I don't think this is a Bethesda studio specific issue, but I have a bone to pick with SoulCycle... I called to check where on the waitlist I am and I was told they can't tell me? How am I supposed to gauge whether to not to show up if I'm not sure if I'm #20 or #1 on the waitlist?! Outside of this peculiar rule that caused a lot of Thanksgiving frustration, I really love this studio. I love the instructors, the themed classes. read more

Went to my first class today! Pretty full 6 am class, workers were very nice. I kinda wish bikes provided rpms. Definitely a great workout! read more

SoulCycle Bethesda - Rental shoes - Cycling Classes Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

SoulCycle in Bethesda has a great location and I have loved every class that I have taken. My friend first introduced me to SoulCycle last year and I love every chance I have to take a class. I highly recommend a SoulCycle workout to get you going in the morning or if you are looking for a workout in the area. read more

This was my first time trying SoulCycle through classpass. This location is conveniently located within Bethesda Row. The 3 Allies working the front desk were so welcoming. They were very helpful with getting oriented with the studio and bike. During the actual session, the instructor was very experienced and attentive. He could tell I was struggling and checked up on me. The music selection was great and it felt like a great workout. I wouldn't say it's very beginner friendly but I think spin is one of those activities you just have to jump into headfirst. I look forward to taking more classes at this location! read more

This is a terrific studio - they are encouraging, welcoming, have terrific instructors, always start on time, and the energy in the classes is great. Plus, they are helpful and non-judgmental - showed up today and I had reserved for the wrong day, the class was almost full, and I had reserved on classpass so was having a hard time re-booking. They found a way to get me in the class, and made clear it was important to them that I find a way to work out. Thanks SoulCycle!! read more

I used to HATE cycling. But soulcycle has become like therapy for me and I'm sad the weeks I miss it. Sasha and Anthony are my favorites. Sasha's classes are so fun, playlist examples are bad bunny vs Shakira, millennial Mondays, Taylor swift vs Beyoncé. Anthony also has fun playlists but his classes are a little harder... lol. The other instructors are also great but play more house/edm music which is fine but not as distracting for a whole class. I think Nicole is probably the best for new people, she does a great job of explaining everything read more

I'm giving two stars because the class itself was really fun and the instructor was awesome. But this place is borderline a scam. It was my first time, so I knew nothing going into it. The confirmation email said you didn't need to bring anything because water and cycling shoes would be provided. Based on that wording you'd assume it was free, right? Well I brought my own water, but they said to leave everything in your locker and I remembered the email where it said water would be provided. So I left mine in the locker. I get to my bike and the girl working (who was very nice) asks if I want a water. I said sure! Later I check my phone and they had charged me over $5! All the hidden extra fees are ridiculous. And they shouldn't be advertising that you don't need to bring anything because they'll provide it and then charge you- it's misleading. Or at least tell you before you unwillingly spend that much on water! read more

Great, fun ride with awesome music, but too pricey to do as a daily or weekly workout. Both times I've been to SoulCycle, I had Wayne as the instructor. His music has a club vibe to it, which I don't mind. It definitely pumps you up. He also incorporates arm workouts with baby dumbbells. Classes are 45 minutes long, but it goes by pretty fast. Wear comfortable clothes. You will definitely be sweating a lot, especially if the class is full of people and it gets kind of hot. If you're new to SoulCycle, there will be someone there to adjust your bike. Best to sign up online ahead of time so you are guaranteed a bike. The bikes come with a towel so no need to bring your own. *First class is $20, includes shoe rental. After that, it's $30 per class and $3 to rent shoes. You can buy a group package, but it doesn't save you much and there is an expiration date to your credits. The facility is really clean. The bathrooms have showers and toiletries for you to use. Plenty of lockers in the main waiting area. There is also a filtered water fountain. There is parking in the garage across the street. They sell workout attire, but they're very expensive. read more

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I love SoulCycle! I've come to this location about 5 times, and I always feel like I get an amazing workout. All of the classes are taught in a dark room, and the instructors spin/add choreography based on the beat of the music. I don't know know what it is about a dark room and loud music, but it definitely makes me push myself harder and I come out covered in sweat after every class. One thing to note is that the SoulCycle bikes don't have a heart rate monitor, so you won't know how many calories you are burning during class. Some of my friends have mentioned this as a downside, but I didn't factor it into my rating because I actually prefer not knowing! Otherwise I'd be looking at the screen, paying attention to numbers, instead of enjoying the class. I rent shoes, which cost 3$, and bring my own water. You can buy water there for 3$ if you forget to bring your own. They charge shoes/water costs to the same credit card you used to reserve the class online, so you don't even need to bring a wallet. The showers/bathrooms are clean, and there are hair ties next to the sinks (this has saved me more times than I want to admit!) read more

I had been to another SoulCycle location in the area where I had a negative experience and never planned on going back. The instructor was too concerned with dancing around the front of the classroom versus helping to guide students -_- There was a promo going on at my company so I decided to give the Bethesda location a chance and I was glad I did! The studio is very clean and I loved their holiday decorations during December :) I was greeted as soon as I walked in, given my bike assignment, paid for some rental shoes ($3 fee) and led to the locker area. There are plenty of lockers available, no need to bring a lock since it is built into the locker. Once I locked my stuff up and entered the bike studio, I was offered assistance right away to setup my bike. I really appreciated this since I am not too familiar with the equipment and aware of what settings would be appropriate for me. The class I signed up for was with Michelle, she was great! She was clear with her instructions, motivating and I enjoyed the playlist... it was Justin Bieber vs Selena Gomez :P The workout consisted of biking, arm workouts and an end of the class stretch. I got a good workout and would go back to this location again :) Parking can be a hassle, street parking and nearby garage parking available... go a little early if you can to find parking so you aren't late to class! read more

This was my first time going to SoulCycle and it was SOO much fun! I went with two of my friends and I definitely recommend people to go with friends, if it is your first time. Your first time is $20, which includes shoe rental (originally $3 for rental). They also have smart water bottles for sale for $2. They have shower stalls for people who need to go somewhere afterwards! I had Sunny Mae for my instructor and she was such a good instructor! She makes you want to push yourself a little harder, which I greatly appreciate! She was also very friendly and welcomed my two friends and I since it was our first time. She starts right on time and just jumps straight into the exercise, and takes the last 10 minutes to stretch a little and whine down. The facility was very clean and would definitely come here agin!! read more

This was my first ever spin class. I've been on stationary bikes before, but never spun so fast, and to the rhythm of popular music past and present. I used a voucher from Georgetown Cupcake which was due to expire at the end of the month. I don't think I have ever sweated so much in my life! There was a staff member on hand to adjust my bike and help me clip the special shoes onto the pedal. I only wish there were cushions for the seats, because the one I was on was very uncomfortable at first. The website said to wear a tee or tank on top and form-fitting pants or shorts on the bottom, and they mean it! Also, hydrate well before entering the room. The room temperature was not too hot or cold, I would guess mid-70's? But still, with over 50 people in the room you will dehydrate quickly. I was in the back of the room, so it was a challenge to keep up with Lisa's cadences, but the advantage to being in the back was I could watch the cyclists in front of me, and I didn't have to embarrass myself for being out of step. Plus the room was dark most of the time, but enough lights come on when it is time for a water break or to grab the 1 lb dumbbells underneath the seat. After the session there are unisex locker rooms to keep your belongings. the lockers have coded keypads, I didn't have a clue how to use it, but one of the staffers unlocked my locker with a master key. The (male) bathroom had twin blade razors, spray deodorant, and towels, and the showers are stocked with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Sophia and Lisa, thank you so much for a wonderful class, and I hope to stop back in soon. read more

First time at Soul Cycle and first spin class too. Like other reviews said, this place is tight. Between parking, class transition, the locker room, check in, it is all close quarters. You sign a waiver and get your shoes. I am an 11.5 and went with an 11 and it was fine. Then you go to the locker room to stow your belongings. It is an open co-ed locker room with closed off bathrooms. It is very chaotic as you are preparing to go to class and another class is just finishing. The locker room is narrow so you feel like you are in the way. The staff was very helpful setting me on the bike and clipping me in. Not sure how you could do it as a first timer otherwise since the room is fairly dark. The ride itself was very good. The instructor was energetic and motivating. Everyone can push at their own speed and ability. The room is packed with bikes and since it was a mostly full class, the room was warm. The resistance on the bike is much looser than other bikes I have been on so that took some time to adjust. Soul Cycle definitely got me interested in spin. However the studio is far from my home and the class prices are insane so while I would definitely come back, I don't think I will be a frequent visitor. read more

The only reason why I am in shape is because of these guys. Super grateful to the team here!

It's a scam! When you average out the costs at SoulCycle and similar bike places like Flywheel you will find that you are paying 3 times the price at SoulCycle. It would be much cheaper to buy your own stationary bike and some grapefruit essential oil for ambiance and have at it whenever you are in the mood. If you "need" other people around to watch you sweat...consider a career as a lifeguard or a porn Star. read more

Love this place but particularly Ceci. I started SoulCycle a year ago and it was okay but then I discovered Ceci & fell in love with class because he made it so fun and personal. I was in the deepest depression of my life and there were classes I'd cry in the dark because he makes you feel so good about yourself. I stopped going once they had gotten rid of everyone gay or or color & would travel to dc for black instructors but now that he's back and there's more diversity in Soul Bethesda I'm back (much closer to home). I just left my first class back with Ceci & there wasn't a moment i felt tired or like i couldn't do it. He's so inspiring and speaks such beautiful words to his students & he's just a vibe! Love love love Ceci & im so glad he's back! read more

So a friend of mine convinced me to go to SoulCycle after he went and was "amazed". I am a regular spinner at Zengo Cycle in both their Bethesda and Kentlands locations and figured WHY NOT try out the competition. I registered for a front row seat in one of Sunny Mae's themed weeknight rides. She was really energetic and definitely knew how to pump up the room... If this review was about her, I'd give 4 stars. However, I'm here to rate my overall experience. A class was released about 10 minutes prior to the start of my class. Talk about a madhouse - everyone going every which way with no regard to the person next to them. Why couldn't they have spaced out the classes by an extra 10-15 minutes? Do they even have enough time to sanitize all the bikes before the next class begins? blechh. It seems like SoulCycle's MO is to cram as many bikes into the studio as possible. Like, seriously, can the bikes BE any closer together?!?! (Think Chandler Bing voice.) It was pretty uncomfortable. I'm not super wide or anything but yet I felt like at any given point I could hit the person next to me. The room got pretty warm from all the sweaty bodies that the last thing I wanted was to feel the hot breath of the person next to me. I did get a workout from the class itself, but the overall experience was subpar. People were TALKING during the class! NO, you don't do that. The whole place was overly pretentious and the young, early-mid 20's riders were annoying. It's exercise, not social hour. My first class was $20. Not bad. They even offered me a card for a free 2nd ride. I haven't gone back to redeem it yet. And probably never will. Oh, and that friend of mine? He's now a Zengo Cycle addict like me. :) read more

I took the Friday 5:30pm class and it was everythinggg! Shawna was our instructor, playlist was banging a mix of drake, Travis Scott, Kodak black, but add a Martin garix beat behind everything. Not only do you concentrate on riding a bike but also they do this should dip during some of the rides PLUS they add on weights towards the end of the ride, and it becomes quite a full body workout. I enjoyed the energy..and not to mention at the beginning of class they have someone in there to help set up the bike, for people like me who just like to experiment with the adjustments haha! read more

I'm hooked. I didn't understand spinning before - I thought it was just cycling, and I'm thinking I can cycle just fine on my own at my apartment's gym, thank you. But I get it now. This is a full body workout and you feel like you can do anything when you're done! Cycling, pushups + cycling, weights + cycling... I didn't realize this kind of workout existed! It's an amazing way to target multiple muscle groups. Don't worry if it's your first time. Raise your hand, and someone will come by to help you adjust your seat for body and help you get your shoes clipped in. You'll do different combinations of cycling in your seat, up out of your seat, while doing push-ups against the handlebars, and while lifting weights. And totally go at your own pace and resistance - no one is watching you or judging you. Just do you and challenge yourself, and it will be worth it. Lisa is really great - a wonderful motivator without being too overly anything. You see her up there with all the energy in the world, all the muscles in her body working, and you want to be like her, so you work harder. She does this every day?? That's inspiration. The music really keeps you going. And somehow even with the pump-up music, it's sort of a zen experience. There are times when the music slows down and it's meant to be a meditative moment to yourself, but throughout the whole experience you forget about everything else and it's just you, your fellow cyclers, all working your butts off together, and it's... almost a spiritual experience, at the risk of sounding cheesy. But don't get me wrong - it's definitely straight up an intense, challenging, athletic workout! And I love it! read more

Lots of fun just super expensive! The location was so beautiful and clean. The bathroom and shower were immaculate and the staff were really friendly and helpful. It's worth it to go at least once, but I'm not too sure about whether it's worth going to for long term because it's ridiculously expensive. 8 classes is the same cost as equinox, and that's only like 1.5 weeks of classes, and if you only work out 1.5 weeks a month I don't know if you're really going to get a big exercise benefit. read more

I. LOVE. SOULCYCLE. But especially this location! The staff are all extremely nice, knowledgeable, and attentive! The place is absolutely spotless and nothing is out of place! I recently got back into Soulcycle and have been riding in DJ and Kallie's classes. Both instructors are very energetic and make class both fun and a hard workout! I have also ridden in and Michelle's class and Shaynna's class (but unfortunately not in a while) and love both of them! Each instructor is unique and no class is the same as another. This is the only DMV soulcycle location I have been to as it is very close to my house. If you have the chance to ride at this studio, DO IT! You will not regret it! read more

What a great studio! Okay, so I've never been to any other studio but this one is just so nice! It's so fresh & clean and smells delicious! The team that works there is also really kind and helpful. The bathrooms are stocked with everything you forgot - hair ties, deodorant, lotion, and tampons. There are a couple toilet stalls and a couple shower stalls. My first SoulCycle class was with Michelle and she really seems like the perfect person to start with. There were a lot of new people in the class because a group of us were there as part of a workplace promotion, and Michelle was certain to make sure everyone had their bikes adjusted by a staff member before starting. She was super motivating and really displayed the essence of what SoulCycle is. Between all the classes, the staff come in, wipe down all the bikes and put out fresh towels (don't drop the towel!!). I was actually really happy about that because at $30 a pop, it's nice to not have to wipe down your own bike. I went once more during my workplace's promotional period and had another great workout. It's interesting to try different instructors to get a feel for what kind of music they play and what suits you the best. Regardless, you will walk out of there sweatier than ever. Maybe..MAYBE..I was sweatier after the one hot yoga class I took years ago, but I can't even guarantee that. If you've read to this point or looked at their website, you know that SoulCycle is expensive, and unfortunately I have no business dishing out $1,000/year on it when I have a great gym at work that offers spin classes (though definitely not as cool or fun as SoulCycle) and a large apartment gym. If it were in a more convenient location to me (let's bring it to Arlington, hey?), then I would definitely go for the one-off class here and there. read more

SoulCycle Bethesda really exceeded my expectations. I found the staff to be welcoming and friendly. Being a first time rider, it feels intimidating to walk into a totally unfamiliar environment. The front desk staff smiled & greeted my sister and I for a quick check-in, shoe rental and rider waiver stuff. Once in the room, I noticed staff members in the room willing and able to assist first time riders or anyone with seat adjustments, questions, etc. Michelle was our instructor. She's so AWESOME! Her instructions were clear, the pace of the class was challenging yet not overwhelming for a newbie, she was so motivating - her voice was uplifting, positive and soothing. There was a point in the class where she was being so uplifting and really just broke through with her words of encouragement and inspiration. It made my sister and I really feel empowered and ready to seize the day! We were really impressed. As we were leaving, staff members asked about our experience which really made us feel special. We weren't just a number. They took time to ask about our experience and encourage us to return! Such a pleasant experience, can't say anything negative! Thank you :) read more

Amazing, fun, and challenging experience! I've been going to soulcycle for about 2 years, but only recently started going to the Bethesda studio more regularly. The instructors and front desk staff are wonderful. For first time riders, the staff will help set up your bike after you've checked in. In general, it's a really welcoming place for newcomers and the instructors always check at the beginning of class if there are new riders in the room. If you buy a package, keep in mind you can't use the MD package at the DC locations and vice-versa. I love/highly recommend DJ or Kallie's classes. Kallie does a great pop punk class at the end of every month that is on point. The music is peak angsty teen, and she's so lively and funny--the combination makes for a fabulous ride! DJ does a lot of great pop music and I find his classes inspirational--he makes me push myself. The front desk staff is also super helpful--shoutout to Cynthia and Jack for always being helpful and so welcoming! Finally, it's relatively easy to find parking compared to some of the dc locations. read more

My friend invited me to attend the Soul Cycle class in Bethesda with a group that she joined. When we arrived, we received a free water bottle and towels were provided on the bikes. They also have lockers inside for your belongings that come with its own lock. The staff was helpful with providing shoes and making sure that our bike was adjusted correctly based on our height. Lisa was our instructor for this 45 minute class. Time flew by! We used 2 lb. hand weights towards the end of the class. The class reminded me of intense cardio because we all sweated a ton and it had a little mediation / motivation. I really enjoyed it. I can't imagine the interview process for this place because Lisa nailed it! She had tons of energy and kept us motivated. If you join, the classes are a bit pricey, about $30 per class. But based on my invigorating feeling that I still feel the next morning; its kind of worth it... Great time! read more

After years of wondering, I have finally taken a SoulCycle class, and I must say............I understand the hype. This is one of my longer reviews, since I feel there are a lot of considerations that come with this visit. Full disclosure, I have been going to SoulCycle for the first time this week as part of my company's promotion so I have only had to pay for my shoe rental (so $3/class -- usually your first class is $20). I am still wrestling with the idea of paying a pretty penny to keep coming back, but in the mean time............ Soul is fun. The music is fresh, the instructors are great, and it is a happy (and CLEAN) place to be. Booking classes online, over the phone, and through the app are all easy and quick. I've never had trouble getting a bike for any of the after-work classes I've gone to. This location is conveniently across the street from a spacious parking garage, and if you're efficient getting in and out of class, parking will only run you $2 ($3 if you tick past 1 hour). The locker room is a little cramped, but from my experiences here the majority of the people don't linger to change clothes or shower here after class. As far as the workout: the class is 45ish min, but you definitely work up a sweat. I like that I felt the burn all throughout class, but the class still flew by and I never had that feeling of "oh my god I have been on this bike forever" which is how I felt at ZengoCycle. I haven't been too sore after the few times I've gone, but I think some of that comes from the fact that I'm still getting accustomed to the choreography and once I get the coordination down I will be able to isolate muscles more effectively. The dark room and loud music really lends itself to some self-reflection and you get in the zone. I think this would be a great option for me to come once a week or so to change up my workout routine (which is usually yoga, running, and some HIIT circuits at the gym). All of this being said, I really don't know how I could justify this habit for the price. The best value is buying a 30-pack of classes at $26/each (12 mo expiration), plus $3/class shoe rental (unless you commit to buying your own -- probably the better option), plus $2/class parking would mean my total cost of enjoying the good vibes at SoulCycle for a year comes in at a cool $930. This is such a treat but I don't know if I can make that happen. Maybe some more of these powerful endorphins will kick in and I'll buy a pack once my free week is over....stay tuned. read more

Love love love. They are friendly, encouraging, and kind. Kallie and Sunny are my favorite instructors.

Just OK. Things to love are high energy instructor and a group of ~young~ fellow cyclists. I loved the energy in the room. People clearly loved being there. Just OK because the cycling room was too hot and not ventilated (like others said perhaps to make you feel like to sweat more - not cool). Bikes are too close. There are only three showers and people were waiting in line. The lockers are in a shared area together with men so I needed to drag everything to the tiny shower and changing area. The price is too high for the hype. I can confirm that my regular gym cycling class is not that different so I will stick with them. Finally, not the fault of SoulCycle but the fashion show of the latest Lululemon outfits among cyclists irked me as pretentious. read more

I've taken two classes here and I totally understand the hype. Each class is 45 minutes long and it flies by. You do a combination of riding in and out of the saddle, sprints, hill climbs, and hand weights. The hand weights are only 2 lbs but WOW do they burn when you're doing high reps, after 30 mins of class. I'm a runner but I swear I sweated more during each class than I do during half marathons. I took classes with Michelle and Sunny Mae and both were really motivating and played amazing music (think remixes of Beyonce, Katy Perry... mostly pop). They use a lot of positive mantras and sayings, which I definitely found helpful when struggling up a long "hill". Shoes are $3 to rent, towels provided, and there are a few showers. So glad this studio opened in Bethesda! read more

I really enjoyed the Soul Cycle 101 class with Megan!! If you are a beginner, like myself, than you will really appreciate the time they take to teach you everything you need to know about cycling. The class is free and the shoe rental fee is waived as well, if you are a first time Soul Cycle customer. The locker rooms are nice and clean. The lockers have a number combination lock on them, so you don't need to bring your own. Everyone pretty much is gathered in the locker room until the cycling room is open and ready for the next group. The cycling room is dark and lit with candles, which gives it a nice ambiance. The bikes are spaced really close together and not easy to maneuver between, so if your bike is in the back, like mine was...try to get into the room before it gets too crowded. It's easier to move bikes out of your way, without people on them. Towels are provided and seat cushions are available if needed. The first fifteen minutes of class was spent learning how to adjust the bike accordingly to your body, so that you get the best workout. Then we went through the different moves that are standard in cycling classes. After that we put all the moves together in a routine and started jamming to the music. We got at least a 30 - 35 minute workout in. I have never sweat so much in such a small amount of time!! Now I know why cycling classes are so popular, it's a great workout! I would definitely recommend this class to other beginners, wanting to try out cycling for the first time. read more

Took my first soul cycle class yesterday and have to say, it lived up to its hype! Tiffany was an amazing instructor--so bubbly and high energy which obviously is a pre-req, but I loved her positive vibes and she truly made all the newbies (myself included) feel welcome and motivated. Be warned, this is not your regular spin class, esp. if you're a cyclist. It's geared to be more of a high-paced cardio workout--which I enjoyed as a change of pace. You of course can change the gear past the recommended setting, but with all the bouncing, abs, weights thrown in, I mainly stuck to Tiffany's instructions (and sweated my butt off!!), except for when cooling down--had to set to a higher gear then suggested so my legs don't buckle and I felt safe standing up. All and all, I loved the energy and by far this was the quickest 45 min class I've ever done--the music is great, and the burn/sweat is no joke!! Loved it and felt so great and energized afterwards! As others have mentioned, the locker room is a bit tight, but there is a restroom (w/ showers) you can change in so I'd just suggest getting to class early (maybe even 20 mins early) if you're coming straight from work and need to change. I'd love to do another class, but at $30/each, I'll have to do it sparingly unfortunately. read more

This is only my 2nd time at Soul Cycle( first time was yesterday) and I loved It! The friendliness of the staff helping me get on/off the bike, set up, and the energy of the instructors was amazing! Loved every bit of It! 4 Stars only because as a healthcare provider and being a bit out of shape myself, I wasn't a fan of how packed the room is with 2 exits and everyone's feet locked into the pedals. I was also thinking if there was a health incident( someone passed out, cardiovascular event), It would be difficult to get that person on the floor because there's hardly any space and where's the AED? Sorry, I have to think this way. I work at a trauma center. Just a thought..... read more

SoulCycle Bethesda is a great supplemental workout. It is high energy, clean and friendly greeters. The new instructor Steph is AMAZING! Her music is cleaver and cross various genres. Her workout routine is challenging but not overbearing where one would get completely lost. She has a genuine energy about herself that makes you want to go hard! Check Steph class out :) read more

An awesome workout! Book Michelle's class - she's a rockstar and hands down the best instructor there!!

I find Soul Cycle incredibly motivating. It's a fun, high energy bike ride that really makes you focus on yourself and pushing yourself to your own defined limits. The classes are not really classes to me it's like going to a workout party. The music is loud the ambiance is cool with candles burning and strobe lights bouncing off the walls. I can honestly say I love going to Soul Cycle whenever I sign up to go I'm excited and energized to walk in and am even more pumped after walking out... which might be hard to believe because the instructors really push you hard. The only criticism I would give it is the instructors come off kind of preachy. They seem to preach at you at the end of the lesson. Which is weird to me. When I'm at a workout session I come to workout and focus on sweating. If I wanted to be preached at I would go to church or therapy. Haha! But overall I cannot knock the workout experience Soul Cycle provides! To me it has been unmatched by any other cycling place! read more

Wonderful staff, as always with Soul Cycles. However I'm used to cycling in New York where classes are sold out, the atmosphere is full of energy, the instructor is top of their game and everyone is riding in sync. Not at all here. The 7am class was mostly empty, and the ride style was always "as fast as you can" and usually so fast, while standing, that I couldn't keep up. I ride 3x per week in NYC and I've never had that problem - it's usually about power and control, not wild sprints. read more

I've done Soulcycle three times (once at the DC location, twice at the Bethesda location), and I feel like I can now officially say that I do not get it. A coworker and I were handed free passes to the Bethesda location while walking down the street the other day, so decided to go during lunch today. The staff are nice enough, the facility is clean, etc., but the workout is just not worth the hype. The class was highly choreographed, which can be nice when it makes the time pass quickly, but these "toning" moves are just silly. As other Yelpers have mentioned, there is nothing one can gain from doing so-called oblique crunches or "push-ups" on the bike. If you're going there expecting to get a full-body workout, you are sadly mistaken. I guarantee you will not see any changes to your muscle tone as a result of these movements, they just make it harder to follow along. Soulcycle is a cardio workout, plain and simple. Furthermore, the Bethesda location has a serious ventilation problem. The room got extremely hot and stuffy, and I felt like I was sweating profusely - not because I was exerting a ton of effort, but because the room was too hot, improperly ventilated, and full of people. My coworker and I both exercise on pretty much a daily basis (he does a lot of spinning, whereas I prefer HIIT), and we both complained that we felt lightheaded after class. We agreed that it wasn't because we overexerted ourselves, but because the ventilation was so poor and the room was so stuffy. He noted that there were fans in the room that weren't switched on. Huh? I have friends who work for other DC boutique fitness studios who've mentioned the owners insist the room be kept warm so that clients sweat more, and feel as though they're getting a better workout than they actually are. I suspect Soulcycle is doing something similar. A pretty cheap ploy to get customers coming back. I have plenty of friends who swear by Soulcycle, and the nationwide popularity of the studio (especially given the extremely high price point), is obviously a sign they are doing something right. What I suspect, however, is that the owners have focused on creating a brand, rather than a workout, that people identify with and want to be associated with. If you truly like to spin, and want a challenging, fun workout, I suggest you go elsewhere. read more

I hated the whole experience... I got 3 seconds of help getting set up on my bike the first time... they clipped me onto the bike but never even told me how to unclip ... I do have to say the very in shape lulu lemon new people got lots more info and more time so i guess they didn't think I had the soul cycle look the music was so loud they provide ear plugs I purposely signed up for the time I choose because they said the instructor was great with new people... she was too busy playing with the lights etc to come around and help. I felt lost the entire time Maybe they should provide a basics class for newbies instead of just saying follow the people in the front row . I missed out on most of the stretching at the end because I was trying to get unclipped... I ended up just opening the velcro and leaving the shoes attached I won't be back read more

After several years of taking a break from spinning and the hype on the street about SoulCycle, I decided to give a few classes a try. I took, my second ride this past Saturday and I'm not sure I would return. The facility is beautiful, and the staff are pleasant and helpful. However, the ride wasn't as fulfilling as I had hoped (both times). First, the room was so humid (not sure why there are no fans or AC in a room with so many bodies and bikes jammed packed) it was hard to enjoy or concentrate on the ride. Don't get me wrong, I am not adverse to getting a good sweat on, but I'd rather it be because I'm exerting energy and not because the room is so HOT. I also didn't see much diversity in the ride or the group of cyclist. Both things are very important to me when deciding where I spend my money. read more

Such a fun and challenging work out! Loud music and really positive atmosphere. The staff is SO helpful. As a first timer, I was nervous, but the staff helped set me up on my bike and explained everything. The room is dark so don't worry about people watching you. You can make the class as hard as you want, but don't worry you will burn some serious calories. Can't wait to go back! read more