I Took a Non-Spin Class at SoulCycle’s New SoulAnnex Studio — Here’s What I Thought

Alli Hoff Kosik
Feb 01, 2018

I’d heard the buzz about SoulAnnex around New York City the way you usually hear buzz about an amazing new bakery or underground sushi restaurant. When people told me what they knew about SoulCycle‘s new fitness incubator space in the Flatiron district, it was always a friend of a friend of a friend who’d been there — and as much as I wanted to check it out for myself, I have to admit that the sense of mystery associated with the studio was kind of fun (even if it also felt a little exclusive). Mystery aside, though, I jumped at the opportunity to experience SoulAnnex firsthand for an article. I might even buy myself a coconut water! I thought to myself as I happily accepted the assignment from my editor.

ICYMI, SoulAnnex is a new addition to the SoulCycle family, a “home to custom-created classes taught by the SOUL instructors you know and love, so you can move, define, and align in a new way to complement your favorite SoulCycle rides,” according to a blog post from the company. Launched in September 2017, SoulAnnex offers four or five classes each day that focus on three core concepts: move, define, and align. Like their stationary-bike-focused big sister, SoulAnnex classes encourage fun movement to great music — but this iteration of Soul also incorporates the use of body weight, free weights, resistance bands, high-intensity interval training (you may know this as HIIT), plyometrics, and moves inspired by yoga and Pilates. Seasoned yogis will also recognize an element of mindfulness and body awareness in SoulAnnex classes.

It’s worth noting that I’m not a crazed SoulCycle devotee. I’ve taken a few classes here and there — and I’ve enjoyed every one — but, if I’m being totally honest, I can’t really afford to be a regular, which has made it difficult for me to fully drink that sweet, sweet yellow Kool-Aid. There’s nothing not to love about rockin’ out to an amazing playlist while simultaneously getting a great workout (especially when you’re lucky enough to land an especially inspiring instructor), but the barrier to entry has always been a little high for me. I was anxious to experience the storied SoulAnnex for myself, and to see if I might be more tempted to treat myself to one of these classes on the reg (a 50-minute class will cost you $34).

I signed up for a Sunday morning class called Refind, which, according to the schedule, is an “intense, yoga flow-based class [that] adds weights and rhythm to sculpt, tone, and elongate your muscles.” We New Yorkers had weathered a nasty snow storm a few days before, and I have no problem admitting that I was not excited about bundling into my snow boots and jacket and trudging across the city for a weekend workout session. My mood immediately turned around, though, when I found my way to the SoulAnnex studio space on 18th street. The lobby area was welcoming and relaxed, and in no way felt like a private club for cool, hyper-fit girls only. Within seconds, I felt that satisfying sense of, “It was totally worth it to get out of bed and come here.” One major point for SoulAnnex!

The studio itself was dimly lit, cozy, and calming, with yoga mats, weights, and towels already set up at comfortable intervals around the room. I grabbed a spot near the back and started to stretch while the rest of the class filtered in. Everyone was calm and quiet, and the studio’s configuration seemed to really create the kind of environment that allows people to have their personal space respected and simultaneously feel inclined to exchange genuine smiles with a stranger. Love that!

Given my previous experience with SoulCycle classes, I have to admit that I was expecting a more intense experience than the one I got — but that doesn’t mean I enjoyed the experience any less. I loved the flow of the class and the way it combined familiar yoga poses with free weights. Fifty minutes was the perfect amount of time to get a great workout without being drenched in sweat and limping out of the studio, and within that time, I worked most of the key muscle groups, was led through some awesome stretches, and got to indulge in a very welcome shavasana (AKA corpse pose). As a plus, the instructor was helpful and positive — she also rubbed everyone’s shoulders with some kind of eucalyptus oil during final resting pose — and I basically wanted to be her best friend.

I left the studio feeling like, although it wasn’t the most challenging workout I’d ever done, it was exactly the kind of workout I’d wanted that morning (even though I didn’t know it). I loved the experience offered at SoulAnnex, perhaps even more than the one offered at the cycling studios. For me, that overall experience (plus the workout itself and my instructor/would-be BFF) might even be worth the sticker price, which is what tends to put me off of othertrendy exercise studios. SoulAnnex, I’m very into what you’re doing over there.

I was so into it, in fact, that I totally forgot to buy my coconut water on the way out. I may have had myself a little SoulAnnex Kool-Aid instead.

Would you try SoulAnnex? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via SoulAnnex)

Why We Lose Flexibility As We Age — And How to Get It Back

Even if you weren’t exactly in line for the Olympic gymnastics team as a kid (another reason Simone Biles is so impressive, honestly), chances are, you look back on those days as ones of your peak flexibility. Like running, remembering things, and making new friends, bending gradually gets harder as you age. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to keep your flex! Here’s why you lose your bendiness — and how to get it back.


Why Your Flexibility Stalls

Brit + Co

As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

Brit + Co

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

Brit + Co

When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

Brit + Co

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

Brit + Co

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Instead of looking back on your kid-level flexibility as a long-ago dream, mix in a little bit of stretching into your new daily routine — especially if you work at a desk! You might never get your legs behind your head, but your older self will thank you for it. Check out The Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout for more!

Lead image via Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

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Here's Your First Look At Meghann Fahy's "Darkly Funny" New Netflix Show 'Sirens'

We already know that Netflix's Sirens is all about "socialites, scandal, and power struggles" (Gossip Girl, anyone?), but the streamer finally just announced when we can watch the new show, and it's even sooner than we hoped. In addition to confirming its early summer release date, we also have a first look at stars Meghann Fahy, Julianne Moore, and Kevin Bacon — and it makes me want to watch the show even more than I already did. (And considering the show is produced by Margot Robbie, I already really wanted to watch it). Here's your first look at Netflix's new dark comedy.

Keep reading for the first look at Sirens, coming to Netflix May 22, 2025.

'Sirens' is an "explosive" look at power.

Netflix

In Sirens, Devon (Meghann Fahy) is worried about her sister Simone (Milly Alcock). Or, more specifically, Simone's way-too-close relationship with her boss, socialite Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore). When Devon decides enough is enough, she shows up to set Simone straight, unaware the "explosive" Labor Day weekend at Michaela's "lavish beach estate" will change everything.

"Sirens is an incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class," the show's official logline says. And you know what? That makes for some great TV. The show is executive produced by LuckyChap's Dani Gorin, Tom Ackerley, and Margot Robbie, as well as Colin McKenna.

And the 'Sirens' cast makes it a standout series.

Netflix

In the Sirens first look, we see Meghann Fahy as Devon, armed with what looks like a fruit basket and a scowl. Here's the full Sirens cast list:

  • Meghann Fahy as Devon DeWitt: Simone's concerned and persistent older sister.
  • Julianne Moore as Michaela Kell: a mysterious philanthropist & animal activist and Simone's boss.
  • Milly Alcock as Simone DeWitt: Devon's witty younger sister who works as Michaela's personal assistant.
  • Kevin Bacon as Peter Kell: Michaela's billionaire husband.
  • Glenn Howerton as Ethan Corbin III: the Kells' wealthy, if indulgent, bachelor neighbor
  • Bill Camp as Bruce DeWitt: Devon and Simone's dad who's dealing with a devastating diagnosis.
  • Felix Solis as Jose: the manager, gardener, and head of security of Cliff House.
  • Josh Segarra as Raymond: Devon's on-again-off-again boyfriend.
  • Trevor Salter as Jordan: the very handsome captain of Ethan's yacht.
  • Britne Oldford as Missy: the Kells' seasonal housekeeper.
  • Lauren Weedman as Patrice: the Kells' strictly-business personal chef.
  • Jenn Lyon as Cloe: the meanest member of "The Fates."
  • Erin Neufer as Lisa: a passionate, zealous part of "The Fates" trio.
  • Emily Borromeo as Astrid: the ditzy third member of "The Fates."

Netflix

And Julianne Moore's Michaela is all grace and poise, especially at home in her lavish estate. “This story has a lot of teeth,” series creator Molly Smith Metzler says in an interview with Tudum. “There are real moments of drama, and it’s going to make people uncomfortable. Operatic is a word I like to use to describe it. It’s a true dark comedy — and it’s got a Greek mythology vibe.”

“Julianne’s just the dream for this role because she does feel ethereal,” she continues. “She’s from another kingdom. She is not a normie.”

Here's when you can watch 'Sirens.'

Netflix

Sirens will stream on Netflix starting May 22, 2025.

How many episodes does Sirens on Netflix have?

Netflix

Sirens has five episodes total, all of which will be an hour long.

Where was Sirens filmed?

Netflix

Sirens was announced in February 2024 and began filming in the North Fork of Long Island, New York over the summer of 2024.

Are you excited to watch Sirens this summer? Stay tuned for the latest news and read up on why Apple TV's New Thriller Show Cape Fear Will Hold You Over Until Big Little Lies Season 3.

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I Worked Out With Gwyneth Paltrow's Celebrity Trainer — Here's How She Stays So Fit

I’m a fairly active person. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, hot girl walks, dripping sweat at pilates, and working on my defense skills in boxing. I have yet to find runningincredibly enjoyable, like the people my age rapidly signing up for marathons, but I’ll indulge in a solid 3-mile jog about once a week. So when I was asked to join a wellness weekend in the Bahamas with actress Gwenyth Paltrow’s media brand, Goop, I thought it’d be a breeze. For the most part, it was. Emphasis on ‘for the most part.’

Olivia Bria

Goop's wellness retreat in the Bahamas.

Wellness is an umbrella term — it looks and feels different to each individual person. Despite the fact that I just named five exercises I attempt to partake in weekly — life gets busy! — I really try to branch out of my usual workouts, due to both the need for a challenge and a general interest in looking for new ways to move my body. What are my most recent exercise acquisitions? Breakdancing, hot yoga, and, well, getting TORCH’D. Goop booked us with celebrity trainer, Isaac Boots, to add the last workout to that list.

Boots has a long roster of celeb clients: Vanessa Hudgens, Kelly Ripa, Jessica Chastain, Gwenyth Paltrow (of course!) and more. I’ve always been a bit envious of how the celebrities of today are able to build at-home gyms and call for private sessions in a flash. Yet, beyond the affordability aspect, I’ve been more curious on how they become so fit — diet and personal chefs aside — with such busy schedules.

I found out in the Bahamas. And the workout is not as easy as it looks.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots first created virtual at-home sessions to teach TORCH’D classes during the pandemic, with the main premise of the workout focusing on the flow of body resistance, dance conditioning, and targeted repetition with the intention of burning fat. We — the other gal pal journalists and influencers on the trip — were set to complete two morning classes, both Saturday and Sunday. I, unfortunately, missed my connecting flight on Friday and wasn’t able to make it to the Saturday class due to a series of unfortunate travel events (let’s not rehash it, for my sake). But, after talking to the girls who were able to attend that morning session, it seems that the only thing I missed was waking up really sore on Sunday. My quads thanked me for that missed flight.

Olivia Bria

The group Torch'd workout class at Goop's Bahamas retreat.

Group fitness is also something I’ve gotten used to over the years, especially when moving to LA where it's common practice, but going into workouts that I’ve never done before is intimidating. Exercising in front of others, especially when you aren’t familiar with the form of exercise, can be a particularly vulnerable activity.

Therefore, before attending the 45-minute TORCH’D session, I searched for the workouts online to study them a little. I’ll admit, I didn’t think they looked that difficult. But boy, was I absolutely proved wrong. Keep in mind that the Sunday session was outdoors, and although on a shaded rooftop with a stunning ocean view, the Bahamas was in the middle of a heat wave. I already didn’t stand a chance against my already innately sweaty and red-faced self during any form of physical movement.

Isaac Boots

Isaac Boots, Gwenyth Paltrow's celebrity trainer.

Boots started the music — an upbeat, EDM like tune — to get us moving to the rhythm.

We began with small movements like arm circles and donkey kicks, pulsed for a bit, and then went ‘double time’ (AKA we picked up our speed). Those rotations would continue throughout the workout. It was during the pulsing portions of the workout where I really felt it target my biceps, triceps, and glutes. A burning sensation formed in my upper arms and legs several times, making it hard to keep going. There were a few instances when I had to take a quick break to get back into it. It was during those breaks when I noticed I wasn’t the only one taking a breather.

As I’ve grown sick of my mundane daily gym routine, I’ve noticed that having fun while I workout is a priority. Boots’ liveliness and charisma matched with his eagerness to teach really helped me get out of my own head (I have the tendency to become frustrated and want to quit during certain moves.)

I now understand now how a lot of celeb women — like Gwenyth — exercise with time constraints. Workouts like Torch'd are simple and tough, but effective at toning all the right places. While I would 10/10 recommend this class to anyone, I (and my sore muscles) definitely encourage you to take a rest day (or two) afterwards. 😉

Looking for more exercise tips? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Header image via Olivia Bria

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Leighton Meester Stuns In 'Buccaneers' Season 2 First Look — See The Pics Here!

Much like its main characters, The Buccaneers hit the Apple TV+ scene with flash and fervor. We fell in love with the St. George sisters, longing to see them find romance and (more importantly) true happiness by any means necessary. We embraced each girl in all their messy, shocking, period drama glory. We watched until the very end, desperately wanting more! And after the popularity of the first season, it's no wonder the network renewed this dreamy show for a second season.

Keep reading for the latest news. (Note: This contains spoilers about season one's finale!)

Here's everything we know about The Buccaneers season 2, coming to Apple TV+ this summer.

Where can I watch Buccaneers season 2?

Apple TV+

The Buccaneers Season 2 Release Date

The Buccaneers season 2 will premiere on Apple TV+ June 18, 2025. Apple shared this exciting BTS clip of our new favorite Regency Era stars having the time of their lives. It's just the boost we need to get through another week!

Who's in the season 2 cast?

Apple TV+

The Buccaneers Season 2 Cast

All our favorite cast members are returning for season 2 — and we'll also see Leighton Meester! “I was so happy to come on to play any role!" Leighton told TV Insider. "That being said, this is the best possible role that I could have ever asked for, and it’s going to be a secret until it comes out. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.”

Here's the full Buccaneers season 2 cast list:

  • Josie Totah as Mabel Elmsworth
  • Aubri Ibrag as Lizzy Elmsworth
  • Kristine Frøseth as Nan St. George
  • Imogen Waterhouse as Jinny St. George
  • Barney Fishwick as Lord James Seadown
  • Guy Remmers as Theo
  • Josh Dylan as Lord Richard Marable
  • Mia Threapleton as Honoria Marable
  • Alisha Boe as Conchita Glosson
  • Leighton Meester

What happens in The Buccaneers season 2?

Apple TV+

The Buccaneers Season 2 Plot

We shouldn't be so pressed to discover easter eggs about season 2 of The Buccaneers, but we are! Thankfully Kristine Frøseth revealed the ways she differs from her character Nan St. George and what viewers can expect to see. Though Nan is often seen wearing corsets, Kristine prefers a more casual look. "She's very constricted," the actress said of her character (via People).

In terms of what to expect this season, Kristine didn't reveal season 2's plot (sorry fans). She did say, however, the characters won't be in close proximity like they were in season 1: "I think our characters just are a little bit more separated so we're not seeing each other as much. Last time, we all lived in the same building and it felt like college, and now our storylines are a little bit more spread out...I think that's the biggest change."

How does Katherine Jakeways feel about the series' renewal?

Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

We had the opportunity to speak with series creator Katherine Jakeways,and she shared her enthusiasm about creating such a riveting period drama. "We're really excited for people to sort of get to know the world of it and meet these women and experience the female friendship of it," she says, hoping viewers "come out of it going, 'Wow these do feel like people that I know."

Now that The Buccaneers is renewed for another season, she told Apple TV+, "We know season one left audiences desperate to know what’s next for our buccaneers, so I’m absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to explore the further adventures of this smart, joyful, messy sisterhood.”

What did Apple TV+'s Europe Creative Director say about the new upcoming season?

Apple TV+

In the same press release, Jay Hunt admitted, "...we’re excited to be working with Katherine Jakeways and The Forge again on the next adventure for Nan and her friends." If you ask us, it sounds season two of The Buccaneers is off to a great start!

What happened in the season finale of The Buccaneers?

Apple TV+

Viewers watch as Nan St. George took a step back in order for her sister Jinny to have a chance to be happy. This leaves her in the position to move forward with her marriage to Theo, Duke of Tintagel, but it appears she her birth mother may be closer than she realized. Our other characters — like Mabel and Honoria — are left to decide how they want to live their lives as well.

It was a shocking cliffhanger and we can see why fans are thirsty for more.

Where can I watch "The Buccaneers" Season 1?

Apple TV+

All eight episodes of The Buccaneers are available to stream on Apple TV+. Just be sure to bake a few warm dessert recipes and grab a glass of wine to have while you binge watch them.

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This post has been updated.

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Is Butter Bad For You? Here's The Number 1 Way It's Impacting Your Health

There's nothing more tasty than a fresh slice of buttered sourdough in the morning. But new research suggests you might want to pass on this delicacy to extend your longevity. So isbutter bad for you? Here's what recent studies found!

Scroll to see how your bread & butter intake may be impacting your health!

Felicity Tai

A recent study conducted by Harvard University and Mass General Brigham found that people who consumed more butter had a 15% higher risk of early death compared to those who used it in moderation. On the flip side, people who preferred plant oils had a 16% lower risk of mortality.

The results shed light on the ongoing question of whether butter or plant-based oils are the better choice for your health. Sadly for butter lovers, the findings suggest that replacing even two teaspoons of butter with the same amount of plant oil could lower the risk of early death by approximately 17%.

Polina Tankilevitch

For the study, the research team examined dietary data from three major studies: the Nurses' Health Study, Nurses' Health Study II, and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. They tracked over 220,000 Americans' butter consumption, including for both cooking and spreading, as well as their intake of various plant oils, like olive, soybean, canola, corn, and safflower oils.

Over the course of 33 years, the researchers gathered this information via food surveys every four years. Then, they used the data to calculate averages and gain a clearer picture of eating habits.

Nadin Sh

A total of 50,932 deaths occurred throughout the study, with 12,241 from cancer and 11,240 from heart disease. The team adjusted for variables such as age, physical activity, weight, alcohol consumption, and smoking, which revealed a distinct trend.

Higher butter intake was associated with increased death rates; meanwhile, higher consumption of plant oils was tied to lower death rates. However, not all plant oils had the same effect, as corn and safflower oils showed no significant benefits.

Mareefe

Still, increasing plant oil intake by roughly two tablespoons a day was linked to an 11% reduction in cancer death risk and a 6% decrease in the risk of dying from heart disease.

"Replacing three small pats of butter (approximately 15 grams) with one tablespoon of plant-based oil (approximately 15 grams) in the daily diet could contribute to lowering the risk of premature mortality," the team wrote.

Kaboompics.com

Now, this doesn't mean you need to cut out butter entirely. In fact, the study actually found that butter used for baking or frying wasn't strongly linked to mortality risk. This may be because it's used in smaller quantities or less often.

Butter being spread directly on foods, like bread, showed the strongest connection. So, the researchers suggest making small switches, like swapping out butter for olive oil or canola oil, to maintain taste and enhance your health.

"Even cutting back butter a little and incorporating more plant-based oils into your daily diet can have meaningful long-term health benefits," concluded Dr. Daniel Wang of Harvard's Department of Nutrition.

To read the study's complete findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine, visit the link here.

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