Cycling for the Soul

I was sitting on a pile of clothes (clean clothes) in our laundry room frustrated I couldn’t find my Lululemon workout pants. Would I even be allowed into the studio if I’m not wearing its favorite brand?

—

Flanked by my two favorite blondes, I made my way into a hyper-sleek studio and was immediately surrounded by very tiny and very lithe 20 year olds, all swarming around a studio door, their cycling shoes anxiously tapping on the tile.

Ten minutes later, I looked up at the mirror in the dark room amazed by the 60 blonde ponytails flipping in unison to a Lady Gaga song and wondered if I had inadvertently joined a cult.

It was my first time trying SoulCycle, and by the end as we all joined together to belt out “If I Were a Boy” during our cool down in a fit of sisterhood…sweat literally dripping from every part of my body…I knew I was a fan.

The class itself difficult, but doable.

Trying to manage pushups on a bike while your legs are spinning underneath you is not a talent I have. ShortRound looked like a Keebler elf pogoing up and down on her “saddle” while NiMo (an actually person who cycles) glided with ease. I generally consider myself a graceful person, or at least someone who can accomplish moving their body from point A to Point B in a pleasing manner…but this…I looked like a marionette doll. Jerking my limbs awkwardly trying to match pace with the others.

I better understand why they keep it dark in there. So you can go through the 45 minutes looking like a trout caught on a line while still maintaining some dignity.

Brilliant.

Roger, the instructor, was incredible. The fake candles, red lights, Britney/Gaga/Beyonce mixes and dark room made me feel impossibly cool. I wouldn’t recommend it if you get claustrophobic or hate a steady stream of affirmations… but 8/10 would do again.