spin class
/spɪn klɑːs/
Very CommonA group cycling class on stationary bikes, usually high-energy with music and an instructor.
In everyday speech it's used interchangeably with indoor cycling but technically Spinning is a trademarked format. Most people don't care about the distinction.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | first spin class in 6 months and i forgot how brutal it is | Returning to spin after a break and feeling the intensity again. | x, 2024 |
| 02 | spin class twice a week is the only cardio i actually enjoy doing | Spin is a preferred cardio format because it's engaging enough to be enjoyable. | reddit, 2023 |
| 03 | the instructor put on a banger playlist and i forgot i was dying. spin class wins. | Good music made the difficult workout feel worth it. | instagram, 2024 |
| 04 | don't make plans after a spin class. you will not be functional. | Warning that spin class fatigue is significant. | tiktok, 2023 |
Use it when
- Referring to any group indoor cycling class.
- Recommending a high-cardio group workout.
- Talking about cycling class culture generally.
Do not use it when
- Referring specifically to the SoulCycle brand experience.Use “soulcycle” instead.
- Referring to outdoor cycling or road biking.
Variations and related forms
Spin class vs SoulCycle
spin class
Spin class is the generic term for any indoor group cycling class.
VS
soulcycle
SoulCycle is a specific premium brand with a distinct cult-like community culture.
Origin and context
Indoor cycling as a group fitness format was developed by Johnny Goldberg (Johnny G) and trademarked as Spinning in the early 1990s. Became a mainstream gym staple through the 2000s.
- First seen
- early-1990s
- Confidence
- high
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/spin-classUpdated: 2026-08-29License: CC BY 4.0