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 Lamar: From battling depression after a basketball injury to becoming a SoulCycle instructor, Lamar's journey is one of resilience and reinvention. Fitness became his path to healing and purpose, and now he channels that energy into every class he leads. With a focus on authenticity, community, and personal growth, Lamar creates powerful experiences that inspire transformation—proving that with passion, music, and the right mindset, movement can be a journey for the mind, body, and soul.

“Don’t be afraid to fail. More importantly, don’t be afraid to succeed.”

PRONOUNS: He/Him

AGE: Late 30’s 

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN TEACHING: 3 years 

MARKET: NYC 

What is your best instructor “hack” for staying fresh and being your best?

To be intentional and somewhat selfish with my  time and availability. I limit the number of classes I teach so I can be [as] fresh as can be for each .

How often do you wash your hair per week?

I only teach one class a day, or if I teach two and they’re back to back, I shower once a day and wash my hair three times a week.

How often do you do laundry per month?

I not only teach but I cross-train, so I have a lot of laundry. Probably every three days.

What exercises/sports do you do to cross-train?

I box and lift weights.

What is your best pre or post class tip for fueling up?

I listen to my playlist. I follow the same routine as I did when I played basketball: I listen to music and I hydrate.

“Everything I felt on the basketball court: peace, love and joy…I translate into these rooms.”

What inspires your playlists?

They have to be motivational and authentic to me and they have to keep the room motivated. Any songs with words that have meaning, but they have to be motivational and inspiring.

How do you learn the names (and keep track!) of your riders?

I don’t remember them at all! I do build a rapport with my students, but you could look me dead in my face and tell me your name and chances are I won’t remember it. I’ll call someone by the wrong name four times and they’ll correct me. I have the class roster on my computer so if I want to call someone out or go up to someone’s bike I’ll check the roster.

“SoulCycle instructors are the best of the best and I wanted to see what I could do with the best of the best.”

Were you a rider before you were an instructor?

I was a sales rep for about 10 years from the time I graduated college. I knew I had a lot more to give. It came to a point that I knew this wasn’t for me; I literally knew I had to make a change, and if I didn't, something bad was going to happen. I was slipping into depression. The change was to quit my job and to take spin classes. The owner saw me riding, and she asked me to audition multiple times, and I kept saying “no.” Finally I [auditioned], and I started teaching–the rest is history.

How did you discover SoulCycle?

To me, in my opinion, NYC SoulCycle instructors are the best of the best and I wanted to see what I could do with the best of the best.

What inspires you?

Motivating others to make the most of their God-given talents and abilities, pushing them not just to their limits but beyond. What you bring into that room, you carry out into the world, continuing to spread it.

What does SoulCycle do for your mind?

For someone like me, who suffered from severe depression years ago, it brings peace, love, and a sense of belonging. I played basketball for years and was on track to go professional, but a terrible knee injury changed everything—that's when the depression set in. Everything I once felt on the basketball court—peace, love, and joy—I now channel into these rooms.

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.