SoulCycle

Founded in 2006 by Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler, SoulCycle turned stationary biking into a cult experience, one where sweat, self-discovery, and overpriced yoga pants mingle in a high-octane cocktail of endorphins and aspiration. Known for its gloriously loud music and intensely motivational instructors who promise you’ll leave a changed person (or at least with better abs), SoulCycle became the workout for anyone who wants their exercise routine to feel like a rave. Its defining moment arrived in 2010 when it opened its doors to a celebrity-studded clientele that seemed to think a spin class was the next best thing to therapy. Valued around $900 million, the company’s glittering reputation took a hit when it faced a PR storm over accusations of fostering a toxic corporate culture and the rather tone-deaf decision to host a fundraising event amid political upheaval. Despite these hiccups, under the leadership of CEO Evelyn Webster, SoulCycle remains a go-to for those seeking a blend of high-intensity cardio and spiritual awakening. It’s a brand that’s managed to turn cycling into an almost spiritual journey—one that’s as likely to cause existential crises as it is to burn calories.