A review on SoulCycle for Grazia magazine. Written in the tone of the publication and graphically designed to seamlessly fit. The assignment was to write a review on the same topic for two different publications to show how the tone of writing differs for each publication. My Grazia article is first and, The Times article follows.

A review on SoulCycle written for The Times I graphically designed how it would fit within the broad sheet (on the left) and the copy is written below.

Is SoulCycle Outside London our knight in shining armour?

The year 2020 has been far from perfect, the world has changed unimaginably. As a nation we have been forced to reassess our “normal” as well as becoming overtly health conscious. Exercise was not everyone’s first priority, and for some it was an activity either squeezed into the working week or something manically dialled into prior to a holiday or an occasion. For myself, exercise over the last year has given me a sense of structure. Whether that be participating in Instagram live workouts, on Zoom Pilates or investing in a static indoor exercise machine. We all have made fundamental changes to the way in which we choose to exercise. Throughout lockdown I became well accustomed to my new routine and can honestly say it became the highlight of my day. I was also amazed how much I was saving by not having to pay for a gym membership. Despite this, when Selfridges announced they were teaming up with the infamous SoulCycle to create outdoor spinning classes. I simply could not resist.

I am not dismissing the fact that working out in the comfort of your home has its perks. Wearing anything mismatched or otherwise and building up a sweat in your living room without judgement appeals.

For those unfamiliar with the cult that is SoulCycle, it is widely considered to be the ultimate spinning experience. Founded in 2006 in New York. This loud, brash, unapologetic, upbeat and totally American experience has found its way across the Pond with a bang. The SoulCycle studios create an electric and unique atmosphere. I was sceptical this could be replicated outdoors. My concerns were unfounded.

Situated next to Selfridges in Edward Mews, I arrived to find 34 front facing socially distant bikes under an open aired marquee. All Covid protocols are strictly adhered to, temperature checks, sanitised cycling shoes, bikes and headphones. As my fellow spinners arrived and prepared themselves (mentally and physically) our very fit, enthusiastic and oozing with positivity instructor arrived. Shoes clipped in, headphones on - here it comes, 45 minutes of sheer willpower.  Within moments we were all lost in the music. Instructions came thick and fast, words of encouragement echoing in our ears. 34 strangers moving in unison, a silent army to those watching.

Left, right, left, right.

Upper body routines with push ups and dumbbells were also included. I felt emotional as I looked around at my fellow riders and realised that this is what I have been missing. Human contact, a sense of belonging, being part of something. I felt quite emotional. Exercising outdoors was exhilarating. I felt euphoric and optimistic, but mostly overwhelmingly blissful about the return to semi normality. 

My soul content.