramping issues in the locker area, but this was also the worst. The lockers are lined up around the perimeter of the walking space to get to the studio itself, so it was impossible to navigate without bumping into everyone along the way.
Lastly, they no longer offer free water to make up for the lack of showers.
All of the above means this: One workout here and I have zero desire to go back.
I get they were eager to expand but for the price you pay, this studio is too lacking in accommodations. Really, one major accommodation. Perhaps this spot is geared towards people who live in the area and thus do not need a shower.

I’m sorry, but I am not drinking the Kool Aid on this one. Soul Cycle was a good work out and all, but not for $ 35 per class. You can get a gym pass at any high end gym and take classes that are just as good (like mine at Equinox on 67^th and Columbus). You sweat like a banshee in this class because they do not even turn on a fan and you are in a hot box with a bunch of other people eating up all of the oxygen. It’s like doing Bikram Cycling. Don’t get me wrong, if it were less expensive I would be all about it, but it’s just not worth the price tag to me. Plus, I don’t need someone dancing around next to someone cycling with lights flashing to motivate me.

I LOVE SoulCycle. I’m addicted to it. But don’t come to this studio. It is the absolute worst. I’ve given it two shots now and both times were terrible. I will never go back there again and neither should you.
1) TERRIBLE STAFF. No one has ever been friendly when I went there, which is really unusual for Soul staff. I felt like I was bothering them if I approached the desk to either sign in or get water or ask a question.
— I once called to ask if I left my umbrella there last class and they said they didn’t know but I could come and check. Really? You can’t just check to see if my umbrella is there? Like you are so busy with other things.
— I also tried to go up to the front desk after class to tell them I think there was something wrong with my bike, but couldn’t get their attention. They were all too busy gabbing with each other to bother with me. I eventually got their attention by saying «excuse me» multiple times and when I told them about the bike, they were just like oh, ok thanks. AND THEN CONTINUED GABBING. There was a class immediately after mine so some poor cycler may have had to ride on that broken bike. wtf.
— After signing in before a class, I went to change and then before going into the class, realized I didn’t remember my bike number so I went back to the front desk to check the sign-​in sheet. The woman had put it away for some reason so I asked her if I could see it, and she just gave me this dirty look and asked did you not sign in? I politely told her I already signed in and just told her I needed my bike number. She rolled her eyes, asked me my name, and then looked it up on her computer instead of just handing over the sign-​in sheet that was right in front of her. Again, wtf.
2) UNSAFE BIKES. They don’t check their bikes between classes, which is normal for most soul classes at all studios, surprisingly. Anyway, my issue is that BOTH times I have gone there, there has been an issue with the bikes. The first time I went, there was an issue with the bike for the girl next to me. The second time, there was an issue with my bike. I’m sorry – if you are charging $ 34 per class, the last you could do is check the bikes between classes.
3) NO SHOWERS OR LOCKER ROOMS. Why the hell is this not on their website? Every other soul studio in NYC that I know of has showers and locker rooms. I signed up for a class here in the middle of the day and had to go back to work, only to realize there were no showers there. Thank goodness my office has showers but not all offices do, so someone else could’ve easily been screwed.
4) CRAPPY /​NOT ENOUGH LOCKERS. The lockers they have are smaller than the lockers at most other studios and don’t always fit all of your stuff. Also, several of them are broken and there aren’t enough lockers to begin with, so there are always SEVERAL people who have to leave their stuff in unlocked lockers, which is also crap for a studio that charges $ 34/​class.
5) TOO SMALL /​WAY TOO CROWDED. The studio has several bikes, but the waiting area by the lockers is way too small and can barely fit everyone so the rush before class is always awful.
6) ONLY TWO BATHROOMS AND ONE CHANGING ROOM. Again, wtf. You don’t have locker rooms for people to change in, and expect two bathrooms to be enough for 61 cyclers? Several people were late to my second class because the line was incredibly long for the bathrooms and changing rooms.
This studio is a pathetic excuse for a SoulCycle studio. I cringe just thinking about how awful both of my experiences were here. I try my best to not let it color my perception of Soul. I hope management actually reads its Unilocal reviews (as it should), and does something about it and messages me.

I really love Soul. I’ve been riding there since 2009-​ish? I have tried probably 60 instructors, but I have my favorites, a few are at W77th. The studio IS small and intimate, which is cool, but it is difficult when there is little space and no showers, etc. This is New York baby! We adapt, and the workout — mentally and physically– is so amazing, that I can deal with a little fuss and craziness between classes. Team members are very kind and professional… and it’s just one of those workouts in which you just gotta let go and have fun!

This studio changed my life. I started at Soul Cycle on the west side five years ago to slim down for my wedding and to have some fun workout time with my Step Daughter. What I continue going for today is to flush out anxiety, increase mental clarity and further the confidence that I need every day, not to mention train a strong body. It’s true, the journey is so much more than fitting into a smaller size of pants. If you are thinking about it, GO.

At first my soul cycle class felt like a click of which I wasn’t a part of. But by the end of class I was happily moving to the beat and I felt like part of the crew. I love that their class incorporates weight lifting for toned arms for a full body workout. It is expensive for 1 workout, so I joined New York Sports Club instead because you can get unlimited spin classes (though not as great of experience). Another bonus is that here they give you spin shoes.

Alright, so the reviews are true. The space is very small, but the class is still amazing! I went for my first class the other day and remembered why I used to love the cycle classes in college. When you are in class, it is dimly lit, loud music, and everything is timed to the beats. It essentially feels like dancing (very intensely) on the bike. I LOVED IT! Now if you can just make the price a bit cheaper that would be sick cuz I doubt I will be going back more than once a month due to $$.

Oh soul cycle I love you so so so much! I went today at 2pm and my work out was banging! I had the best, most fantastic time. The instructor was motivational the music was fresh and on point — she had some mash ups which ruled!!! Also I have to say the staff was awesome! Everyone was super nice and welcoming — no cooler than you attitudes, no intimidating atmosphere, just posi vibes and big smiles!
Just to recap the class was staffed with a 5 star instructor who threw down a 5 star work out.
Why the mediocre rating then?
1) omg the price– it’s completely unaffordable no matter what — 45 mins of anything in a class setting with 60 other people should not be that much over $ 20 it’s just totally unbelievable EVEN for NYC.
2) the bikes have absolutely no tech. No gear identifications, no rpms, no nothing — yes the workout was fab but I like to at least have a benchmark to track myself that’s a little more technical than a gut feeling.
3) the studio was so redic crowded and all the bikes are crammed together thisclose. At one point when we were in 3^rd the woman in front of me sat back to take a break and I accidentally touched her butt with my hand that was just in 3^rd on the handlebar — really soul cycle??? That’s how tight the bikes are! There’s no space!
Overall I will go back as much as I can — that’s how they get you I suppose! But I live far away and «as much as I can» translates to 4 or 5 times a year. If I lived in New York there is no way this would be my main studio, even though I really had the best time!

It’s expensive, I’ll give you that. There is no way I’d actually be able to afford to go here regularly if I hadn’t gotten a ton of gift cards for my birthday and christmas. Unfortunately I’m addicted now and once they run out I’m not sure what I’ll do. It’s quite the work out though and tons of fun. I love going super early, either 6:15 or 7:30 because I find it’s a good crowd of younger people heading to work. The instructors are always great and I’m always super sweaty and sore afterwards which is exactly what I want out of a work out. It’s a really nice change from my monotonous schedule of running and weights at the gym.
The room can get crowded and the bikes are close together, but hey you’re in Manhattan, it’s a crowded place, if you want more room move to the midwest.

The one that got the crazes wheels rolling. The boutique cycling studio craze that is. I had first read about soul cycle a few years ago while reading a fitness/​chick magazine — described as the spinning studio for the stars, a combination of intense physical exertion combined with components of mindfulness and acceptance, SOULCYCLE truly is the cream of the crop of such studios, however, has its weaknesses at the same time.
Riding at SC is expensive. Wicked expensive. And people will pay that amount for a short class, typically packed wall to wall with people. This particular studio allows for enough room to breathe and maybe lift your arms if your lucky. I don’t blame them however for not opening up a bigger space… as i said, people still drop pretty pennies to be crammed in the small space. Classes are truly top notch, water is provided and I’ve never had an instructor that didn’t kick my ass to kingdom come.
Clientele has somewhat shifted over the past year or so from souly lululemon mommies to GASP, non designer clad gals and men as well. I don’t live in the city so attending classes here is simply a treat to myself when I come visit for the holidays; If i ever were to move to NYC however, I’d fork out the money for EQUINOX or Sports Club LA where cycling classes are comparable and more bang for the buck.
Caveat: if i were a millionaire and lived in NYC, i’d go at least 5 times a week!

I just took Dana’s class at the UWS location on 77^th and I’m obsessed!!! Loved her class! She is energetic, cool, helpful and inspiring! Plus her playlist kicked ass! I’ll be a regular. All the staff here are super helpful and friendly as well. Thumbs up!

My go to workout while in NYC. This location is a good one. Our class was GREAT… until the last song. ONE person got up and left right before the last song and while I get it that it is a no no unless you tell the instructor before, the instructor went OFF THE HOOK. She dropped the f-​bomb twice and took what was a mild distraction for a few people and turned it into a huge distraction for the 50 other people in the room. Then, after the final song, she brought it up again. What if she was sick and was about to hurl? Should she have just done it in the studio? The point being, her tirade was way worse then the poor girl leaving.
I still love SC and would even come back to this instructor’s class. It was just sort of out of line.

There is a wide scale of differing opinions about SoulCycle. My 2 cents? Go for yourself and make your own instead of reading the reviews. Just like any other workout/​gym, to each his/​her own.
Nonetheless, here are some tips:
— $ 20 for your first class.
— Shoes & water are free. Other locations in NYC charge $ 3 for the former and $ 2 for the latter.
— No showers, just changing rooms and bathrooms.
— Lori & Emily are both incredible instructors!
— Check to see if your company offers a corporate discount. I thought that I couldn’t afford to regularly take classes until I learned that my company does — 6 classes for the price of 5!