SoulCycle Makes a Comeback Thanks to Gen Z on TikTok

The fitness class that once had A-listers fighting for front-row bikes is spinning back into the spotlight, and this time Gen Z is leading the charge.

SoulCycle, the 45-minute candlelit cycling experience that became a cultural phenomenon in the 2010s, is experiencing an unexpected revival on TikTok. Videos from longtime fans and curious first-timers are racking up tens of thousands of likes as people rediscover what made the workout feel like more than just exercise.

"As someone who has tried almost every workout class on the planet, there is nothing like SoulCycle," TikTok creator Matt Trav told his followers in early January. His video celebrating the unique intensity of "blowing out the candle during the soulful song" resonated with nearly 40,000 people who hit like.

The comments reveal what devotees have known all along. "Absolutely nothing can beat NYC SoulCycle circa 2016," one person wrote, while another compared it to a spiritual experience.

Social media has become ground zero for the comeback. Long-dormant fans are posting throwback photos, digging out old branded merchandise, and welcoming newcomers who want to see what the hype was about.

The brand's journey hasn't been smooth. After reaching peak popularity when it became "the club you can't get into," as cofounder Ruth Zukerman described it, SoulCycle faced serious challenges including allegations of workplace misconduct and the closure of a quarter of its locations during the pandemic.

The Bright Side

What's different about this comeback is its authenticity. The new wave of interest isn't driven by celebrity endorsements or exclusivity but by genuine enthusiasm from everyday riders sharing their experiences. Former devotees are returning after years away, posting videos about their "severe addiction" and six-year hiatuses with humor and honesty.

The revival suggests people are hungry for community fitness experiences that offer more than just a workout. In an era of home gym equipment and solo training apps, the draw of a shared, music-driven experience in a candlelit room is proving timeless.

SoulCycle's second act is being written by a generation that wasn't old enough to attend during its first heyday, proving that good ideas can find new audiences when the timing is right.