SoulCycle is a marriage between a cycling boutique, rave, house or hip hop dance party and weight training class. With a cult-ish following, tons of DC residents have been flooding the cycling studio to find out what all the hype is about. I have personally spotted our first lady, Michelle Obama and other local DC celebs tapping into their soul here in DC and have heard Kelly Ripa rave about SoulCycle countless times. This class promises to burn over 900 calories in one session. Sweating is an understatement for these soul sisters (and brothers). Upon entering the SoulCycle studio, a fresh aroma of grapefruit fills your olfactory senses. The light is brighter than the sun. The staff are very attentive and cheerful. I totally understand why this place may be “cultish”.
I filled out the liability waiver, rented a pair of “clip ins” and claimed my bike. My instructor was Megan Kelly, a pretty and amazingly toned woman with electrifying and contagiously positive energy. As the ride began, the music gradually became more energetic. Megan gave the crowd a sort of fitness/soul affirmation sermon. I definitely felt like I was in the right place of worship! I was inspired more at this moment than I had been at any other fitness studios I had ever visited, especially more than at any other cycling/spinning class. Love at first spin was setting in.
What is SoulCycle? SoulCycle is spinning with handle bar push-ups, crunches, and side-to-side (oblique) dips on the bike while the energy is kept high by receiving little pep during the course of the ride. The class is intense at times, but easily modifiable. There is a weighted arm sequence (on the bikes) towards the end of the class. Mini dumbbells are used to workout the upper body with lots of little, isolated movements reminiscent of barre classes.
The juice: I have drank the SoulCycle Kool-Aid and I am truly addicted. However, at $30 a class, I will be taking SoulCycle only as a “weekly supplement” to my already established fitness routine. First time riders at SoulCycle get a class for $20, which includes bike + shoes. After that, individual class: $30 Shoe rental – $3 (frequent riders usually bring their own). Riders are encouraged to bring their own water-bottles. If you forget, they have some for purchase. Regular water – $2 / Large water – $3
SoulCycle is located at 2301 M Street NW, Washington DC 20037. To learn more about SoulCycle DC, to find all other SoulCycle locations or to register for classes, click HERE.
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