According to the current Dalai Lama, “there is soul music, soul food and soul love.” And for a little over a year in Ann Arbor, there has been SoulCycle too.
Popular cultural sensation and international exercise chain SoulCycle aims to transform the mind, body and spirit of riders through each 45 minute workout. Walking into SoulCycle off of South University Avenue, the bright, minimalist aesthetic and the iconic maize and blue ‘SOUL ANBR” neon lettering definitely make the entry area #instaworthy. The in-house shop also offers a unique selection of designer athletic apparel — including pieces from SoulCycle’s own ‘Soul’ clothing line — if riders want to update their ‘fit before snapping that workout selfie.
In the back, the dim, candlelit cycling room has a completely different vibe. SoulCycle’s four vivacious instructors lead rigorous choreographic-based cycling exercises to the rhythm of their energetic, carefully-curated playlists. Besides the typical class experience, the SoulCycle schedule keeps riders on their toes by offering various themed rides each week, including Hip Hop Mondays with Jamie and DJ Battle Rides with Jon. Riders can register in advance for each session online, reserving their choice of the 14 available (socially-distanced) bikes.
For those whose delight in dance, music and cycling, SoulCycle fosters a workout community radiating with positive energy that celebrates hard work, sweat and the joys of a happy and healthy soul.
Daily Staff Reporter Roni Kane can be reached at ronikane@umich.edu.