Soul Stories: Ashlie & Jacob

Soul Stories is a series where we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make up our community. Each story will feature a different rider or instructor, sharing their unique stories, passions, breakthroughs and milestones. From inspiring journeys to everyday achievements, we aim to celebrate the diverse perspectives that enrich our community. 

Join us as we dive into their experiences and discover what makes our community so great.

Meet Ashlie and Jacob. As former studio crew who became instructors, they share their deep knowledge of Soul, and the ambition, community and perspective that helped them reach their goals.

What inspired you to take the leap from SoulCycle crew member to instructor?

Ashlie: As a dancer, I came into this job super passionate about movement and moving with people. That was already really important to me, so as soon as I started working at the front desk, I completely fell in love with the community and met some of my best friends here. When I saw how instructors can play such a big part in building this community, it inspired me to take the next step and go for it. 

Jacob: Honestly, I became studio crew with the knowledge I wanted to be an instructor one day. Since my first SoulCycle class, I knew I wanted to be involved in a big way, I just didn't always know how. The leap felt kind of natural to me. I was studio crew for about 3 years and it was the best decision I could have made for my career and it helped me in so many different ways personally and professionally.

What can riders expect when they clip into your class for the first time?

Ashlie: First and foremost, everyone should feel safe and taken care of. Second, it’s important to me that everyone can push themselves because they feel empowered to do so, not because they feel pressured to. Three, great music, great energy, a fun experience all around. Lastly, movement that fuels you. It’s my goal to make you move in a way that makes you feel good when you walk out the door. 

Jacob: A really wide range of music, all different types of moods. I love a really fun pop song, some rock, some EDM. I love so many different music genres. I’m also an instructor who is super locked into making sure this class experience feels really good for everyone in the room. 

As someone who has seen many sides of Soul, what’s something you wish more riders knew about SoulCycle?

Ashlie: It’s shown me that no matter who is working here: front desk, instructors, HQ -- everyone cares about making the experience as great as it can be for you, the rider. I wish everyone knew how much everyone cares about your safety, how much we care about creating a fun experience that makes you feel like you have a place to come to where you feel seen and heard.

Jacob: SoulCycle is so much more than a boutique fitness studio or a gym. It’s so much more than a workout class. It’s a production from studio crew, to our offices, to management teams and to instructors, of course. There’s a production, it’s curtain up-curtain down that makes this experience run the way that it should and feel the way that it feels.

What do you hope riders take away from your class beyond the physical workout?

Jacob: I really, really care that riders take away a sense of belonging and feeling seen. That means a lot to me: that when people walk into what could be seen as an intimidating experience, that people walk out feeling that they really saw a place for themselves here. They didn’t need to make a place for themselves, there was one already here.

As a professional dancer, what’s something you bring from the dance world into the SoulCycle World?

Ashlie: Something that is really important to me is that sense of mind-body connection. Just experiencing movement as holistic. I love dance because it makes me stronger, its athletic, I love moving my body, but I really love dance because it allows me to express myself, to reflect, to connect with people, to connect internally. So, if I can help people who don’t experience that through dance experience it here, that’s a win for me.

What would you say to anyone who’s on crew right now and dreams of becoming an instructor one day?

Ashlie: Don’t wait. Just go for it. I’d also really recommend riding with a bunch of different instructors, getting a feel for different styles, ride at different studios and feel different energies. Lastly, get to know the riders. It’s really important to get connected and really know your community.

Jacob: I was studio crew for just over three years. I auditioned three times. It takes a little bit of time. It’s not always going to just fall into place after your studio crew for a few months. Ride often, while taking care of yourself, meet new people, engrain yourself in the community in a way that feels authentic. Have a truly strong want to be here and care about this place, because there’s a lot here and it’s an incredible thing to be a part of. It’s worth the wait and it’s worth the work.

If your playlist had to feature one artist every time, no matter what – who is making the cut?

Ashlie: Beyonce, period, no questions asked.

Jacob: Definitely, easiest answer, Lady Gaga. Even before I was a rider, she was my number one. She has so many different tones and vibes. You can go so many different places in a class with her and it makes it that much more elevated.

We love connecting to our community. If you’d like to be featured in our Soul Stories Series send us your story here. 

Let’s keep riding together. We’ll see you on a bike soon.