My First Soul Cycle Class | Plus Size Workout Tips For Beginners

Before I forget, I’m offering a free masterclass in two weeks and you’re invited! Reserve your spot below!

Thick Pads: Here | Plus Size Padded Cycling Shorts: Here | Gel Seat:  Here | Cycling Shoes: Here |  High Waist Leggings: Here

Okay, now on to today’s post…If you know anything about me, you know that I’m pretty adventurous when it comes to my workouts. I’ll try pretty much any workout and I love to mix things up because it keeps me motivated.

But the ONE workout I avoid is spinning.

Spending an hour on that bike seat? Um, ouch and no thank you!

So, when my good friend Ray invited me to a soul cycle class, I politely declined.

When he texted again saying his friend was teaching the class and he really wanted me to come, I crossed my legs, said a prayer and texted him back with a reluctant “yes”.

Shockingly, I LOVED it!!

Soul Cycle felt completely different than spinning did. From the moment I walked into the room and locked my feet into the bike, I was in love.

So, if you’re curious about Soul Cycle, here are a few quick tips for your first ride:

I walked into the sunny studio and was greeted kindly by the staff. There seemed to be an open upstairs locker room just for shoes, bags, etc. and then a more traditional shower/change clothes space that I never went into. At the front desk is where all the amenities are.

Arrive Early to Get Your Gear

You want to make sure you arrive to class early to get anything you need. The studio provides ear plugs (the music is loud), a towel, they even have hair elastics, gum and of course your special shoes. These shoes lock into the bike pedals, it was hard to get the shoes and pedals locked together all on my own, so it was nice to be there beforehand and have someone more or less lock me into the bike before class.

Ask for a Gel Seat

Did you know that Soul Cycle studios have gel seat covers that you can attach to make your ride more comfortable? Yup! Just ask for one and they’ll hook it right onto your bike for you.

Raise Your Hand

When the instructor asks if anyone is new to Soul Cycle, don’t be shy about raising your hand. How else will they know to check on you and give you the attention you might need. You’re paying for the class, so get the most out of it!

Twerk it out!

I’m not gonna lie, when you’re standing up and cycling it can kind of feel like twerking. Soul Cycle happens in a dark room with lots of music. I found that the more I just jammed out, the harder I worked out. You can watch this video for a little glimpse into my little bike dance style.

I took my first soul cycle class today, and um… ? #isthishowyoudoit ? (Intstructor: @joelingram4 ?) #PSPfit

A video posted by CeCe Olisa ? (@ceceolisa) on Nov 4, 2015 at 5:15pm PST

Wear Clothes You Can Move and Sweat in

I was really glad I wore a long baggy tank top for this class because the level of sweat in the soul cycle room is pretty intense. Also, with all of the “up and down” that we did during our ride, it was nice worrying about a more form fitting top riding up in the back or anything like that.

Overall, I found soul cycle to be a much better experience than spin classes at my local gym. These classes can be pricey, so my suggestion is to find Soul Cycle and/or FlyWheel classes on ClassPass.

Would you try Soul Cycle?

If you’ve already tried it, what did you think?