So, you decided to try Soul-Cycle after your friends couldn’t stop talking about it. You just walked through the doors of the modern-dance-studio-shop-turned-exercise-facility. You see so many beautiful, fit people and immediately regret that 2am taco bell after going a little too hard last night. What’s next? What do you do? Where do you start? Here’s the beginners guide to Soul-Cycle:
Show up early! I know. It’s hard for you to even show up on time to your real college classes, much less an exercise class as a beginner. But you’ll need to fill out a waiver and create an account, and you don’t want to walk in late on your first session!
Prices. It’s not an inexpensive class at 30$/ session. Add 3$ for a shoe rental and 2$ for a bottle of Smart Water, but you can definitely bring your own water. Definitely ask if there’s a discount for your first class. Chances are your local Soul-Cycle will have one.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. The studio has a dark, candle lit feel with no windows that can be intimidating at first, especially with so many psudo-Victoria’s Secret model looking women already peddling away 10 miniutes before class even starts. But you’ll regret it later when your bike seat stabs your butt while you squat, and your legs can barely reach the pedals. The assistants in the studio at the beginning of class are there to help new riders! They’ve heard every question in the book, and you will need help clicking your shoes into and out of your pedals. It took me about five classes to finally do it myself.
Ask for a cushion seat cover!My local Soul-Cycle lets you borrow these and it’s a lifesaver. It feels so much better than the regular bike seat. You can also ask for different weights. The weights range from 1-3lbs, which isn’t much, but keep in mind the weights portion of the class is very fast paced with a high amount of reps for each move.
Have FUN!!This is the most important part! Yes, it’s an exercise class but it’s also a giant party where you get to dance and sing to the music! Don’t be self conscious, because at the end of the day, you’re doing something great for your body, and nobody can judge you for that!
Image Credit: Her Campus Image Library