SOUL Stories: Laura K.

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.

NAME: Laura K.

PRONOUNS: She/Her

AGE: 40

OCCUPATION: Full-time mom to (almost) three kids

HOME STUDIO: Tribeca

FAVORITE INSTRUCTORS: Laurie Cole and Janet Fitzgerald

HOW OFTEN DO YOU RIDE: 4 to 5 times a week

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN RIDING: About five years, but more frequently in the last three years

Meet Laura K., a mother of two who is 38 weeks pregnant with her third child. Her dedication to classes led by our legendary OG instructors, Laurie Cole and Janet Fitzgerald, has helped her strengthen her body and nurture her mind. Read on to discover Laura’s inspiring journey and how she maintains her strength and confidence throughout all of her pregnancies.

“All of my babies are technically SoulCycle Babies.”

How long have you been riding at SoulCycle?

I started riding when I was pregnant with Alfie. He’s four now. I would take classes at the West Village studio every once in a while with my husband and a friend of ours. Then, during the pandemic, I took Laurie’s classes on the rooftop in Tribeca (TRI). I loved getting back to that same cardio fix I enjoyed before my first baby was born and the studios temporarily shut down, even though we had to embrace the freezing temperatures! At the beginning of class, we’d have every warm accessory on, including puffer coats. Just the feeling of being able to take a layer off as we started warming up was invigorating. By the end of class, everyone would have a pile of clothes beside their bikes.

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

I always love a good mashup song. Janet’s playlist, especially during a Soul Survivor, always takes you on a wild journey of endorphins and emotions. She plays many unique covers and live versions, which I absolutely love. We’re continually being musically educated in her class. Also, anything by Eminem will always keep me up and out of the saddle when I thought I’d already hit my breaking point!

Often, after Janet’s class, I check her Instagram stories for the latest playlist, which she always posts without fail. I also love Laurie’s music and how current she is—she was definitely the first person to introduce the SoulFam to Chappell Roan!

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

The wonderful TriBeCa team knows it’s Bike 11—front row, slightly off-center so I can check my form in the mirror. Until I was halfway through my pregnancy with my second baby, I would always book a back-row bike. I loved being elevated and able to see the entire room, but there was also no way I would ever want to be so close to the instructor or so exposed! During one of Janet’s classes, she realized there was a front-row bike free and called me up from my safe space in the back to move. In doing so, she said, “This bike is meant for you. You’re exactly where you need to be.” That really stuck with me throughout the class and gave me the confidence to secure my new spot every Monday at noon when booking. Now you can’t get me off a front-row bike!

What does SoulCycle do for your body?

All of my babies are technically SoulCycle babies. Riding during and after pregnancy has helped me physically feel stronger and happier in my body—especially with the constant changes over such a short period of time. With Millie, I rode until I was exactly 40 weeks to the day, taking Janet’s class that morning and soaking up all of the endorphins and good vibes before my induction that night.

My third is due in two weeks. Everything went so smoothly last time that I’m hoping to get one last Sunday Soul Survivor in before my scheduled induction. Fingers crossed!

SoulCycle is more than just my prenatal exercise. I feel like I’m in a much better place this pregnancy fitness-wise because of how much I rode between this pregnancy and the last.

“When I start my day with a SoulCycle class, I’m in a more fulfilled mental space for the rest of the day, which helps with the inevitable challenges of parenting.”

What does SoulCycle do for your mind?

It’s really an obsession. I’m addicted to the challenges on the bike and the feel-good vibes. On days when I really don’t feel like exercising, it barely takes the warm-up to know I have no regrets making it to class and onto the bike. I love the instructors and this community so much, I really can’t get enough. When I start my day with a SoulCycle class, I’m in a more fulfilled mental space for the rest of the day, which helps with the inevitable challenges of parenting.

What does SoulCycle do for your soul?

I’ve had so much fun riding the podium for Laurie on occasion over the last year (up until 25 weeks pregnant). It gave me even more confidence as a rider. Laurie regularly gives constructive advice on form and self-care during her class, which I personally find so beneficial—especially when you really start to see the results and feel the improvement for yourself, inside and out.