The SoulCycle bike offers people the ability to exercise and participate in virtual group classes from the comfort of their own home. These fitness classes stream through a built-in screen on the bike. However, to access them, a person needs to pay a monthly service fee.
In 2011, SoulCycle partnered with Equinox Fitness, which now sells the SoulCycle at-home bike and offers a subscription to fitness classes through its website.
This article discusses what SoulCycle is, what features its bike has, and how cycling can benefit health.
Brand overview
SoulCycle began trading in 2005 and opened its first studio in New York City, NY, in 2006. In 2011, it partnered with Equinox Fitness.
Equinox Fitness now sells the SoulCycle bike and subscription workouts for home use through its website, Equionox+. It provides branded fitness equipment for at-home use, including the SoulCycle.
Additionally, Equinox offers fitness accessories, such as yoga mats and pilates equipment, and a monthly subscription through a smartphone and tablet app.
The app provides access to group-led classes. People can choose from a variety of content, such as pilates, boxing, and cycling. The app is available to download from the App Store and Google Play.
Brand reputation
Equinox Fitness has mixed reviews. All reviews concern the company’s gym facilities and do not mention its online shop.
The company does not currently have an accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). At the time of publishing, the BBB gives Equinox Fitness an F grade.
Reviewers on the BBB website give Equinox Fitness an average of one star out of five. The most recent reviews concern the company not processing membership cancellations.
At the time of publishing, reviewers on Trustpilot give the company a rating of 2.6 out of five stars. Positive reviews state that the customer service team is friendly and helpful and that the company provides fitness classes that are suitable for most people’s fitness levels and requirements.
According to negative reviews, however, the company charges too much for what it offers. Several reviewers also say the customer service team is rude and unhelpful.
SoulCycle at-home bike
Please note, the writer has not tested these products. All information is research-based.
The SoulCycle bike offers a built-in screen that allows a person to stream cycling classes to get the most out of their exercise bike. Individuals need to take out a paid subscription to Equinox+ through its app, which offers SoulCycle classes and additional fitness content and sessions.
People can stream a growing library of classes or join any number of live cycling classes each day using the bike’s touchscreen. A person can also use the screen’s built-in WiFi to access other streaming services, such as Netflix.
Equinox offers a 1-year warranty for the touchscreen and bike hardware and a 5-year warranty for the bike frame. Individuals have 30 days to return their bikes for any reason. However, Equinox will charge a fee for shipping and returns.
At the time of publishing, Equinox sells the SoulCycle bike with a touchscreen for $2,500. The company offers financing options.
The cost of a subscription to access classes is currently $40 per month. People who are already Equinox or Equinox+ members can access the SoulCycle classes without any additional membership costs.
Alternative brands and products
Several at-home fitness bikes also offer subscriptions to streaming classes. It is advisable to look into each option to determine which brand offers the classes and features that are most suitable for a person’s fitness preferences and needs.
Some other options to consider include:
- Peloton: This company offers two at-home exercise bikes with access to paid streaming cycling classes through a built-in screen. The Peleton Bike+ features automatic resistance changes.
- MYXfitness: The company offers an at-home exercise bike and workouts. The workouts include cycling, cross-training, floor, and recovery exercises.
- NordicTrack: People can choose from several NordicTrack exercise bikes and other exercise equipment that connects with iFit to provide interactive personal workouts at home.
Cycling and health
Cycling can have a direct positive effect on health. A
Authors of the review note that a combination of a balanced diet and cycling could reduce body mass and lower blood pressure and may improve cardiovascular health. However, they also state there needs to be more research into the health benefits of indoor cycling.
Cycling could help a person reach the minimum weekly physical activity recommendations.
The American Heart Association recommends a person participate in moderate cardio activities for at least
Summary
SoulCycle offers at-home studio bikes with a built-in screen. This screen allows a person to access live and pre-recorded classes that they can use while working out. To take part in these classes, a person needs to take out a paid subscription.
Using SoulCycle may help people reach their fitness goals. Cycling can help reduce body mass and blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.