Been a Soul fanatic for as long as I can remember. Saving up babysitting money and splurging on a class with Akin or Marvin, claiming each and every Community Ride as they go up at noon on Monday, and counting down until the mashup of the century ride that I’d bite the bullet and shell out a whopping $34 for. “Why Soul?” “Why not a regular spin class at NYSC?” “What feelings does a Soul class illicit?” Well, after scouting out countless spin/cycling/rides I’ve come to a consensus: Soul Cycle is a dance party on a bike. It’s a place to let loose. A ride in the club. A full 45 min at the hottest disco. If you’re like me, and you ain’t a dancer in public, you def don’t have Beyonce booty, and you would NEVER dare bust a move in front of even your best friends, the Soul Cycle community is yours to shake it all out. It’s where you belt out the lyrics to every Avici remix, yet you wouldn’t even think about singing in your own private shower. It’s your zone. It’s where you’re a beast. It’s where you’re in control, sweating like an animal and having the sickest time of your life.
While many flock to Fly, Soul’s toughest competition, I remain a devout Soul Community member. After trying my third Flywheel class (tonight, during the SuperBowl to be exact), the comparison did not even cross my mind. To quote my nearest and dearest “Soul is a dance party while Fly makes you work.” While one sweats their tush off at soul, burns a gazillion calories and feels sore for days upon days after their kick ass cardio workout, Flywheel feels more like a treacherous journey on a bike-competitive playing field with computerized trackers with too many terms for me to remember. Who even knows what torque is? Why is one’s power denoted by a number? Can’t I feel powerful without getting to the three hundred mark-what even is that 300?!?
To spell it out for the newbies-you can score your first “Soul Dance Party on a Bike” class for a mere 20$. Yet, Flywheel offers its first timers a free introductory class. Soul classes do not include shoes and water (another $5 right there,) while once is entitled to an endless supply of water at Flywheel locations. Soul however collabs with Lulu and Nike re their apparel while Flywheel clothing doesn’t even appear to be moisture wicking to the naked eye. You can find your downtown-chic girl at Soul Cycle (West Village, Noho, Soho, Union Square, Tribeca, and Fidi) while Fly ladies tend to mingle on the Upper East and West Sides of the city.
So get started. Get ready to glue your eyes to computer screen at exactly 5:00 on Sundays when the booking window for Fly opens it’s shades. Be prepared to refresh that screen countless times Mondays at 12 for some Soul Searching. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey. So Fly to the finish line, pour your heart and Soul out, and have the time of your life.
