Woman Claims SoulCycle "Shaming" Resulted In Ankle Injury

SoulCycle is an indoor cycling chain that was founded in New York City in 2006. It has since grown rapidly in popularity, with studios across the United States and in London. SoulCycle participants must make online reservations each week and pay a per-class fee, which usually runs around $40 for a 45 minute class, which sell out quickly. Patrons can purchase a higher priced package, where each class costs around $70, in return for guaranteed spots in a particular session. By keeping fees high, the chain has developed a reputation for “upscale” spinning classes, and has been referred to as “a booming exercise chain for the 1 percent”.

The company claims that the workouts (which includes hand weights and core work in addition to spinning) it has developed will result in a transformation of how participants look and feel, relying on “inspirational instructors”.

However, a Beverly Hills woman is claiming that the SoulCycle method resulted in public “shaming” by an instructor, which ultimately led to a serious ankle injury. She is now suing SoulCycle for negligence.

Carmen Farias was attending a class at the Beverly Hills SoulCycle in 2014 with a group of co-workers. Her complaint alleges that about twenty minutes into her spinning class, she felt her legs begin to weaken, and tried to stop pedaling, but the bike wheel continued to spin. She then claims that the spinning instructor pointed this out to the rest of the class, mocking Farias for “slowing down” and yelled to the class “we don't take breaks”.

Ms. Farias claimed that the instructor made her feel ashamed, and she attempted to continue with the workout despite the pain she was experiencing. She began to experience extreme fatigue, and attempted to stop pedaling again, but was unsure of how to stop the pedals. Her complaint alleges that she and her co-workers were not properly instructed on how to use the spinning bicycle. Participants wear specialized shoes which clip into the pedals of the bike. Farias stated she could not unclip her shoes when she was experiencing fatigue because she did not know how. She stated that she was “in agony” as her ankle began to dislocate multiple times. She then fell off the saddle of the bicycle and crashed to the ground, with her foot still attached to the machine.

Her attorney claims that Ms. Farias experienced a “catastrophic injury”. Additionally, she did not submit a signed waiver prior to attending class, per SoulCycle policy. She stated that she left the document on her desk at work and employees did not attempt to have her sign another copy prior to starting class. SoulCycle has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Contact our firm for a free consultation.