Meet Emily G, a writer and disability inclusion consultant who draws inspiration from the diverse and empowering community at SoulCycle.

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 Emily G., a writer and disability inclusion consultant who draws inspiration from the diverse and empowering community at SoulCycle.  

“Often, when you think of an ‘athlete,’ you have a specific image in your head—and that image doesn’t include a person with a disability. Lamar recognizes the athlete in me that others might not see right away.”  

NAME: Emily G  

PRONOUNS: She/Her  

AGE: Late 30s  

OCCUPATION: Writer  

HOME STUDIO:  NOMD  

FAVORITE INSTRUCTORS: Lamar Johnson & Trammell Logan  

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE:  2 to 3 times a week  

How Long Have You Been Riding at SoulCycle?

I started cycling in my 20s. I’ve had a physical disability since I was 8 years old, which manifests as partial paralysis on the left side of my body and a one-inch leg length difference. I started indoor cycling because it was a safe, effective, and enjoyable way for me to work out.  

I began taking spin classes (at another studio) in Washington, D.C., in 2015, but when I came to New York for work, I always made time to visit SoulCycle. In 2019, I moved to California to start my own business and began going regularly in Santa Monica. Right away, I made good friends there, and the instructors were amazing.  

In 2023, I moved to New York City and immediately sought out SoulCycle because I knew it was how I wanted to stay active.  

What’s your favorite music/artists to ride to?

Beyoncé and Jay-Z.  

Everybody’s got a favorite bike. What’s yours?  

I ride Sidebar. Logistically, it works well for me. I can get off the bike during the stretch and stretch my calves and hip flexors better from the floor than from the bike itself.  

What does SoulCycle do for your body?  

Over the past 10 years, my mobility has dramatically increased thanks to indoor cycling. When I first started, I couldn’t stand up out of the saddle because I didn’t have enough core strength. Now, I’m working on holding onto the bike with different hand positions—something I couldn’t do a year ago—and I’ve built the endurance to make it through long climbs.  

I started taking classes with Lamar Johnson in the fall of 2023, and I knew right away that he was different—the perfect motivator for me.  

In one of my first classes, Lamar came over and knelt beside my bike during a particularly long climb. He could tell I was struggling but saw that I had more in me. He started encouraging me, calling me an “athlete.”  

Often, when you think of an “athlete,” a specific image comes to mind—and that image doesn’t typically include someone with a disability. Lamar recognizes the “athlete” in me that others might overlook.  

One thing I really like about Lamar and my other instructor, Trammell Logan, is how inclusive, mindful, and empowering their classes are. I’ve never shared with either of them that I’m working on maintaining my hand position in third (rather than second, which I historically used while building my core stability). Yet both have noticed when I’ve adjusted. They don’t make a big deal out of it in front of the room; instead, they’ll mindfully tap my hand as a quiet sign of encouragement to keep going.  

What does SoulCycle do for your mind? 

SoulCycle has significantly increased my mental endurance when it comes to tackling challenges, both on and off the bike.  

Society’s pace of progress in increasing disability inclusion in the workplace and media can often feel frustrating. But when I face those challenges in my day-to-day life, I think back to the inclusive and empowering environment Trammell and Lamar create in their classes. I also remember the friends I’ve made at SoulCycle who support me in my mission to foster inclusion. It’s not just me—it’s a team of us working together to create progress for everyone.  

What does SoulCycle do for your soul?

I’ve been working on my first book for the past three years but struggled to find the clarity needed to move it forward to the publishing stage.  

Attending SoulCycle several times a week clears the cobwebs in my mind and helps me focus on what’s most important. The inspiration I draw from my peers in class also played a big role—I nailed down my pitch in May 2024, and I’m proud to say I’m now in the final stages of choosing a publisher.  

Also—spoiler alert—a certain NoMad studio community may be featured on the book’s dedication page.  

We love connecting with 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!