Why is Everyone Trying to Be SoulCycle?

Toronto’s dedicated spinning set collectively rejoiced when SoulCycle – the famous American workout chain that has a celeb-filled and cult-like following – opened up shop in Toronto in March.

The trendy spin class offers a full-body, rhythm-based workout with cardio dance party roots that’s combined with a mind-body meditative component. The whole thing is designed to inspire riders emotionally and offer a distinctive sense of community – and they’re not the only ones to go beyond offering just a workout.  

Boutique fitness facilities across Toronto are adopting many of the same principles as SoulCycle, defining themselves as a lifestyle and bringing a sense of spirit to the fitness world.

Fitness enthusiasts don’t just want a solid workout, they want to belong to a bigger community and to leave feeling empowered. They crave wellness as much as they do a toned body. That’s why some of Toronto’s boutique fitness facilities have become more of a religion than a workout.

Spynga
Having been an uptown staple for the in the know fitness set for a decade, Spynga was employing similarities to SoulCycle long before the brand hit Canadian soil. Spynga – which offers a fusion of spinning and yoga – is different in concept from SoulCycle, but there are many similarities in the sense of community and the strong sense of brand. Spynga – like SoulCycle – has developed a loyal community through core mantras and sayings. Owner Casey Soer’s mantra, for example, is to “love big, be brave, live your truth.” Spynga’s new flagship location at Eglington and Avenue Road is admittedly inspired by SoulCycle’s energy and hopes to channel that within the walls of their new digs.

SCULLHOUSE
In case you haven’t heard, rowing is making a major comeback (Oprah even called it “the biggest fitness trend of 2016”). Last month, SCULLHOUSE – Toronto’s only dedicated rowing studio – opened up shop in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. If you’re looking for a killer workout, you’ll find it here. The sleek spot is the brainchild of Kristin Jeffrey, a former National Rowing Team member. While totally unique, similarities to SoulCycle – like the incorporation of meditation (their “Row and Flow” class includes 25 minutes of moving meditation rowing followed by yoga) and the use of hand weights – are easy to spot.

Pure Barre
Pure Barre opened up shop last February in Toronto’s Queen West neighbourhood. The popular North American chain of boutique fitness facilities offers a total body workout that uses the ballet barre to perform small (but super intense), isometric movements to achieve the coveted long, lean look. Like SoulCycle, Pure Barre defines itself as a lifestyle as opposed to just a workout. Designed to foster a sense of community, the facilities offer a motivational, high-energy atmosphere with fun, uplifting music. They also feature DVDs, equipment and – like SoulCycle – exercise apparel.

SpokeHaus
Infusing its spin class with a focus on music gives a session at Spokehaus a fun, high-energy dance party vibe complete with carefully curated playlists and accompanying choreography. The result is an uplifting, highly addictive experience that offers a similar high to that achieved post-SoulCycle session. Studio perks include things like Greenhouse Juice and chilled eucalyptus towels. The company also engages the surrounding community by hosting charity rides to raise funds and awareness for everything from mental health issues to cancer research.

Crossfit YKV
Yorkville’s new(ish) Crossfit YKV gym – which opened its doors last spring – takes the CrossFit experience to a new, more refined level. A far cry from the typical, often rough-around-the-edges CrossFit facility, the sleek space boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, physiotherapy treatment rooms, a cardio suite and a retail space. With a focus on fostering a tight-knit community, the club hosts regular DJ nights and other social events.

In addition to toning and strengthening your body and offering a sense of community, each of these sleek spaces naturally offer prime backdrops for all your #fitspo Instagram posts.

Of course, each of these boutique fitness spots comes with a price tag that’s heftier than that of your typical yoga class – so you need to have the cash to burn along with the calories.

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Are you into the whole SoulCycle workout religion? Or do you think it’s better just to stick to the gym? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.