According to DORIS RICHARDS, every professional athlete would benefit from a ride at SoulCycle. And that's quite a compliment coming from a three-time national champion spring board diver! Although Doris doesn't dive competitively anymore, you can see her athletic drive unleashed in each and every ride. Here's her soul story...

When did you start riding?

I started a couple years ago.  Lizzie Cole, a girlfriend of mine, had to hand walk me into west side studio. I was nervous because I hadn’t been doing cardio. But I loved the class and started going once a week.

How often do you ride now?

Now I ride three times a week and I’m enjoying it even more.

We hear you used to be a professional athlete.

Yes, I was a springboard diver for the US National Team. I was number one in US for 3 years and a three-time national champion. But then I got married and had kids and I had to find a quick one-hour workout. SoulCycle just agreed with my body. I’ve had fusion done on my back, surgeries and had a few quirky things happen, but Soul seemed gentle on my body. Plus, I was seeing major results.

How does Soul compare to your other training workouts you've done?

Well I wish I had Rique when I was training for the Olympics. Then I might have qualified! Truly, I think all professional athletes should dip in to Soul for a ride. Rique is so in tune with his class. He takes you on a journey in such a gentle way that you don’t realize how hard you’re working. It’s one of my favorite workouts that I’ve ever done. Plus, he’s so entertaining. When he teaches you can learn so much. I feel like he’s done so much for me.

And you think professional athletes can benefit from the same class as beginners?

Definitely. The workout agrees with everyone because you can always dip in or dip out depending on your athletic ability. Of course, I like trying to do everything. But afterwards, you’re just in the best mood for the rest of the day. The energy rubs off on you and then you’re set. I’m a mother of three kids and my baby is only one and a half. But Rique and SoulCycle have gotten me into bikini fighting shape… so I’m feeling pretty good.

Questions or comments? Feel free to email us at blog@soul-cycle.com!