Ruth Zukerman Details SoulCycle Exit in Spin Wars
The documentary explores the abrupt departure of the fitness instructor from the company she helped co-found.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Health and Wellness
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In the upcoming documentary Spin Wars, 68-year-old fitness instructor Ruth Zukerman recounts her 2009 departure from SoulCycle. Zukerman explains that she was ousted by her business partners after previously teaching 21 classes per week.
Why it matters
The documentary sheds light on the internal leadership tensions at the fitness brand operated by Equinox Fitness. It provides a rare look at the business disputes that occurred behind the scenes during the company's early expansion.
Ruth Zukerman taught a demanding schedule of 21 classes per week during her tenure at SoulCycle. The documentary features her account of being removed as a partner by co-founders Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice.
The players
Ruth Zukerman
She is a 68-year-old fitness instructor who played a foundational role in the early development of SoulCycle.
Elizabeth Cutler
She was a co-founder and former co-chief creative officer of SoulCycle who resigned from her leadership position in 2016.
Julie Rice
She was a co-founder and former co-chief creative officer of SoulCycle who resigned from her leadership position in 2016.
Equinox Fitness
This company is the parent organization that operates the national boutique fitness brand SoulCycle.
The details
Zukerman was summoned to a meeting by partners Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice, who informed her that she was no longer a partner in the organization. Following her exit, Zukerman signed an agreement regarding her separation from the company.
Timeline
Ruth Zukerman departed SoulCycle in 2009.
Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice resigned as co-chief creative officers in 2016.
Spin Wars is scheduled for release to the general public in December 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The documentary explores the leadership history of SoulCycle, framing its narrative around the 2016 resignation of Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice. This look back highlights how high-growth boutique fitness brands often face significant structural and partnership transitions.
Viewers interested in the origins of the boutique fitness movement will be able to access the documentary upon its wide release in December 2026. The film offers insight into the business decisions that shaped the modern indoor cycling industry.
The takeaway
Zukerman's story illustrates the high stakes and potential for conflict within fast-growing wellness startups. Investors and entrepreneurs can learn from the importance of clear partnership agreements during the scaling phases of a business.
What happens next
Spin Wars is set to be released to the general public in December 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the intersection of fitness and corporate history in the Health and Wellness section.
Live Poll
Do you believe entrepreneurs should publicly disclose details about past professional disputes with former business partners?
