Great roundup! Been to both studios and agree with everything you have said. Just wanted to add that the temperature in Flywheel is SO much better than the way-to-hot room at SC. Doing vigorous activity in a room that is that hot is just not healthy.
Marget
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Nice job. That was a very thorough review.
Edwardo
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Been to both as well. SC was the original but Flywheel takes it to a new level. Beautiful space. Awesome bikes and great teachers.
Scott Baio
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:02 am
Just took my first FW class this weekend – it’s like being part of the future. SC was always nice – but the staff and the space at FW made the workout experience transcendant.
Thanks for this review!! I did a review of Soul Cycle on my blog, and for a while i was obsessed, but now i’m starting to see the “cracks.” I was wondering how FW was — I’ll have to check it out.
Well+Good
February 24th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Hi Erika,
I just read your review. Great post and I love your blog! I too was an enthusiastic Soul Cycler in the beginning. The experience was so superior to my gym’s tired old spinning class. But the more I went the more annoyed I became at the high prices, lack of discounting for frequent users, and crammed surroundings. I was amazed by how much more pleasant the cycling and customer service experience is at Flywheel. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Flywheel once you check it out. Thanks for your comment.
Best, Alexia
I love the hot room at soul cycle it allows your body to warm up, and your to really get a good work out. I hate when the room is cold, i just feel a fan on me. Is fw very cold? if it is i will not go..
Flywheel is amazing. Obviously Ruth is a total star, but other ‘less known’ instructors absolutely kill it too- check out kate or reign (10:30 m/w/f) to burn major calories. you can check exactly how many on their site- it rocks! no better way to do cardio in the city…and i’m no athlete!
I loved Sould Cycle on W. 72. Took a couple hundred classes there. Purchased a new $310 class package as was my practice. Two weeks later had major kneee surgery and was out of action 4 months. Lost my entire $310 because it expires after 90 days. I can see airline miles expiring, but not something I paid for and did not get to use.
Well+Good
July 27th, 2010 at 10:04 am
Hi David,
Did you show them a doctor’s note and explain what happened to your knee? If so, that’s pretty egregious.
Best,
Well+Good
Hi I’m a NYTimes reporter who wants to talk to folks who have tried both Soul Cycle and Fly Wheel and have opinions about the pros/cons of each. Email [email protected] asap *by Thursday Sept. 30th, 2010* if you want to share your thoughts, csl
IVE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT SOUL CYCLE AND IVE BEEN TEACHING SPIN OVER TEN YEARS.WHATS FUNNY IS IVE ALWAYS TAUGHT MY SPIN VERY SIMILAR TO SOUL CYCLE.REGULAR SPIN CLASSES ARE MOST DEFINITELY BORING!!!!
I have taken a few classes at the scarsdale ny soul cycle location. I felt like I walked into a scene of mean girls for the suburban housewife. Not a pleasant experience at all. Rumor has it it is run by a group of scarsdale women who belong to the 100 or less club. (you have to weight less than 100 lbs) They organize the seating, monopolize some of the classes and are rude to any outsider.. It is not pretty… would love to try another option!
Both are great but if you really want to know the BEST spin exclusive studio… Ride The Zone..no gimmicks …also the blogger ht the nail on the head..SC is CULTISH ..fantastic teachers but the aura is very spooky and dark.. unhappy pretenders..BULLIES .. “Soul Cycle can feel like the Scientology of Spin.”
As a Spin Instructor myself for over 15 years, I have to say that Soul Cycle was no great shake. Over priced and over rated for sure. The room was certainly a potential fire hazard. I spent a good portion of the ride looking for the fire exit. The instructor was a Broadway wannabe looking to stay skinny for her discovery. Coming from NJ specifically to experience a class it turned out to be a GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT to say the least.
tried soul cycle first. the teacher announced : no judgements people…then later when i asked to have a fan turned on near me, he sniped me with, “what!? it is freezing in here…!” and it was actually quite warm…why announce no judgements and go on to humiliate a rider? why the fake vibe of peace an tranquility?
went to flywheel and it is pitch perfect for this rider. joined for six months. comes down to 12 bucks a ride if you go three times a week.
Quite simply, flywheel has saved my life, literally and figuratively. I heard that flywheel was thinking of opening a bklyn spot but decided to take Manhattan first. THis is crazy, brownstone brooklyn would have been FREE $. There is a place opening in the Slope but they will NOT have torqboards and their prices are absolutely laughable, more expensive than FW, and you have to rent shoes. Hello! You are in Brooklyn! I will have no trouble getting on that train to go into the city.
@suzie….. Yes, we are the residents of Brooklyn who don’t have to worry about scratching our backs up simply by doing a 360 in our bathrooms. People like you is why we hate traveling to Manhattan for anything. Better Spinning and restaurants in Brooklyn!
Hmm…I wouldn’t say that was a very good analysis at all. First of all, Soul does offer discounts (albeit only a $1 a class, but ultimately your statement is incorrect). Secondly, you’re missing the entire point of this specialty studios. How good is the work out?
concur with the analysis!!
one of the original instructors of SC were toxically nasty about a small spin group in the hamptons “just for fun ” during a spin class …and as i looked around at a lot of re-touched bodies the whole vibe gave me a sick tummy
so i became a flywheel person when i do it ……
Why is nobody talking about the contraindicated moves the majority of the instructors at both these studios are teaching?! RPMs exceeding 120, old-school moves like “hovering”, sprints defined as “going as fast as you can” (come on, this is called momentum, it’s not actually hard work). I guess no one complains about the lack of well thought out training rides based on real cycling techniques because all the real cyclists are outside & not buying into the hype, or as I prefer to call it- the BS. But I’m sorry, for the price tag & for a studio that is only about cycling I expect instructors to actually “instruct” & give me a workout that will enhance my bike performance. & pushups on bike- really???
I should clarify- my previous comment said “a majority of the instructors” I cant actually say this because I’ve only taken from 5 of them (3 at flywheel & 2 at soul). At flywheel I was always top female on the torque board but it was because I ignored the instructors requests to do speeds that are down right dangerous & I didn’t waste my cardio time with the upper body segments. I’m still searching for an instructor at these studios that doesn’t do contraindicated moves so if anyone knows of an instructor that teaches an authentic based ride & is a “coach” not just a cheerleader then let me know & I’ll give the studios another go.
Sorry Rachel but the riders at BOTH studios LOOK fantastic, however , so many of YOUR riders have that “cyclist” body …rolls of fat hanging over the tight lance armstrong get up You “cyclist” instructors are always knocking a style that IS safe, but most of you CAN’T do because you are too busy clogging the wheel. YOUR DATED style causes women to get FAT THIGHS.
Sean, it’s not dated- it’s called exercise science. It’s sad that the MYTH that cycling causes women to get fat thighs (interesting you say just women- can men not get fat thighs?) is still out there. I lost 50 pounds with indoor cycling. I’ve seen riders at a variety of studios with a variety of body types. There are many factors that determines body composition. I’m sure there are instructors teaching great rides at these studios, but so far I’ve experienced classes that taught moves that are dangerous. These studios are amazing & the music & enthusiasm of instructors is incredible! But out of saddle at 120 rpms no gear- come on, maybe it’s “fun” but it’s ineffective & unsafe.
Just tried flywheel this morning again- took from Grant- he did an authentic ride, no bells & whistles! Thank you grant for a Great solid road based well coached class!
From what I’ve noticed letting a heavy wheel drag your legs around at crazy RPMs doesn’t give you skinny thighs. One usually achieves those by starving oneself.
No resistance on the wheel means no work (simple physics). No work means no results. if you want results, be it skinny thighs, or better cardio capacity or higher endurance, turn the knob clockwise and do work.
I am a certified indoor/spinning instructor who stays up to date with my continuing education of safe and effective techniques on the bike.Spinning is meant to be a cardiovascular workout not an upper body strengthener. Your hands are supposed to be on the handlebars not lifting little weights in a little bike seat while your legs are going in circles. The only person I have ever seen do that professionally on a bike was a clown juggling on a unicycle. I think that most instructors are creative people and have tried to be creative in their spin classes, forgetting what they have been told by the experts about what is safe and what is potentially unsafe on a bike. If you want to strengthen your upper body then get out of the spin room and into the weight room and lift some real weights, safely. Use your creativity to design great classes that include tough hill climbs, flat roads and sprints(with some resistance please), and intervals. Use great music and be a good motivator/coach and you will work your ass off. Great instructors stick with what they know is safe and effective and do not succumb to the pressure to be like everyone else. Sweat Puddle and Rachel B, keep doing what your doing. I wish I could take your classes. I have a feeling that neither one of you has huge thunder thighs and muffin tops for spinning.
“But out of saddle at 120 rpms no gear- come on, maybe it’s “fun” but it’s ineffective & unsafe.”
Well we will have to agree to disagree. It is not unsafe and like I said the riders at Flywheel and Soul Cycle LOOK much much much better than the riders who take a “cycle” class..BRAVO to the spin studios who get it.. you are NOT outside!!! this is an innovative and SAFE way to go beyond the limitations of outside..Rachel you will never get it.. and you can’t do it ..don’t hate and please it is not about momentum.. when I see Stacey, Ruth , Clare, and Laurie riding its a BEAUTIFUL thing. I look at your group and its UGLY ….no spirit no joy no soul just a textbook and a closed mind..sad
and just answer me this WHY do I burn 900 calories in Stacey’s class and 320 in your style of class ( and I FOLLOW to the t what the instructor says) WHY Rachel WHY?.
Sean, guess we will agree to disagree. I have no doubt they are amazing instructors because they have obviously effected you and that’s ultimately what it’s about. If their style speaks to you than go for it! I have not taken from Ruth or stacey but I certainly will, I too have heard amazing things. I was only speaking of certain moves by certain instructors that can be proven in a lab to burn less calories, be less efficient, & increase risk of injury- but if you don’t believe the data that’s fine. I don’t know if you have taken my class or who you are because you didn’t leave your full name. In terms of caloric burn there are a million factors- metabolic rate, heart rate, wattage, bike setup…
Sounds like your mind is more open is certain styles of class – that probably inspires you & motivates you & you are able to work harder in such environments- like I said, if that works for you do it! :)
I have been reading along with the discussion very carefully and thought it was time to address a few points.
First off, Robin S, you are correct spinning IS a cardiovascular exercise. Yet its funny how in mentioning that you IMMEDIATELY mention climbing heavy hills and spinning with resistance. Funny, doesn’t sound like CARDIO to me.You see in case you are confused its ANEROBIC exercise involving BOTH speed and strength. But oddly enough many of you “instructors” (Rachel B being one, because as a member of Equinox who has taken your class twice) completely MISS the first concept and focus SOLELY on the other!! Created a tired, dead, boring, and INEFFECTIVE workout. Robin if you are so versed as an instructor why is it that Schwinn and Johnny G note BOTH STANDING RUNS AS WELL AS JUMPS INTO THE SPIN PROGRAM AND MENTION THE SPEED IN DOING THEM TO BE 100 and ABOVE?! Are the certifications incorrect as well?!
I’d like to point out that as an avid spinner for five years, I don’t mind paying for multiple gym memberships (which I currently do) to take FANTASTIC spin classes because most of these “instructors” don’t know what there doing at all. But I DO FIND that when people DON’T know how to do something they completely demonize it. Having taken your class at Tribeca twice Rachel its CLEAR that you don’t possess the skill set to teach a class out of a paper bag, much less, cue any type of interval to a class. If you actually spent the 45 focusing on YOUR CLASS and how to get them better and more equipped to move, instead of your own reflection, the majority of them wouldn’t be out of shape, with this ILLUSION that they are working. How can a class such as that be effective when most of the members have huge bellys and fat a**es? I agree with Sean, you burn MUCH more calories with instructors who get it. Take Ruth from Flywheel for example she is 52 and RUNNING OUT OF THE SADDLE! Not because its “FUN” because its ATHLETICISM PLAIN AND SIMPLE, and it gets and keeps you in shape. If you can’t do it FINE but don’t knock instructors who teach it and who KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. No one wants to climb and grunt to long boring hills, with off beat music, and listen to an instuctor who could care less weather you’re working or not. The worst part about this is that the spin certification is the easiest certification to get, OPEN BOOK TEST, with A SIT THROUGH PRACTICAL NO WONDER MOST OF YOU ARE SO HORRIBLE AND CLUELESS its the THROW AWAY certification, just another thing to put on your resume. If you want REAL instructors how about Ruth Zuckerman, Nella Vera, Carl Hall, Joshua Segarra, and thats just to name a few!
Wow…I”m shocked to see these comments. Alex and Sean – are you possibly the same person because using ALL CAPS is really scary. You guys sound like complete idiots. And to be so malicious in your comments about spin shows you and your friend sean must have pretty pathetic lives. Robin and Rachel offered insightful thoughts and you guys are on the offensive like two petulant little boys. I will offer this….I take Rachel’s class a couple of times a week and take others as well… i have been to soul cycle to the famous MB’s class and have been to flywheel. There is no instructor that i have been to that puts the effort and passion into every ride and works to motivate than Rachel does and to openly criticize her is just flat out a joke. Her classes are always full and I know of no equinox members that wouldnt agree (except you if you are not full of it) As Rachel and Robin said, you are free to like what works for you but do yourself a favor and dont embarrass yourself by putting others down that have more much knowledge and time invested into indoor cycling than you.
Ok Sean/Alex or Alex/Sean if you prefer it that way. You feel very passionate about the way you do things. Let’s compare numbers. When you mentioned 900 cal workout I hope you were using a heart monitor, but in any case… I hope you’re familiar with the terminology and understand what the numbers mean.
I’m 37, 5’7″, 137. My HR max is 180, my resting HR is below 45. I can work longer than 5 min at higher than 90% of my max. I can drop my heart rate from 170 to 120 in about 30 sec while continuing to work. I run a 6 min mile, 20 min 5k, 43min 10k and 13.1 miles in under 100min. I did a 60 min ride at flywheel in a style you’ve described as fat thigh making. My heart rate averaged 158, peaked at 170 and I ended up with around 1080 cal workout. And I wasn’t going all out. By that I mean I can do 2 classes like that back to back.
What can you do?
First of all LS19 you sound like every other idiot mentioning personality and “feeling” as opposed to the actual workout, secondly the use of ALL CAPS is draw attention to points that were previously mentioned. If you looking to avoid scary, stop looking in the mirror. If you’ve indeed been to Flywheel and SoulCycle to take the rides, then you would notice they are complete polor opposites of the rides that many other instructors, Rachel included, offers. Also lets not be foolish in talking about numbers in classes, they mean absolutely NOTHING. If you are a WACK instructor in a prime time slot, you are bound to have a decent attendance in your class. Futhermore with the convenience of online signup any random BOOB can have what appears to be a sold out or packed class, with no one showing up, or at least no one with any real skill or athleticism. Furthermore no insightful thoughts are mentioned by EITHER OF THEM about cycling skill or actual class structure. Just random BS about a style of cycling that others choose to do that they CAN’T do, read carefully dear. Additionally SweatPuddle, I’m 5’7, and 160 pounds, with a resting of 54 and a max of 194, and two spin classes a day sweetheart PLEASE that’s the warm up. Try that with a Flybarre, or a Chisel Class following or better yet, try a double in the morning followed by another spin class in the evening followed by a Chisel or Sculpt class then speak to me about numbers. Don’t play yourself.
Thank you for proving my point sweetheart. None of what you said means anything, besides one thing. Your height and weight mean that your bmi is 25.1 (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/). To save you the trouble – it means you are overweight(clinically speaking, not that it means anything). I guess all those classes are working for you.
P.S. And please don’t cry. Just so it’s easier for you to understand, a different set of numbers. I wear size 28 “7″ jeans and no I’m not brand dropping. Only mentioning so you can go see if you can fit in those. And again, please don’t cry.
You’re an idiot. Not only am I 6.2 PERCENT BODY FAT but my waist is a 29 you idiot. I am BY NO MEANS OVERWEIGHT. The only thing that you have shown other than being on the way to 40 and trying to brag about the “money you have” (typical, next step), is that you’re just as clueless at your friend. You’re tweakin bitch.
It was not my intention to bash soul cycle, flywheel, or the instructors. I was commenting on contraindicated biomechanics (that can be seen at any health club). I even complimented some of the instructors in my comments because i know they are awesome! and i have respect for any teacher that can move their students to be so passionate- I said that too. I apologize if you felt personally insulted or attacked, your comments about me were certainly hurtful but you are entitled to your opinion. Again, I have nothing against these studios that promote health & fitness and get people excited about cycling. I was intending to stir up a friendly debate about potentially controversial movements- this is certainly not a friendly debate so I can no longer participate.
Rachel you don’t play fair you stir it up and then play the victim card.. typical. I don’t know you and unlike Alex, I have never taken your class. However , as a “cyclist ” and a “spinner” who understands both I was put off by your attack on a concept that I enjoy and that has worked for me. You and the likes of Robert Pennino are not in possession of the Holy Grail on spinning. Please stop the attacks
As someone newly jazzed about spinning – I have only been doing it for 2 months now – I wanted to lightly weigh into this heated debate. I played my sport at the highest level, trained with some of the best trainers in NYC + LA and pride myself on being a hustler/scrapper/tough girlie chick. I never took a spinning class in my entire career and got hooked on it at Equinox when I unknowingly stumbled into one of Carl Hall’s classes. I followed him like a groupie before he left the club. Rachel B filled his spot and won me over, giving me what I realized I was really craving: A hard ass workout. It was different packaging + different music, but still me on the bike.
In the last 2 months, I have tried FLYWHEEL + SOULCYCLE and I love them both. In each place, I’ve found my favorite instructors. At FW, I love the Torqboard, free water/shoes and Ruth, Holly, Jesse + Grant. At SOUL CYCLE, Rique gets me every time. All of these instructors work to motivate me, teach me how to burn more, ride better, get more flexible, push harder.
I get the turf war stuff + respect the legitimacy of the ride. But, from a person who doesn’t know numbers and is still learning the logistics of rockin’ it out on a bike, I’m having a blast in the NYC spinning world. My dream team: Carl, Ruth, Jesse, Holly, Rachel + Rique. Maybe time will harden me, but for now, if you make me sweat + also make me smile, imma keep ridin’.
“I have only been doing it for 2 months now” – I never took a spinning class in my entire career and got hooked on it at Equinox when I unknowingly stumbled into one of Carl Hall’s classes. I followed him like a groupie before he left the club
Crista S …Liar liar pants on fire..Carl Hall hasn’t been with Equinox since the beginning of January
Sean – are you serious? “liar liar pants on fire”?? Sounds like something Alex would say….losers! Get a life and stop bashing people that are just having a healthy debate (so maybe she was two weeks off). You and your douchebag (that’s being kind) friend represent everything that is wrong with our world – you are not intelligent enough to have a debate and revert to childish behavior and unfounded criticism (and terms like tweakin bitch?)…read what you’ve written…how you are not embarrassed i have no idea. You guys, if you are even different people, disgust me and i could say any level headed person/athlete reading this would agree. You have gotten crushed and you continue to argue back – it’s laughable….go back to your hole. No one likes you or thinks you have anything to add here….well, except for you boy toy alex…
LS19 sorry my keypad doesn’t have Novacaine ..truth hurts doesn’t it? “so maybe she was 2 weeks off” TWO weeks??? again you are a liar… 3 months off .
Let’s be honest the problem is you have always been looking from the outside of Soul Cycle wanting to get in . You are obsessed with Soul Cycle and crave the success and fame of their instructors.
Rachel you get nowhere ini life looking at others. My advice mind your own business. You are like some rigid Julliard student complaining that Britney Spears has a record contract
I could be 2 years off for all i care, doesn’t change my point or make it any less true. I’m psyched about spinning … what everyone here seems to have in common.
My point – to be specific – was that whatever Carl Hall did – for me on that day in that class – hooked me. And, as a result, I’ve found something I really love.
soul cycle is absurdly over priced spare your money and get a membership to equinox. equinox has many fantastic spinning instructors including jamie morales, greg cook and rachel b. Equinox cost 180 bucks a month vs soul cycle 900 a month if you do class every day.
Hey everyone – on another note – I thought I would point out that the statement in the blog that 1 month unlimited costs $180 is not accurate – I was super excited when I saw this as it is obviously much more cost effective than Soul Cycle – but then I went to the website and it shows that the beginning price of unlimited starts at a 6 month commitment – which is $395 per month.
[...] York is filled with fitness rivalries: Mets vs. Yankees, Flywheel vs. SoulCycle, and now Jade vs. Manduka—the manufacturers of the best-selling yoga [...]
[...] and new places and products that caught our eye.Happy Friday!More room at the barre. This week Flywheel Sports knocked down a few walls (and obstructing floor-to-ceiling beams) in their Flatiron studio to [...]
[...] Well, apparently it’s causing the bikes to rust, and the Wall Street Journal reported that Flywheel is solving the problem by creating its very own sweat-proof bike. The bikes will be [...]
[...] an amazing new line that I love. This way she can keep warm whenever she comes to visit me at Flywheel headquarters in NYC this winter.Download the Healthy Holiday Gift Guide for these healthy gifts and [...]
[...] WireWednesday, November 30, 2011SoulCycle wants you to dance while you spin(Photo: Dailycandy.com)SoulCycle is adding some more rhythm to its spin classes with a new Saturday night SoulDanceParty, announced [...]
[...] We heart Keoni, Noah, and Joey, though all the instructors are pretty great.)4 Cycle (We love that Flywheel now has showers, making a lunchtime class possible. Kate, Holly, and Aleah are our go-tos)4 Yoga (No [...]
[...] or trance or club music—became the definition of pop, says Scott Melker, who mixes beats for Flywheel and Physique 57, and as such has become the city’s resident fitness DJ.“And club music [...]
[...] your diary, finds Mahri Relin, one of the instructors who runs six-week Flybarre challenges at Flywheel. Participants are highly motivated by the numbers that measure change in their bodies. [...]
[...] Not unlike spinning: “SoulCycle was conceptual—it was about how good you feel after class. Flywheel took that experience and quantified it,” says Remorca. “We’re doing that with group training.”You'll strap [...]
It feels like Ruth Zukerman paid the author to write this article. I’ve tried both Soul Cycle and Flywheel and I definitely prefer Soul Cycle. You can bring your own spinning shoes to Soul Cycle but you are required to wear Flywheel’s shoes. When I got my pair they were still wet with the last cycler’s sweat!! I’m sorry but I find that FOUL.
In addition, Soul Cycle smells delicious and I love the serene vibe of the dark room with candles. Flywheel felt more impersonal and “jockish”.
[...] And search under “spinning & cycling” yields class times for Cycle Bar in Brooklyn, but not SoulCycle or Flywheel.To live up to the Open Table analogy, Go Recess (and its competitors) will have to work hard to get [...]
[...] with Flywheel tanks.Residents of Dubai might have to get used to seeing sweaty women in sports bras.Flywheel Sports announced today that it will be opening its first international studio in the Middle Eastern city, [...]
Great roundup! Been to both studios and agree with everything you have said. Just wanted to add that the temperature in Flywheel is SO much better than the way-to-hot room at SC. Doing vigorous activity in a room that is that hot is just not healthy.
Nice job. That was a very thorough review.
Been to both as well. SC was the original but Flywheel takes it to a new level. Beautiful space. Awesome bikes and great teachers.
Just took my first FW class this weekend – it’s like being part of the future. SC was always nice – but the staff and the space at FW made the workout experience transcendant.
Thanks for this review!! I did a review of Soul Cycle on my blog, and for a while i was obsessed, but now i’m starting to see the “cracks.” I was wondering how FW was — I’ll have to check it out.
Hi Erika,
I just read your review. Great post and I love your blog! I too was an enthusiastic Soul Cycler in the beginning. The experience was so superior to my gym’s tired old spinning class. But the more I went the more annoyed I became at the high prices, lack of discounting for frequent users, and crammed surroundings. I was amazed by how much more pleasant the cycling and customer service experience is at Flywheel. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Flywheel once you check it out. Thanks for your comment.
Best, Alexia
I love the hot room at soul cycle it allows your body to warm up, and your to really get a good work out. I hate when the room is cold, i just feel a fan on me. Is fw very cold? if it is i will not go..
Flywheel is amazing. Obviously Ruth is a total star, but other ‘less known’ instructors absolutely kill it too- check out kate or reign (10:30 m/w/f) to burn major calories. you can check exactly how many on their site- it rocks! no better way to do cardio in the city…and i’m no athlete!
I also love the Soulcycle hot room. I sweat in spinning and can end up with a cold/flu with too much frigidaire. I also love the SC customer service.
When will someone open one in South Orange County, CA ?
I am not a fan of Soulcycle. As a spinning instructor, many of the movements they encourage are unsafe and can increase the possibility of injury.
I loved Sould Cycle on W. 72. Took a couple hundred classes there. Purchased a new $310 class package as was my practice. Two weeks later had major kneee surgery and was out of action 4 months. Lost my entire $310 because it expires after 90 days. I can see airline miles expiring, but not something I paid for and did not get to use.
Hi David,
Did you show them a doctor’s note and explain what happened to your knee? If so, that’s pretty egregious.
Best,
Well+Good
Does flywheel have a shower room? if so, is it bigger then SC?
Hi I’m a NYTimes reporter who wants to talk to folks who have tried both Soul Cycle and Fly Wheel and have opinions about the pros/cons of each. Email [email protected] asap *by Thursday Sept. 30th, 2010* if you want to share your thoughts, csl
IVE HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT SOUL CYCLE AND IVE BEEN TEACHING SPIN OVER TEN YEARS.WHATS FUNNY IS IVE ALWAYS TAUGHT MY SPIN VERY SIMILAR TO SOUL CYCLE.REGULAR SPIN CLASSES ARE MOST DEFINITELY BORING!!!!
I move to NYC 4 months ago (NC) and have been looking for a great spinning studio for when it gets cold. Thanks for this review of the studios.
FYI – found your site via the NYT article.
Ryan
I have taken a few classes at the scarsdale ny soul cycle location. I felt like I walked into a scene of mean girls for the suburban housewife. Not a pleasant experience at all. Rumor has it it is run by a group of scarsdale women who belong to the 100 or less club. (you have to weight less than 100 lbs) They organize the seating, monopolize some of the classes and are rude to any outsider.. It is not pretty… would love to try another option!
Both are great but if you really want to know the BEST spin exclusive studio… Ride The Zone..no gimmicks …also the blogger ht the nail on the head..SC is CULTISH ..fantastic teachers but the aura is very spooky and dark.. unhappy pretenders..BULLIES .. “Soul Cycle can feel like the Scientology of Spin.”
As a Spin Instructor myself for over 15 years, I have to say that Soul Cycle was no great shake. Over priced and over rated for sure. The room was certainly a potential fire hazard. I spent a good portion of the ride looking for the fire exit. The instructor was a Broadway wannabe looking to stay skinny for her discovery. Coming from NJ specifically to experience a class it turned out to be a GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT to say the least.
tried soul cycle first. the teacher announced : no judgements people…then later when i asked to have a fan turned on near me, he sniped me with, “what!? it is freezing in here…!” and it was actually quite warm…why announce no judgements and go on to humiliate a rider? why the fake vibe of peace an tranquility?
went to flywheel and it is pitch perfect for this rider. joined for six months. comes down to 12 bucks a ride if you go three times a week.
Quite simply, flywheel has saved my life, literally and figuratively. I heard that flywheel was thinking of opening a bklyn spot but decided to take Manhattan first. THis is crazy, brownstone brooklyn would have been FREE $. There is a place opening in the Slope but they will NOT have torqboards and their prices are absolutely laughable, more expensive than FW, and you have to rent shoes. Hello! You are in Brooklyn! I will have no trouble getting on that train to go into the city.
@suzie….. Yes, we are the residents of Brooklyn who don’t have to worry about scratching our backs up simply by doing a 360 in our bathrooms. People like you is why we hate traveling to Manhattan for anything. Better Spinning and restaurants in Brooklyn!
Hmm…I wouldn’t say that was a very good analysis at all. First of all, Soul does offer discounts (albeit only a $1 a class, but ultimately your statement is incorrect). Secondly, you’re missing the entire point of this specialty studios. How good is the work out?
[...] Today the much-buzzed about—and pretty controversial—SoulCycle Union Square location opened in the backyard of its competitor Flywheel. [...]
concur with the analysis!!
one of the original instructors of SC were toxically nasty about a small spin group in the hamptons “just for fun ” during a spin class …and as i looked around at a lot of re-touched bodies the whole vibe gave me a sick tummy
so i became a flywheel person when i do it ……
Why is nobody talking about the contraindicated moves the majority of the instructors at both these studios are teaching?! RPMs exceeding 120, old-school moves like “hovering”, sprints defined as “going as fast as you can” (come on, this is called momentum, it’s not actually hard work). I guess no one complains about the lack of well thought out training rides based on real cycling techniques because all the real cyclists are outside & not buying into the hype, or as I prefer to call it- the BS. But I’m sorry, for the price tag & for a studio that is only about cycling I expect instructors to actually “instruct” & give me a workout that will enhance my bike performance. & pushups on bike- really???
I should clarify- my previous comment said “a majority of the instructors” I cant actually say this because I’ve only taken from 5 of them (3 at flywheel & 2 at soul). At flywheel I was always top female on the torque board but it was because I ignored the instructors requests to do speeds that are down right dangerous & I didn’t waste my cardio time with the upper body segments. I’m still searching for an instructor at these studios that doesn’t do contraindicated moves so if anyone knows of an instructor that teaches an authentic based ride & is a “coach” not just a cheerleader then let me know & I’ll give the studios another go.
Sorry Rachel but the riders at BOTH studios LOOK fantastic, however , so many of YOUR riders have that “cyclist” body …rolls of fat hanging over the tight lance armstrong get up You “cyclist” instructors are always knocking a style that IS safe, but most of you CAN’T do because you are too busy clogging the wheel. YOUR DATED style causes women to get FAT THIGHS.
Sean, it’s not dated- it’s called exercise science. It’s sad that the MYTH that cycling causes women to get fat thighs (interesting you say just women- can men not get fat thighs?) is still out there. I lost 50 pounds with indoor cycling. I’ve seen riders at a variety of studios with a variety of body types. There are many factors that determines body composition. I’m sure there are instructors teaching great rides at these studios, but so far I’ve experienced classes that taught moves that are dangerous. These studios are amazing & the music & enthusiasm of instructors is incredible! But out of saddle at 120 rpms no gear- come on, maybe it’s “fun” but it’s ineffective & unsafe.
Just tried flywheel this morning again- took from Grant- he did an authentic ride, no bells & whistles! Thank you grant for a Great solid road based well coached class!
From what I’ve noticed letting a heavy wheel drag your legs around at crazy RPMs doesn’t give you skinny thighs. One usually achieves those by starving oneself.
No resistance on the wheel means no work (simple physics). No work means no results. if you want results, be it skinny thighs, or better cardio capacity or higher endurance, turn the knob clockwise and do work.
To sweat puddle- exactly!! Thank you :)
I am a certified indoor/spinning instructor who stays up to date with my continuing education of safe and effective techniques on the bike.Spinning is meant to be a cardiovascular workout not an upper body strengthener. Your hands are supposed to be on the handlebars not lifting little weights in a little bike seat while your legs are going in circles. The only person I have ever seen do that professionally on a bike was a clown juggling on a unicycle. I think that most instructors are creative people and have tried to be creative in their spin classes, forgetting what they have been told by the experts about what is safe and what is potentially unsafe on a bike. If you want to strengthen your upper body then get out of the spin room and into the weight room and lift some real weights, safely. Use your creativity to design great classes that include tough hill climbs, flat roads and sprints(with some resistance please), and intervals. Use great music and be a good motivator/coach and you will work your ass off. Great instructors stick with what they know is safe and effective and do not succumb to the pressure to be like everyone else. Sweat Puddle and Rachel B, keep doing what your doing. I wish I could take your classes. I have a feeling that neither one of you has huge thunder thighs and muffin tops for spinning.
“But out of saddle at 120 rpms no gear- come on, maybe it’s “fun” but it’s ineffective & unsafe.”
Well we will have to agree to disagree. It is not unsafe and like I said the riders at Flywheel and Soul Cycle LOOK much much much better than the riders who take a “cycle” class..BRAVO to the spin studios who get it.. you are NOT outside!!! this is an innovative and SAFE way to go beyond the limitations of outside..Rachel you will never get it.. and you can’t do it ..don’t hate and please it is not about momentum.. when I see Stacey, Ruth , Clare, and Laurie riding its a BEAUTIFUL thing. I look at your group and its UGLY ….no spirit no joy no soul just a textbook and a closed mind..sad
and just answer me this WHY do I burn 900 calories in Stacey’s class and 320 in your style of class ( and I FOLLOW to the t what the instructor says) WHY Rachel WHY?.
and Robin S is that southern confederate motivation??? PLEASE your class sounds like death on a bike my hips are expanding just thinking about it
Sean, guess we will agree to disagree. I have no doubt they are amazing instructors because they have obviously effected you and that’s ultimately what it’s about. If their style speaks to you than go for it! I have not taken from Ruth or stacey but I certainly will, I too have heard amazing things. I was only speaking of certain moves by certain instructors that can be proven in a lab to burn less calories, be less efficient, & increase risk of injury- but if you don’t believe the data that’s fine. I don’t know if you have taken my class or who you are because you didn’t leave your full name. In terms of caloric burn there are a million factors- metabolic rate, heart rate, wattage, bike setup…
Sounds like your mind is more open is certain styles of class – that probably inspires you & motivates you & you are able to work harder in such environments- like I said, if that works for you do it! :)
I have been reading along with the discussion very carefully and thought it was time to address a few points.
First off, Robin S, you are correct spinning IS a cardiovascular exercise. Yet its funny how in mentioning that you IMMEDIATELY mention climbing heavy hills and spinning with resistance. Funny, doesn’t sound like CARDIO to me.You see in case you are confused its ANEROBIC exercise involving BOTH speed and strength. But oddly enough many of you “instructors” (Rachel B being one, because as a member of Equinox who has taken your class twice) completely MISS the first concept and focus SOLELY on the other!! Created a tired, dead, boring, and INEFFECTIVE workout. Robin if you are so versed as an instructor why is it that Schwinn and Johnny G note BOTH STANDING RUNS AS WELL AS JUMPS INTO THE SPIN PROGRAM AND MENTION THE SPEED IN DOING THEM TO BE 100 and ABOVE?! Are the certifications incorrect as well?!
I’d like to point out that as an avid spinner for five years, I don’t mind paying for multiple gym memberships (which I currently do) to take FANTASTIC spin classes because most of these “instructors” don’t know what there doing at all. But I DO FIND that when people DON’T know how to do something they completely demonize it. Having taken your class at Tribeca twice Rachel its CLEAR that you don’t possess the skill set to teach a class out of a paper bag, much less, cue any type of interval to a class. If you actually spent the 45 focusing on YOUR CLASS and how to get them better and more equipped to move, instead of your own reflection, the majority of them wouldn’t be out of shape, with this ILLUSION that they are working. How can a class such as that be effective when most of the members have huge bellys and fat a**es? I agree with Sean, you burn MUCH more calories with instructors who get it. Take Ruth from Flywheel for example she is 52 and RUNNING OUT OF THE SADDLE! Not because its “FUN” because its ATHLETICISM PLAIN AND SIMPLE, and it gets and keeps you in shape. If you can’t do it FINE but don’t knock instructors who teach it and who KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. No one wants to climb and grunt to long boring hills, with off beat music, and listen to an instuctor who could care less weather you’re working or not. The worst part about this is that the spin certification is the easiest certification to get, OPEN BOOK TEST, with A SIT THROUGH PRACTICAL NO WONDER MOST OF YOU ARE SO HORRIBLE AND CLUELESS its the THROW AWAY certification, just another thing to put on your resume. If you want REAL instructors how about Ruth Zuckerman, Nella Vera, Carl Hall, Joshua Segarra, and thats just to name a few!
Wow…I”m shocked to see these comments. Alex and Sean – are you possibly the same person because using ALL CAPS is really scary. You guys sound like complete idiots. And to be so malicious in your comments about spin shows you and your friend sean must have pretty pathetic lives. Robin and Rachel offered insightful thoughts and you guys are on the offensive like two petulant little boys. I will offer this….I take Rachel’s class a couple of times a week and take others as well… i have been to soul cycle to the famous MB’s class and have been to flywheel. There is no instructor that i have been to that puts the effort and passion into every ride and works to motivate than Rachel does and to openly criticize her is just flat out a joke. Her classes are always full and I know of no equinox members that wouldnt agree (except you if you are not full of it) As Rachel and Robin said, you are free to like what works for you but do yourself a favor and dont embarrass yourself by putting others down that have more much knowledge and time invested into indoor cycling than you.
Ok Sean/Alex or Alex/Sean if you prefer it that way. You feel very passionate about the way you do things. Let’s compare numbers. When you mentioned 900 cal workout I hope you were using a heart monitor, but in any case… I hope you’re familiar with the terminology and understand what the numbers mean.
I’m 37, 5’7″, 137. My HR max is 180, my resting HR is below 45. I can work longer than 5 min at higher than 90% of my max. I can drop my heart rate from 170 to 120 in about 30 sec while continuing to work. I run a 6 min mile, 20 min 5k, 43min 10k and 13.1 miles in under 100min. I did a 60 min ride at flywheel in a style you’ve described as fat thigh making. My heart rate averaged 158, peaked at 170 and I ended up with around 1080 cal workout. And I wasn’t going all out. By that I mean I can do 2 classes like that back to back.
What can you do?
First of all LS19 you sound like every other idiot mentioning personality and “feeling” as opposed to the actual workout, secondly the use of ALL CAPS is draw attention to points that were previously mentioned. If you looking to avoid scary, stop looking in the mirror. If you’ve indeed been to Flywheel and SoulCycle to take the rides, then you would notice they are complete polor opposites of the rides that many other instructors, Rachel included, offers. Also lets not be foolish in talking about numbers in classes, they mean absolutely NOTHING. If you are a WACK instructor in a prime time slot, you are bound to have a decent attendance in your class. Futhermore with the convenience of online signup any random BOOB can have what appears to be a sold out or packed class, with no one showing up, or at least no one with any real skill or athleticism. Furthermore no insightful thoughts are mentioned by EITHER OF THEM about cycling skill or actual class structure. Just random BS about a style of cycling that others choose to do that they CAN’T do, read carefully dear. Additionally SweatPuddle, I’m 5’7, and 160 pounds, with a resting of 54 and a max of 194, and two spin classes a day sweetheart PLEASE that’s the warm up. Try that with a Flybarre, or a Chisel Class following or better yet, try a double in the morning followed by another spin class in the evening followed by a Chisel or Sculpt class then speak to me about numbers. Don’t play yourself.
Thank you for proving my point sweetheart. None of what you said means anything, besides one thing. Your height and weight mean that your bmi is 25.1 (http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/). To save you the trouble – it means you are overweight(clinically speaking, not that it means anything). I guess all those classes are working for you.
P.S. And please don’t cry. Just so it’s easier for you to understand, a different set of numbers. I wear size 28 “7″ jeans and no I’m not brand dropping. Only mentioning so you can go see if you can fit in those. And again, please don’t cry.
You’re an idiot. Not only am I 6.2 PERCENT BODY FAT but my waist is a 29 you idiot. I am BY NO MEANS OVERWEIGHT. The only thing that you have shown other than being on the way to 40 and trying to brag about the “money you have” (typical, next step), is that you’re just as clueless at your friend. You’re tweakin bitch.
SINCE YOU LIKE TO POST LINKS: CLICK THE LIMITIATIONS OF THE BMI on the same page: OH WAIT LET ME COPY AND PASTE FOR YOU.
Although BMI can be used for most men and women, it does have some limits:
•It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
you’re getting lost in your own lies you silly queen. Go to bed. You have classes to take tomorrow.
Like I said before, You’re tweakin bitch
sweatpuddle is very tweaky
I am still confused . .why is a Equinox instructor bashing Soul Cycle? NOT COOL ..
@Sean because you know what they say about those who can’t do….
Her and SaggyPuddle
It was not my intention to bash soul cycle, flywheel, or the instructors. I was commenting on contraindicated biomechanics (that can be seen at any health club). I even complimented some of the instructors in my comments because i know they are awesome! and i have respect for any teacher that can move their students to be so passionate- I said that too. I apologize if you felt personally insulted or attacked, your comments about me were certainly hurtful but you are entitled to your opinion. Again, I have nothing against these studios that promote health & fitness and get people excited about cycling. I was intending to stir up a friendly debate about potentially controversial movements- this is certainly not a friendly debate so I can no longer participate.
Rachel you don’t play fair you stir it up and then play the victim card.. typical. I don’t know you and unlike Alex, I have never taken your class. However , as a “cyclist ” and a “spinner” who understands both I was put off by your attack on a concept that I enjoy and that has worked for me. You and the likes of Robert Pennino are not in possession of the Holy Grail on spinning. Please stop the attacks
As someone newly jazzed about spinning – I have only been doing it for 2 months now – I wanted to lightly weigh into this heated debate. I played my sport at the highest level, trained with some of the best trainers in NYC + LA and pride myself on being a hustler/scrapper/tough girlie chick. I never took a spinning class in my entire career and got hooked on it at Equinox when I unknowingly stumbled into one of Carl Hall’s classes. I followed him like a groupie before he left the club. Rachel B filled his spot and won me over, giving me what I realized I was really craving: A hard ass workout. It was different packaging + different music, but still me on the bike.
In the last 2 months, I have tried FLYWHEEL + SOULCYCLE and I love them both. In each place, I’ve found my favorite instructors. At FW, I love the Torqboard, free water/shoes and Ruth, Holly, Jesse + Grant. At SOUL CYCLE, Rique gets me every time. All of these instructors work to motivate me, teach me how to burn more, ride better, get more flexible, push harder.
I get the turf war stuff + respect the legitimacy of the ride. But, from a person who doesn’t know numbers and is still learning the logistics of rockin’ it out on a bike, I’m having a blast in the NYC spinning world. My dream team: Carl, Ruth, Jesse, Holly, Rachel + Rique. Maybe time will harden me, but for now, if you make me sweat + also make me smile, imma keep ridin’.
“I have only been doing it for 2 months now” – I never took a spinning class in my entire career and got hooked on it at Equinox when I unknowingly stumbled into one of Carl Hall’s classes. I followed him like a groupie before he left the club
Crista S …Liar liar pants on fire..Carl Hall hasn’t been with Equinox since the beginning of January
Sean – are you serious? “liar liar pants on fire”?? Sounds like something Alex would say….losers! Get a life and stop bashing people that are just having a healthy debate (so maybe she was two weeks off). You and your douchebag (that’s being kind) friend represent everything that is wrong with our world – you are not intelligent enough to have a debate and revert to childish behavior and unfounded criticism (and terms like tweakin bitch?)…read what you’ve written…how you are not embarrassed i have no idea. You guys, if you are even different people, disgust me and i could say any level headed person/athlete reading this would agree. You have gotten crushed and you continue to argue back – it’s laughable….go back to your hole. No one likes you or thinks you have anything to add here….well, except for you boy toy alex…
Bitch you still talking? No one likes you here? Where have I heard that elitest white banter before?? You’re still tweakin…bitch
LS19 sorry my keypad doesn’t have Novacaine ..truth hurts doesn’t it? “so maybe she was 2 weeks off” TWO weeks??? again you are a liar… 3 months off .
Let’s be honest the problem is you have always been looking from the outside of Soul Cycle wanting to get in . You are obsessed with Soul Cycle and crave the success and fame of their instructors.
Rachel you get nowhere ini life looking at others. My advice mind your own business. You are like some rigid Julliard student complaining that Britney Spears has a record contract
I could be 2 years off for all i care, doesn’t change my point or make it any less true. I’m psyched about spinning … what everyone here seems to have in common.
My point – to be specific – was that whatever Carl Hall did – for me on that day in that class – hooked me. And, as a result, I’ve found something I really love.
soul cycle is absurdly over priced spare your money and get a membership to equinox. equinox has many fantastic spinning instructors including jamie morales, greg cook and rachel b. Equinox cost 180 bucks a month vs soul cycle 900 a month if you do class every day.
OK… everyone has an opinion. Next topic.
Hey everyone – on another note – I thought I would point out that the statement in the blog that 1 month unlimited costs $180 is not accurate – I was super excited when I saw this as it is obviously much more cost effective than Soul Cycle – but then I went to the website and it shows that the beginning price of unlimited starts at a 6 month commitment – which is $395 per month.
Just thought people might want to know :)
Is Soul Cycle advertising where they are expanding to nationally? I can’t find this information anywhere.
[...] York is filled with fitness rivalries: Mets vs. Yankees, Flywheel vs. SoulCycle, and now Jade vs. Manduka—the manufacturers of the best-selling yoga [...]
[...] and new places and products that caught our eye.Happy Friday!More room at the barre. This week Flywheel Sports knocked down a few walls (and obstructing floor-to-ceiling beams) in their Flatiron studio to [...]
[...] Well, apparently it’s causing the bikes to rust, and the Wall Street Journal reported that Flywheel is solving the problem by creating its very own sweat-proof bike. The bikes will be [...]
[...] an amazing new line that I love. This way she can keep warm whenever she comes to visit me at Flywheel headquarters in NYC this winter.Download the Healthy Holiday Gift Guide for these healthy gifts and [...]
[...] WireWednesday, November 30, 2011SoulCycle wants you to dance while you spin(Photo: Dailycandy.com)SoulCycle is adding some more rhythm to its spin classes with a new Saturday night SoulDanceParty, announced [...]
[...] We heart Keoni, Noah, and Joey, though all the instructors are pretty great.)4 Cycle (We love that Flywheel now has showers, making a lunchtime class possible. Kate, Holly, and Aleah are our go-tos)4 Yoga (No [...]
[...] or trance or club music—became the definition of pop, says Scott Melker, who mixes beats for Flywheel and Physique 57, and as such has become the city’s resident fitness DJ.“And club music [...]
[...] your diary, finds Mahri Relin, one of the instructors who runs six-week Flybarre challenges at Flywheel. Participants are highly motivated by the numbers that measure change in their bodies. [...]
[...] Not unlike spinning: “SoulCycle was conceptual—it was about how good you feel after class. Flywheel took that experience and quantified it,” says Remorca. “We’re doing that with group training.”You'll strap [...]
It feels like Ruth Zukerman paid the author to write this article. I’ve tried both Soul Cycle and Flywheel and I definitely prefer Soul Cycle. You can bring your own spinning shoes to Soul Cycle but you are required to wear Flywheel’s shoes. When I got my pair they were still wet with the last cycler’s sweat!! I’m sorry but I find that FOUL.
In addition, Soul Cycle smells delicious and I love the serene vibe of the dark room with candles. Flywheel felt more impersonal and “jockish”.
Stick with the Soul!
[...] And search under “spinning & cycling” yields class times for Cycle Bar in Brooklyn, but not SoulCycle or Flywheel.To live up to the Open Table analogy, Go Recess (and its competitors) will have to work hard to get [...]
[...] with Flywheel tanks.Residents of Dubai might have to get used to seeing sweaty women in sports bras.Flywheel Sports announced today that it will be opening its first international studio in the Middle Eastern city, [...]