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a boutique fitness phenomenon that took New York City by storm in 2006, is opening its inaugural South Bay studio in Los Gatos.

A woman-owned business, SoulCycle is transforming the relationship people have with exercise. Rather than simply a room filled with people on stationary bikes pumping away, every SoulCycle studio is uniquely inspiring, each instructor uplifting and every class involves both the body and the mind to achieve the ideal workout. SoulCycle is about creating a community environment where people come together to enjoy an “efficient, joyful experience.”

An alternative to a typical spin “workout,” SoulCycle begins in the calming, candlelit studio space. Each class is 45 minutes in length and is a full body experience, incorporating core exercises and hand weights to build upper body strength. Riders of all ages and fitness levels move in choreographed union to energizing music, creating a meditative-like atmosphere that is designed to clear the mind and enable participants to “connect with their best selves.” According to their website, “SoulCycle doesn’t just change bodies, it changes lives. With inspirational instructors, candlelight, epic spaces, and rocking music, riders can let loose, clear their heads and empower themselves with strength that lasts beyond the studio walls.”

SoulCycle has a cult-like following that began with its initial Manhattan studio. The boutique studio expanded to the Bay Area in 2013 including a location in Palo Alto’s Stanford Shopping Center. The SoulGATO studio is their first in the South Bay. Located at 212 Santa Cruz Avenue, the facility will include 58 bikes and classes will cost about $30 apiece. Because the SoulCycle experience is an immersive one, the mood of the studio is paramount and the SoulGATO studio promises to be a “community cardio party” that will invigorative as well as provide meditative benefits. For those new to the SoulCycle experience, here are some guidelines to prepare for your first soul experience.

The largest indoor cycling company in the country, SoulCycle currently has 62 studios nationwide in New York, Miami, Boston, Dallas, Washington DC, Southern California and the Bay Area, with plans to expand to 250 locations. Cyclebar is their largest competitor and they, too, have designs on opening in Los Gatos in the not too distant future.

A decade ago, the Inn of Los Gatos — then known as the Los Gatos Motor Inn — was not a place you’d want to be seen checking in. Prostitution, drugs and general seediness were hallmarks of the motel on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, right off Highway 17.

“The occupancy rate was 5 percent, maybe two rooms a night, and those weren’t the customers you wanted,” said Gavin McClements, general manager of the refurbished inn that now advertises itself with the catchphrase, “Affordable Luxury.” In 2006, McClements and his wife, Lilia, were hired by new owners who wanted the couple to help clean up the place. (Among the changes immediately made was requiring a credit card deposit, which quickly chased out the cash-only commerce.)

It’s been quite a turnaround for the former rundown motel, which originally opened in 1963 and underwent a nearly two-year renovation that was first approved by the town in 2008. It boasts 48 redecorated rooms that include touches like flat-screen TVs and ceiling fans. Enlarged reproductions of vintage postcards featuring Los Gatos line the lobby and its adjacent business conference room, something the old Motor Inn had no need for. A restaurant to be operated by Andrew Welch, owner of the Basin in Saratoga, is expected to open on the property next summer.

“It’s been a long process to get us to the point where we have something we’re really proud of,” McClements said.

By Sal Pizarro at Mercury News.

Looking for upscale gifts in upcoming holiday season. Check out The Butter Paddle shop in Downtown Los Gatos.  From crystals, ceramics, gourmet foods, decorations, gift baskets etc., The shop has something for your friends smile. All proceeds from The Butter Paddle support the EMQ Families First, a non-profit organization helping families & children who are struggling to recover from abuse & neglect. The shop is entirely run by volunteers from front to the back. Stop by when you are in Los Gatos to check out anything tickle your fancy. www.ButterPaddle.com  33 N Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos CA 95030 (408) 395-1678