OyChicago blog

SoulCycle, the New York-based spin chain, recently opened a studio in D.C., where I live. For months, all I had been hearing from friends in other cities was how awesome SoulCycle was and how it was “so great” etc., etc., and frankly I was getting sick of it. I needed to try a class out for myself.

I should preface this by saying that I have taken multiple other classes and haven’t liked a single one. I tried core fitness in college and couldn’t walk; I tried kickboxing with a friend and kicked her straight in the face. I even tried yoga with my mom and couldn’t breathe. So my skepticism about SoulCycle was in full form before I even tried the class.

The SoulCycle locker room was white and clean despite the sweaty masses of girls pouring out. Other girls in yellow tank tops were abundantly available to help new riders, like myself, work our lockers and bike set up. I had gotten there 20 minutes early so I had ample time to survey the rest of the clientele.

There they were in their fancy brand name leggings and here I was upset that I was even in leggings. (Sofie shorts have been my work out attire since the tenth grade.) I scoffed at them, my skepticism of the $30 class growing alongside my nerves right up until 7:30.

Forty-five minutes later I walked out of the studio and knew that I couldn’t just go to one class. SoulCycle might have been the best workout I’d had since my high school soccer coach made me run suicides, and it was definitely the most enjoyable workout I had had, well, since ever.

Three months later I’ve become a SoulCycle enthusiast. As much as I would like to become a five-day-a-week junkie, I’ve had to control myself because while you might find your soul here, you’re definitely losing your cash. Here lies the downside to this fitness regime, unless you want to eat Eggo waffles for dinner (which I occasionally do). You need to draw the line on how much you’re willing to spend on this costly class.

I may as well be their spokeswoman when I tell you that you really need to try it out for yourself. As trivial as it may seem that I’m pushing for a spin class, ever since I started I have wanted to become healthier and exercise more. I’ve even started to occasionally eat salad. Salad!

Enticed? You’re in luck – SoulCycle comes to Chicago this winter.