Ep 5. Ruth Zukerman

Breaking Big is a documentary series that explores the inspiring stories of some of the most successful people in various fields. In this episode, which is part of season one of the series, we get to learn about the life and journey of Ruth Zukerman, the co-founder of the popular spinning studio, SoulCycle.

The episode starts by introducing Ruth Zukerman and her background. We learn that she was born and raised in New York City and had an early love of dance. In her twenties, she became a professional dancer and started performing on Broadway. However, she soon realized that the life of a dancer was not sustainable and decided to switch careers.

Ruth then moved into the world of fitness and became a personal trainer. She worked with a range of clients, from professional athletes to regular people looking to get fit. During this time, she also started to develop her own workout routines and began to see the potential for a new kind of fitness studio.

The episode then explores the creation of SoulCycle, which Ruth co-founded with two other women, Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler. We learn about the early days of the company, where Ruth and her partners had to scrape together every penny to get their business off the ground. They started with just one small studio in New York City, but their unique approach to spinning quickly caught on and they soon expanded to other locations.

Throughout the episode, we also get to hear from Ruth's friends and colleagues, who discuss her personality and work ethic. Many of them describe her as a tireless worker, who always puts her clients and her business first. However, we also see the toll that this dedication has taken on her personal life, as she has struggled to balance her work with her family and relationships.

As the episode progresses, we get to see how SoulCycle has become more than just a fitness studio. For many people, it has become a community and a way of life. Ruth and her partners have created a unique brand and experience, which has helped SoulCycle to stand out in a crowded market.

In the final part of the episode, we learn about some of the challenges that Ruth and her partners have faced over the years, including accusations of cultural appropriation and discrimination. However, we also get to see how they have responded to these challenges and how they are continuing to evolve and grow the SoulCycle brand.

Overall, Breaking Big season one episode five is a fascinating and inspiring look at the life and career of Ruth Zukerman. Through her hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking, she has created a fitness brand that has had a lasting impact on millions of people. Whether you are a fan of SoulCycle or just interested in the stories of successful entrepreneurs, this episode is well worth watching.