Is SoulCycle Good Weight Loss?

Yes — SoulCycle can support weight loss when practiced consistently, alongside balanced nutrition and recovery. The classes combine cardiovascular work, strength, and intensity that can increase calorie burn and build lean muscle. More importantly, the structure and consistency many riders find at SoulCycle often make it easier to stick with movement over time — which matters most.

How SoulCycle supports weight loss

It delivers effective cardio.
SoulCycle classes include intervals of moderate to vigorous cardiovascular effort, which can support fat loss and overall metabolic health when done regularly.

It builds lean muscle.
Climbs, resistance work, upper-body exercises, and purposeful choreography engage more than just your legs. Building lean muscle helps support metabolism and body composition over time.

Consistency is built into the experience.
One of the biggest factors in weight loss is showing up consistently. Many riders find the structure, music, and shared energy of SoulCycle make it easier to return week after week.

It encourages intensity — at your level.
Because you control resistance and pace, you can gradually increase intensity as your fitness improves. That progression matters more than any single workout.

How many calories does a SoulCycle class burn?

Calorie burn varies based on factors like resistance, effort, body size, and experience level. Most riders burn a meaningful amount of energy during a 45-minute class, but calorie numbers aren’t the full story.

Focusing only on calories can be misleading. Improvements in endurance, strength, and metabolic health — paired with consistency — are what drive sustainable results.

How often should you ride for weight loss?

For most people, riding 2–4 times per week is a realistic starting point. This allows for:

enough cardiovascular stimulus to support fat loss
recovery between rides
room to pair SoulCycle with strength training or other movement

As fitness improves, some riders increase frequency — but more isn’t always better. Consistency matters more than volume.

Does SoulCycle tone your body?

Yes, SoulCycle supports muscle tone by combining resistance, speed, and upper-body work in one class. Riders often notice changes in leg strength, posture, and overall muscle definition over time.

Weight loss and toning happen together when strength, cardio, and recovery are balanced.

What else matters besides SoulCycle?

SoulCycle can be a powerful part of a weight-loss journey — but it’s not the only factor. Sustainable weight loss is influenced by:

nutrition and fueling
sleep and stress management
recovery and rest days
overall lifestyle habits

SoulCycle supports the movement piece. The rest happens outside the studio.

What if weight loss isn’t my only goal?

That’s common — and healthy. Many riders come to SoulCycle for energy, stress relief, mental clarity, or strength, and find body changes follow naturally.

Focusing on how you feel, how consistently you move, and how your body adapts often leads to better long-term results than chasing numbers on a scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can beginners lose weight with SoulCycle?
Yes. Beginners can absolutely support weight loss with SoulCycle. Because you control resistance and pace, the workout adapts to your starting point and becomes more effective as your fitness improves.

Is SoulCycle better for weight loss than running or other cardio?
No single workout is “best.” SoulCycle offers a low-impact option that many people can sustain more consistently than high-impact exercise — and consistency is key for weight loss.

Will SoulCycle help me lose belly fat?
Fat loss happens throughout the body based on genetics, hormones, and overall energy balance. Regular cardio and strength work can support overall fat loss over time.

Should I do SoulCycle every day to lose weight faster?
Not necessarily. Rest and recovery matter. Many people see better results by riding several times a week and allowing their body time to cross train and recover between classes.

What if I don’t see weight loss right away?
That’s normal. Early changes often show up as improved endurance, strength, or energy before the scale changes. Weight loss is rarely linear — consistency over weeks and months matters more than short-term results.

Is SoulCycle safe if I’m on GLP-1 medication? For most people, yes. SoulCycle’s low-impact, self-paced format works well alongside GLP-1 use. You may need to adjust intensity, fuel differently, or prioritize recovery — especially as your body adapts. As always, it’s a good idea to consult your healthcare provider about how exercise fits into your overall plan.

Ready to ride?

SoulCycle can be a meaningful part of a sustainable weight-loss journey — especially when paired with consistency, fueling, and recovery. Book a class at your local studio and experience how movement, music, and community come together to help you achieve your goals.