Imagine a dimly lit room with candles aglow; a sole stationary bike atop a podium, and a single calming voice overheard. The room is dead silent, yet you can feel the energy encompassing you as you begin your 45 minute ride. As you turn your resistance knob on your bike you enter a state of euphoria, moving in unison with 67 other people in the room. These people become your pack as their energy field enters yours, and the room is united through sweat, determination, and even a couple of “yassss!” as you climb hills, race sprints, and move to choreography. The emotion is raw and every aspect of this class from the music to the mantras are meant to have you dig a little deeper, work a little harder, and find parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. For some, this is just a kick ass workout that leaves them exhausted and wanting more. For others, like myself, it is something much more spiritual, almost divine like in nature. This is SoulCycle and this is where I’ve come to find myself time and time again. And for those who choose to read on, I’m going to take you on my Soul Journey and share a bit about why I choose to return to this place of sanctuary.
I remember my first SoulCycle class like it was yesterday. I had run the 2017 NYC Marathon and was looking for a way to spend my following Monday in Manhattan. Luckily for me, my college friend Matt had recently moved to the city, and when he wasn’t busy auditioning for Broadway and various acting gigs, had recently taken up a job at SoulCycle W 41 St. He invited me to Starbucks and to take my first class, having an inkling that I too would fall fast for everything Soul related. He explained to me that Soul is deeply rooted in intention and that every class should be more than merely “working out”. Although the class is physically demanding and downright exhausting at times, the real take away from class is the work that happens internally through the 45 minutes of guided practice. Each class is a journey in itself and the structure is meant to push you physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The lighting is dimmed for a reason, music is chosen to enhance choreography, and the bikes are set up in a “U” like formation so that you are encompassed by the vibes of your neighbors and locked in, head on with your instructor. I was unsure of what to expect, but as a former fitness instructor in college who had taught spin for a year, I knew that I at least would enjoy my workout at bare minimum, even if the “feely-vibes” didn’t speak to me the way they spoke to Matt.
I remember being excited, yet a little nervous to start class, unversed in the movements and general flow. Sure, my “tap-backs” from the front of my handlebar to the back of my seat were shaky at best (mind you I had run 26 miles the day prior!), and my handlebar pushups were wayyyy off beat, but soon enough I was moving along others who had joined the Soul Revolution and seemed to move so flawlessly and in sync. As we climbed and added resistance on our bikes, high energy music blasted in the background and the party began. Towels were being whipped in the air, a couple “whoooooos!” were heard, and I could feel a happiness in my heart begin to spread as fast as my smile. I shed my shirt, gave it a little whip around my head, and began to ride in my sports bra; something that I had never dared to do before due to preoccupation with my midsection and the reflection in the mirror staring back at me. I was having a blast alongside complete strangers and I felt so comfortable in my own skin, something that I had not felt in a long time. As we were coming down the resistance “hill”, indicating our time in class was soon to end, our instructor began to blow out the candles, delivering a message of gratitude, self love, and accomplishment. Maybe it was the post race endorphins that were still running wild after my PR, but I began to slowly come undone. I felt so proud of myself and all that I had worked through during just that 45 minutes alone, not to mention the 26.2 miles I had done less than 24 hours prior. I was allowed to feel all of my feelings in a safe space and even if the others in the room didn’t know exactly why I was so emotional, they certainly were supportive of my sentiment. I left the class drenched in sweat, feeling so positive and at peace with myself knowing that I had done a great job as a first timer. Walking out the doors and onto W 41st. St, I couldn’t help but notice how much happier I was and how different the world looked through my new frame of perspective.
I can proudly say that my one ride in NYC has opened the doors to many more. Since St. Louis does not have a SoulCycle franchise, I have had the chance to ride across the country in South Beach Miami, Dallas Texas, Santa Monica California, and now in my current city, Chicago. During my time on the bike I have worked through so much and have heard messages that I truly believe were meant to be spoken to me. From healing through a post-breakup broken heart at a Beyonce themed class, to crying during “Treat You Better” by Rufus Du Sol (not to mention the instructor telling us, “HONEY THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE AND SOMETHING OUT THERE WHO WILL AND THAT WILL TREAT YOU BETTER!”), I have had so many monumental moments during rides. I have laughed and danced to Ariana Grande, and have ridden so hard I nearly tipped over while sprinting to trap music. I have had instructors comment on my positive energy and (lack of) singing ability as let loose and let my most authentic self out, allowing others to do the same. All uncertainty and self doubt is let go as I turn my resistance wheel to the right and push through the weight, climbing to freedom both mentally and physically. In this class there is no competition with your neighbor or even a screen that tells you your RPM or level of resistance on the bike. It is you and your wheel giving you exactly what you need and holding yourself accountable without any judgement or outside influence. You are in control of your ride, your journey, and what you choose to take out of the class. Some believe that Soul is a cult full of uber-fit, Lululemon clad, “Basic” girls who pay entirely too much for a workout class. And while classes aren’t cheap, and some of that may have an ounce of truth to it (I may or may not own at least four pieces and counting of SoulCycle apparel…..), there is so much more than meets the eye with SoulCycle. I have found myself time and time again through my investments and I am proud to share my experience with anyone who asks. I consider SoulCycle a blessing in my life and one that I didn’t know I needed, but can’t imagine my life without. SoulCycle will be something I will grow old with, and will continue to shape who I am as I grow as a person. And honestly, if being a Basic white girl who love SoulCycle is wrong, I will never in a million years be right! So cheers to finding things that better ourselves and finding ourselves along the way. And if you run into me in class, I’m sure you’ll know, as I am proud to be the “Woooo!” girl and I will be sure to send you only the best vibes on your journey ❤
With Gratitude,
Emily 
Single In the New City 