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3 SoulCycle Instructors' Fitness Routines
Good for the Soul
Health and fitness tips from three SoulCycle instructors—plus, the new workout-wear line now at Nordstrom.
By Tessa Trudeau
As the saying goes, life is about the journey, not the destination. The same could be said about a SoulCycle class. The spin studio challenges riders to take their own journeys—albeit on a stationary bike—and "find their soul" through cardio and strength-training exercises that engage the mind as much as the body.
Now the brand is debuting its next venture: Soul by SoulCycle, a highly anticipated apparel collection that's instructor-tested—and approved! Based on rider insight and technical research compiled over the last 12 years, the line was designed with the broader Soul community in mind—even if you never get on a bike, this gear can help you get going.
Three top instructors take us through their own journeys with health and fitness and share the new pieces they don't want to take off.
Victoria Brown
Location: Washington, D.C.
What is the best part of being a SoulCycle instructor?
That I get to be the best part of someone's day.
Do you prefer to work out in the morning or evening?
I am a natural-born morning person—I thrive before the sun comes up! I believe that when you wake up in the morning and your first choice is to do something for yourself, that action sets the tone for the rest of your day.
What is your current fitness routine like?
I teach 12 classes a week, so it can be challenging to find time to fit in personal workouts beyond that, but I try to do strength and ab training at the gym two days a week minimum, as well as a yoga class to stay limber and center myself.
What are your favorite pieces in the Soul by SoulCycle line?
My favorite leggings are the ones with the star grommets up the side. They are super supportive to work out in and they're also my go-to for fashionable airport athleisure.
What inspires and motivates you to stay healthy?
I am a huge family person—they mean the world to me, and I want to be there for them in every way that I can. I was recently really sick with pneumonia, and it was an awakening to me that life is short. I'm motivated to stay healthy and take great care of myself so that I can be there for everyone else who needs me.
What is your favorite "healthy" food?
Raw veggies with hummus is a great go-to snack. I also love the protein box from Starbucks!
What is your favorite not-so-healthy food?
Pizza! There is hardly any nutritional value in a slice of pizza, but it's too good to ever give up!
What is the best piece of health advice you've been given?
I've never owned a scale. I think it's more important to prioritize how we feel, rather than allow a number to define us.
Do you have any advice for getting yourself to class when you just don't feel like working out?
Pay for the class in advance and make a plan to meet a friend for the workout. When we have something to lose, as well as not wanting to let our friends down, we are more likely to follow through.
Tanysha Smith
Location: New York City/Hoboken, NJ
What is the best part of being a SoulCycle instructor?
Hands down, the most amazing part of this job is the people.
Do you prefer to work out in the morning or evening?
If given the choice, I definitely prefer an evening workout.
What is your current fitness routine like?
Soul is my primary workout, but I've recently returned to my yoga practice and religiously run the Brooklyn Half Marathon each year. This year I will be incorporating even more resistance and HIIT [high-intensity interval training].
What are your favorite pieces in the Soul by SoulCycle line?
My favorites are the leggings, specifically the hand-drawn floral pair.
What inspires and motivates you to stay healthy?
The idea of aging gracefully, without medications and potential ailments, inspires me to keep active and make wise choices with my diet—mainly fish and veggies.
What is your favorite "healthy" food?
Quinoa. I can eat it with anything.
What is your favorite not-so-healthy food? French fries—I can also eat them with anything!
What is the best piece of health advice you've been given?
Less is best—the fewer ingredients, the better. I always shop from the back of the package.
Do you have any advice for getting yourself to class when you just don't feel like working out?
Buddy up! Having someone hold you accountable is a great way to stick to a plan.
Eve Kessner
Location: New York City
What is the best part of being a SoulCycle instructor?
Getting to see the difference in my riders from when they walk in to when they leave.
Do you prefer to work out in the morning or evening?
Morning!
What is your current fitness routine like?
Mostly SoulCycle and yoga. They are truly the perfect balance.
What are your favorite pieces in the Soul by SoulCycle line?
Any of the matching sets. I love the camo one.
What inspires and motivates you to stay healthy?
My kids Avital, who is 10, and Bar, who's seven. I want to live a very long and full life.
What is your favorite "healthy" food?
Avocados. I eat them out of the shell, sprinkled with good olive oil, sea salt, toasted sesame, chia, lemon juice and sumac [a tart, flavorful spice].
What is your favorite not-so-healthy food?
French fries and warm chocolate chip cookies.
What is the best piece of health advice you've been given?
Listen to your body. Our bodies are so intuitive and if you listen carefully, it's probably telling you something important.
Do you have any advice for getting yourself to class when you just don't feel like working out?
Trust that you will feel 100 times better after. I say in class all the time: if it doesn't challenge you, it cannot change you.