The full client experience at SoulCycle E 63rd was notable, achieving our Recommended rating.

A highlight of the visit was the perfect choreography of the class.

Another stand out was the high-energy vibe and powerful lighting effects.

“The coach offered encouraging words during the warm up which made it a fun experience.”

“The class was really high energy and the coach was enthusiastic."

"The almost evangelical commentary made it a memorable experience.”

SoulCycle is a premium indoor cycling offering that delivers soulful, music-driven rides in a fun and nightclub-like environment. Their “boundary-pushing” workout is designed to uplift and empower in an environment that’s inclusive and non-judgmental. During the class, everyone cycles in time with the beat of the music, creating an in-sync unity and vibe that’s made it world-renowned.

They often do themed rides featuring particular artists, for example, you might find a Beyonce Vs Jay-Z class, and each instructor becomes well-known for their music selection. 

If you’re a first timer to SoulCycle, we recommend seeking out a class or instructor that you vibe with and who shares your taste in music.

The phone inquiry experience was helpful but lacked enthusiasm. While clear and detailed information about the studio’s facilities and class offerings was provided, the conversation felt flat, with no questions asked to personalize the interaction.

On arrival, the receptionist greeted our evaluator promptly and completed registration efficiently. A brief orientation was offered, highlighting the location of lockers and restrooms, but it lacked details about using facilities such as lockers or obtaining towels. The lack of smiles or engagement diminished the otherwise welcoming atmosphere.

After the class, we weren't asked about our experience or proactively offered information about training options. When prompted about packages, the staff seemed unprepared, referring the client to the website without asking questions to understand their needs.

The class was a high-energy and enjoyable workout, with enthusiastic commentary and an engaging music program that made it a memorable experience. The coach demonstrated confidence and appeared passionate about leading the session, which contributed to the positive atmosphere. However, as a first-timer, our evaluator felt unsupported at the start due to the lack of assistance with setup and the absence of a formal induction or explanation of the class format.

While the coach greeted riders on arrival and provided clear instructions for movements during the session, there was no effort to personalize the experience, such as learning or using names or conducting an injury check. Opportunities to connect with participants individually, especially first-timers, were missed, and the absence of a structured follow-up was disappointing.

The session itself was well-paced, with appropriate warm-up and cooldown segments, and options for clients to adjust intensity based on their fitness level. However, the lack of clarity around interval lengths and the absence of a sense of community within the club left room for improvement. The packed class made it challenging to seek assistance during the session, and a second coach could have enhanced the overall experience by providing additional support.

Despite the challenges mentioned, the workout was enjoyable and the coach’s energy was infectious.

The studio offered a polished and immersive environment, with the darkened room significantly enhancing the overall class experience. The equipment, including the SoulCycle-branded bikes, appeared clean, high quality, and well-maintained, reinforcing the studio’s premium feel. The lighting and sound system were effectively utilized to elevate the atmosphere and enjoyment of the class.

However, the close spacing of the bikes was a notable drawback. Our evaluator's bike was nearly touching the one in front, and the narrow gaps between columns made movement and comfort slightly compromised. Despite this limitation, the thoughtful branding elements and overall ambiance created a strong and positive impression.

The public areas were clean and well-maintained, with branding elements such as exterior signage and branded merchandise contributing to the studio’s vibe. However, the waiting area was cramped and lacked sufficient seating options for the number of riders, making it less comfortable before and after classes. The layout, while orderly, did not provide much space for relaxation or socialization. Not an uncommon experience in New York, due to the infamously high rents.

Lockers with number locks were provided and in good condition, but they lacked hangers. Both workout and shower towels were available and complimentary, presented neatly on shelves. A complimentary water fountain was available for refills, but the paid beverage options were limited to water, with no flavored or electrolyte drinks available.

The studio offered two showers, which were clean and well-maintained, with consistent hot water and strong pressure. Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel were provided. However, the limited number of showers could cause inconvenience, especially during peak times when classes exceed 60 participants. The changing area was tidy but small, with minimal bench space and a very basic selection of amenities, including only hand wash and deodorant.

While the studio featured good lighting and music in public areas to enhance the atmosphere, the architectural and design elements were standard rather than distinctive, leaving room for improvement in creating a more memorable experience.

We were highly impressed with the digital offerings, particularly the ease of booking classes and purchasing credits through the professionally designed website. The website’s sleek design, clear navigation, and strong branding helped us feel prepared for the visit. The inclusion of essential information, such as class schedules and a dedicated "Our Story" page highlighting the brand’s values, added to the overall digital experience.

Email communications reflected the brand's identity with custom fonts, colors, and logo imagery, reinforcing the club's aesthetic. However, one booking confirmation email lacked personalization, which slightly detracted from the otherwise polished communication experience. Social media pages were regularly updated, consistent with the brand's look and feel, and provided direct booking information through the Instagram bio. We were unable to locate a class schedule on these platforms.

SoulCycle offers new clients a range of introductory deals. At the time of writing (January 2025). SoulCycle were offering two weeks of unlimited rides for $60 (normally $99). Clients can also take their first class for $25 or purchase a three-pack for $75.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from $134 for four classes per month up to $481 for sixteen.

Drop-in sessions are available at $40 per class, with smaller commitment packages also available, starting at a three-pack for $114 (30 days expiry) up to $990 for 30 classes (12 month expiry).