Home > The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession

The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession

Ok. I have to admit that my first reaction to being invited to “enjoy” a spinning class at Canada’s first ever SoulCycle location made my blood run cold. I remember the first spinning class I ever took, I was pretty sure my heart was going to explode. There I was spinning my poor little legs off with about 12 other equally scared folks, pedalling away to nowhere real fast. I anxiously looked around and wondered who would be best able to call 911 if I keeled over.

The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession

By some miracle of God, I made it though that class, loved it and actually turned into a “spinner”. When I really got into running though, I quit spinning, opting more for leisurely bike rides to complement my running routine. And when I say “leisurely bike rides”, I mean biking at about 5km/hr to the grocery store to pick up cupcakes.

The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession
The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession

When the SoulCycle invitation landed in my inbox, I was excited…and nervous. These classes were supposed to be hardcore. If I completed a SoulCycle class, I could brag non-stop to anyone who would listen! Best of all, I could get my ever-growing winter butt into a spinning studio to burn off some red velvet cupcake calories. I hurriedly RSVPed and packed my bags. I was headed to Toronto.

The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession
Dom, Erika, Ty the Instructor
The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession

With my ever-energetic sister in tow, we showed up at the studio for the preview ready to get our spin on. We excitedly toured the bright and airy location on King Street West taking in its cheery black and white decor, punctuated by fun pops of yellow (signature SoulCycle colours). We got changed, took about a million pictures and selfies, fan-girled over the Beckerman Sisters who also showed up (Eeeeeeee!!!) and then geared up for the class.

The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession
SoulCycle Soul Studio

The SoulCycle Class

A stylish employee ushered us into the Soul Studio and adjusted our bikes for us perfectly. Everyone settled in, the lights dimmed, and the ever energetic and gorgeous “Ty” turned up the dance music and started riling us up, screaming about how “things are getting JUICCCCYYYY!!!!”  Erika and I couldn’t help busting out laughing and thanking our lucky stars that we were there.

http://beckermanbiteplate.blogspot.ca

For 45 minutes, we climbed up hills. We raced down hills. We sprinted, jogged and danced. We did tricep pushups while pedalling our hearts out. We slowed it down while doing bicep curls, shoulder presses and dumbbell rows with light weights. I sweated buckets while constantly checking if my SoulCycle tank looked ok in the cute knot I tied at the hip. I’m a fashion blogger – would you expect anything less?

“RIGHT! RIGHT! RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT!!!” the energetic Ty screamed while I grimaced in pain praying for mercy. Where does this guy get the energy?? Oh yeah. He’s about 10 years younger than me. I looked over at Erika who at this point is “woop wooping” to the music, pumping her fist in the air, loving every second of it like a mad person.

SoulCycle-Toronto-16

The Universe heard my pleas and Ty slowed everything down long enough so that I could catch my breath and wring out my sweat-drenched towel. We unclipped our shoes from the bike and did some stretches that felt like the best thing on Earth. Despite the pain, sweat and tears, I never felt better. The spinning high washed over me as I looked around the room at the countless smiling faces, people high-fiving each other, and happy spinners rushing up to thank Ty for such a great class.

The Spinning Verdict

There was a moment during the class when I put my head up and took in the fun that every last one of the spinners was having. The energy in the room was contagious. I realized right then and there that it was this energy that kept me going. I also took in the fact that I was so lucky to be there enjoying such a fun opportunity. There really are much worse ways to spend a Thursday evening.

The Best Spinning Class Ever: My SoulCycle Toronto Obsession

We met some amazing fellow bloggers and entrepreneurs, enjoyed all of the Saje Wellness goodies available in the gorgeous change rooms (which just happened to be fully stocked with anything your heart desires – Q-Tips, cotton pads, hair elastics, anti-perspirant, lotions of all kinds, etc). Leaving the studio on a fitness high, Erika and I  babbled excitedly to each other and planned our next SoulCycle spinning date. It truly was a fantastic experience and I am hurting all over – that good sort of pain that is borne from a fantastic workout. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the class. I guess you can say I’m a little obsessed!

I implore you to check out the SoulCycle studio located at 435 King Street West and get your spin on. It’s a helluva workout and be ready to sweat!

Have you tried SoulCycle? How did you like it?

Dominique Baker
Dominique Baker

Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

7 Comments

  1. February 27, 2017 / 1:14 pm

    Dom! You are an ultimate babe! Girl, body goals for me! Your sister is so beautiful too! I have never tried Soul Cycling before and I am definitely looking forward to it after this incredible post! I love my cycling class at the gym but Soul Cycle sounds extra fabulous!
    xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com

    • Dominique
      Author
      February 27, 2017 / 1:37 pm

      Awww! Thank you, Debbie! You made my day! Erika is a beauty inside and out. Ok – you have to give SoulCycle a go! It is the best workout ever!!!

    • Dominique
      Author
      February 27, 2017 / 9:11 pm

      It is seriously so much fun!

  2. February 27, 2017 / 11:53 pm

    I love to spin. I’ve been doing it since I was in college and then through law school. It’s such a stress buster! Good for you!

    Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com

  3. Jenn
    March 2, 2017 / 4:19 pm

    Love this!! This is such a great review of spinning!! I’m a spinner too and it’s so addictive! Have you tried any spin studios in Ottawa? P.S your writing is hilarious. So glad I found your blog!!

    • Dominique
      Author
      March 2, 2017 / 5:05 pm

      Awww, Jenn!! So awesome! Thank you for your kind words! Listen – you MUST try The Dailey Method’s spinning classes. They are located at Bank and Fifth in the Glebe. Also, Wheelhouse Cycle at 1279 Wellington West is AWESOME!! Have fun!!

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