I never understood when everyone would say, “You just don’t get it, you have to take a class to really understand what SoulCycle is.” Well, I finally did just that. I have a friend who has been doing SoulCycle since her senior year of high school. She is slowly approaching her 200th class, and she couldn’t be more proud. I never understood why she had such a passion for this workout until I joined her at a class not too long ago. I now very much understand why SoulCycle is her place and her rather expensive but totally worth it indulgence.

For those of you who don’t know, SoulCycle is a 45-minute cycling class in which your mind, body, and soul are taken on a journey. The instructors have the unbelievable talent of being able to get you to forget all about your worries and the things you have to do so that you can just ride. Here are 20 thoughts from my first (and second) SoulCycle class:

1. Why is it so hot in here?

They keep the temperature hot in the room so you sweat even more than you normally would in a regular cycle class.

2. The music is so LOUD

Obviously, the music is loud to get the vibes going. That first song gets played and there's nothing more hype.

3. I just started pedaling, why am I sweating so much?

Not only are you exerting energy, but now the hot temperature starts to come into play.

4. Is it just me who’s sweating so much?

Everyone else looks like they're doing fine, but here I am sweating and we've barely done anything yet.

5. What’s the point of the fans if it's forbidden to turn them on?

Their such a tease. If I'm going to sweat, why not attempt to cool me off with those conveniently placed fans?

6. I really like the smell of the candles

They give off good vibes and an even better scent.

7. Wow, it’s really dark in here

Basically, the only thing lighting the entire room were the four little candles in the front. Let me tell you, though, the instructors really know what they're doing with that mood lighting.

8. I’m scared my feet are going to become detached

You're pedaling so fast, and then all of a sudden your knee gives out. But don't worry, your feet are clipped in and they're not going anywhere.

9. How are these people getting their legs to move so quickly?

It's not humanly possible. I just don't get it.

10. Holy crap, I’m sweating

Yeah, this is the end. This is where I'll die.

11. Forget sweating, I’m DRIPPING

This is where I die.

12. Thank g-d for this towel

Dear towel, where would I be without you?

13. I’m doing it!

YEAH I AM!!!

14. Wait, we’re adding weights now!?

No one warned me about this part.

15. Okay, my arms are actually going to fall off

At least we're all in this together.

16. Wait, this is so peaceful

At some point, a slow song came on and the lights were totally turned off.

17. This is the calmest I have ever been

Right here, in this moment.

18. Is this what Zen feels like?

Yup.

19. Oh yeah, this stretch feels so good

Is this supposed to be graceful? Because I am over here bending in ways I really should not.

20. It's already over?!

I'm sad it's over. I didn't want it to end.

Thank you SoulCycle, for giving me the best experience of my life. SoulCycle is something I can't explain and something you just need to go try for yourself.