SoulCycle vs Hey Telo

About

SoulCycle is a premium indoor cycling studio brand that transformed group fitness by creating an immersive, music-driven, community-oriented stationary bike class experience. Founded in 2006 in New York City by Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice, SoulCycle became a cultural phenomenon in the 2010s — with devoted fans ("riders") paying $35-45 per class and waiting lists for popular instructors. The brand was acquired by Equinox Fitness in 2011 and operates as a standalone premium brand within the Equinox Holdings portfolio.\n\nSoulCycle's class format features darkened studios with candles, choreographed movements synchronized to music, and instructor-led motivational coaching that blends physical fitness with emotional and psychological engagement. The brand pioneered the "instructor as performer" model — top SoulCycle instructors develop personal followings with riders who book specifically for their personality, playlist, and coaching style. This instructor-celebrity dynamic created a community and loyalty moat that standard fitness classes lack.\n\nIn 2025, SoulCycle operates approximately 80 studios primarily in major US metros after closing underperforming locations during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The brand faces structural headwinds from Peloton's connected home cycling equipment (which replicated the SoulCycle format at home) and competitive pressure from other boutique fitness concepts including Barry's Bootcamp and F45. SoulCycle's recovery strategy focuses on rebuilding studio attendance through renewed community programming, digital content offerings, and reconnecting with its core loyal rider base through instructor-driven social media. The brand's premium positioning and distinctive experience continue to support above-market pricing despite increased competition.