SoulCycle is a popular fitness studio offering spin cycle classes. It’s owned by Equinox Fitness Group and known to be a top tier cycle class. These intense cycle classes claim to be an immersive, full body experience. There are studios across the United States and Canada. If you’re an avid cycler or even just a beginner, you have probably heard of this studio.
Soul Cycle offers single classes, class packs or membership options. Your first class is offered at a beginner rate of $25. Following that, each class will cost you $38. Alternatively, monthly memberships start at $146 for 4 classes. You can opt for a no-commitment Class Pack or Soul Renew, which automatically renews and replenishes your class pack each month.
In this article we will discuss what to expect from a SoulCycle workout, more information on membership pricing, how to sign up, and alternative cycle studios to look into.
Contents
- Is Soul Cycle Actually a Good Workout?
- How Long Are SoulCycle Classes?
- How Much is SoulCycle Per Month?
- How Much is the SoulCycle App?
- Why Is SoulCycle So Expensive?
- SoulCycle Discounts
- Does SoulCycle Offer a Free Trial or Guest Pass?
- Is There a Cancellation Fee for SoulCycle?
- What to Expect from SoulCycle Classes
- Is Soul Cycle Beginner Friendly?
- Can You Use the SoulCycle At-Home Bike Without Subscription?
- SoulCycle vs. Peloton
- Top 3 Alternatives to SoulCycle
Is Soul Cycle Actually a Good Workout?
Cycling is a highly effective cardiovascular workout that burns a ton of calories and builds muscles. Soul Cycle is known to be an intense version of cycling. These classes aim to test your endurance and strength with intervals of resistance and speed.
Because of the interval training in a Soul Cycle class, these workouts are considered a HIIT workout. HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training, makes your heart rate raise and subside quickly. This trains your heart to pump oxygen through your body in a way that increases your endurance.
On average, you can expect to burn between 500-700 calories in one 45-minute SoulCycle class. This is an extremely high amount for one workout session, so these classes really pack a punch!
How Long Are SoulCycle Classes?
Most SoulCycle classes are 45 minutes long. If you need some extra fun, they also offer 60- and 90-minute classes.
If you are attending your first class, SoulCyclers recommend arriving 15 minutes early to set up your bike, get a tour of the facility and sign a safety waiver.
How Much is SoulCycle Per Month?
SoulCycle offers a number of pricing options to fit your budget and lifestyle. You can purchase single classes, class packs with no commitment or a membership feature called Soul Renew, that automatically charges and replenishes your class pack each month.
Your first class is charged at a beginner’s rate of $25, from there each class is $38 if purchased individually. Class packs and the Soul Renew membership are a great way to buy classes in bulk and save if you know you are going to commit to spinning at SoulCycle.
Below are two charts that breakdown the class pack and Soul Renew pricing.
Class Packs
No commitment? No problem! This is the option for you.
| Number of Classes | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 | $38 |
| 3 | $114 |
| 5 | $180 |
| 10 | $350 |
| 20 | $660 |
| 30 | $960 |
Soul Renew
This option automatically renews and replenishes your class pack each month.
| Number of Classes | Price |
|---|---|
| 4 | $146 |
| 8 | $284 |
| 12 | $414 |
| 16 | $536 |
How Much is the SoulCycle App?
The SoulCycle app is powered by the Equinox+ app and costs $39.99 per month. It includes access to SoulCycle live and on-demand classes, Equinox, Pure Yoga, Precision Run, Rumble, and others.
Why Is SoulCycle So Expensive?
Many consider SoulCycle’s pricing to be too expensive. But, on the other hand, the popularity that SoulCycle has across the nation proves that many are willing to pay the price to join the SoulCycle community. The price you are willing to pay depends on your personal budget, goals and preferences.
Two elements that set SoulCycle apart from other spinning classes are the bikes and the instructors. It is proven that SoulCycle bikes are designed to provide the maximum effect of your workout. This has to do with the weight and the chain.
Additionally, when it comes to the instructors, they are required to go through a rigorous 10-week audition process. This ensures the best, most enthusiastic and qualified instructors are there to push you to new heights. Who doesn’t want that!?
SoulCycle Discounts
Student Discount
SoulCycle has a standard Student Discount that is offered at all times. It takes the single class price down from $38 to $28. There are also discounts for class packs of 5 and 10 classes.
Besides this discount, you won’t find many options to lower the price of your SoulCycle experience. They occasionally offer Black Friday Deals and 20% off the purchase of one class when you enroll in SMS notifications.
Does SoulCycle Offer a Free Trial or Guest Pass?
Most gyms offer a free trial period or allow members to bring a guest.
Unfortunately, Soul Cycle Does not offer a free trial or guest pass. Upon attending your first class, you will be charged the beginner fee of $25 for the first class. From there, if you decide to continue, you can choose from class packs or renewable memberships.
Is There a Cancellation Fee for SoulCycle?
Because SoulCycle does not offer a true membership with terms or yearly commitments, there is no cancellation fee for not continuing the Soul Renew membership. When you run out of classes, you can simply cancel the renewal.
However, if you are cancelling a single class, there are some rules that apply. Cancellations can be made up until 5PM the night before class. If you cancel after that, your account will still be charged for that class.
What to Expect from SoulCycle Classes
If you have never taken a spin class, SoulCycle can be very intimidating. We’ve gathered a few tips to help you be successful and feel comfortable during your first SoulCycle Class.
1. Arrive 15 Minutes Early
Arriving early to the studio allows you to get a lay of the land and feel more comfortable. The receptionists will show you the locker rooms, introduce you to instructors and show you how to set up your bike so that you have a safe and ideal ride.
2. Wear the Proper Attire
We’re not saying you have to have a shopping spree in the SoulCycle apparel section, but it is beneficial to be dressed appropriately for the workout. Some of the best options are padded bike shorts, leggings, and cycle shoes. Whatever feels comfortable for you to get a sweat in!
3. Be Ready for an Intense Workout
SoulCycle is a vigorous full body workout. Your heart will be racing, and you’ll be pushing your body to new limits during class. It’s a good idea to make sure your properly stretched, rested and hydrated so you can perform to your best abilities during the class.
Is Soul Cycle Beginner Friendly?
As we mentioned, SoulCycle can be intense. The HIIT style workout is nothing to take lightly. If you are worried about participating in class, it is best to consult with your doctor regarding your physical activity levels.
With that being said, SoulCycle is very welcoming to new members of all fitness levels. Instructors are happy to give you tips, help you get situated and offer feedback.
Can You Use the SoulCycle At-Home Bike Without Subscription?
If you would rather get your sweat on in the comfort of your own home, SoulCycle offers an at-home bike option. To access the SoulCycle workouts, you need to subscribe to the Equinox+ app.
You can technically use the bike without a membership, but the screen will be powered off with no class playing. In order to participate in live and OnDemand SoulCycle classes, you need to log into the Equinox+ app with a subscription.
SoulCycle vs. Peloton
When it comes to cycling, SoulCycle and Peloton are probably the top two names you think of in the industry. They pride themselves on challenging, fun workouts. Although they have similarities, there are a few differences to consider.
SoulCycle
SoulCycle prides itself on community, which is easy to see in their in-person studio classes. Exciting lights, mood music and hyped instructors keep you entertained during these workouts.
When it comes to at-home spinning, SoulCycle at-home bike costs $2,500 and streams live or on-demand classes through the Equinox+ app at $39.99 per month. You can also take live virtual classes with SoulCycle’s Studio Stream for $20 each.
Peloton
Peloton has dominated the at-home market with their various classes. The bike starts at $1,495 and requires a subscription at $44.99 per month.
You can also access the Peloton workouts without a bike on the app for $12.99 per month. Peloton also offers treadmill, yoga, strength training, and outdoor classes.
Top 3 Alternatives to SoulCycle
Although SoulCycle is considered one of the top spinning studios, there are competitors that keep up with the energy-charged, concert inspired sessions that SoulCycle offers. Below is a list of the top three alternatives to SoulCycle.
1. FlyWheel Sports
This studio is known as SoulCycle’s biggest competition. The classes offer a leaderboard that show your cadence, resistance, power output and how you compare to other riders.
Cost: the cost is $34 for a single class and $375 per month for unlimited.
2. CycleBar
Cyclebar is a popular franchise that is growing across the nation. They aim to provide a luxury experience without the price tag.
Cost: each class is $18- $20, depending on location. Class packages are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100.
3. Cyc
Cyc is currently only located in cities such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston, and New York.
Cost: a single ride is $28, and an unlimited membership is $348 per month.