The secret to a sculpted bod? Actually working out, ugh. But when your go-to gym routine starts to feel lame, it’s easy to let your fitness goals slide. The solution? Switch up where and how you get your sweat on. To help you out, we’re highlighting a cool, new studio every month—including what fresh gear to rock, just in case you need a little extra motivation. This month, we’re loving SoulCycle.
WHAT IT IS:
With celebrity fans ranging from Selena Gomez to Anderson Cooper, chances are you’ve already heard of SoulCycle. The now-famous, New York–based spin studio is known for infusing stationary cycling with yoga-like mantras and dance-inspired moves.
WHERE YOU’LL FIND IT:
In addition to almost 80 studios stateside, SoulCycle recently opened its first Canadian location in Toronto’s west end, and is now adding the city’s Yorkville neighbourhood as well as Vancouver’s Yaletown to that list.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
If your only spin-class experience is the classic RPM-focused style, you’re in for an awakening. SoulCycle’s claim to fame is a new brand of spinning—one where the whole class cycles in unison while performing dance-inspired moves (such as butt tap-backs and hip figure-eights) and arm-targeting exercises (yes, you can do a pushup on a bike’s handlebars, plus you’ll use handweights for a song or two), all to the beat of Beyoncé et al. tracks laced with a super-fit instructor’s inspirational lines. The other thing you can expect: to be drenched by the end of the 45-minute class.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
It’s pretty much impossible to leave a SoulCycle class without feeling happier than you were before. It’s a feel-good sweat that goes by surprisingly fast thanks to the interesting choreography and seriously good playlists. Our favourite instructor is Ty, with his penchant for Rihanna and Bey, and his habit of jumping off his bike to get up cheer you on (and maybe even turn up the resistance on your bike himself). Also, because SoulCycle is owned by Equinox, the change rooms are top notch—the Yorkville location is stocked with Hungarian luxe skincare brand Omorovicza. The only downer is that the bike’s seat does hurt a bit for the first few classes.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Like most boutique spin studios, you’ll need clip-in shoes for SoulCycles bikes. You can borrow a pair for free for your first class, but after that, rentals are $3.50 a pop, so it makes sense to invest in a pair if you plan to go on the reg. Pair them with a chic bra top and sleek leggings and you’ll fit right with the SoulCycle devotees.
Soul Cycling Shoe
Michi Avalon Zip Bra
