Ruth Zukerman, one of the original founders of SoulCycle, has publicly detailed her unexpected departure from the company, describing it as a sudden and involuntary ouster by her former business partners Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice. In the documentary “Spin Wars,” Zukerman recounts how roughly a year and a half after SoulCycle’s founding in 2006, Cutler and Rice, whom she says she introduced to the enterprise, informed her that she was no longer a partner.

Zukerman played a significant role in developing the SoulCycle brand, having transferred a following from her Reebok club cycling classes to the new venture and teaching about 21 classes per week. She contributed to shaping the workout method that eventually propelled SoulCycle to widespread popularity. Despite her contributions, Zukerman never signed formal partnership paperwork. After informing her of the decision, Cutler reportedly offered Zukerman the option to remain as an instructor.

Previously, Zukerman’s exit from SoulCycle had been noted in a 2010 New York Times article, which stated she left the company in November under terms she was legally restricted from discussing. The article also highlighted that Cutler and Rice appeared intent on minimizing Zukerman’s role in the company’s history, pointing out that SoulCycle’s official website makes no mention of her contributions.

Since leaving SoulCycle, Zukerman launched Flywheel, another cycling-themed fitness company. While she has addressed her departure in past interviews, the new documentary marks one of her most extensive accounts of the experience. Reflecting on why she chose to speak out now, Zukerman said that with time and perspective, she has become more willing to share her story.

SoulCycle became known for fostering close connections between instructors and students, a dynamic Zukerman believes was helped by her personal vulnerability. She acknowledged that this openness, while beneficial in instruction, left her at a disadvantage in the business side of the company’s operations. “It didn’t really serve me well with what happened with Julie and Elizabeth,” she said, calling the episode a “learning lesson,” but emphasized that she never compromised her authentic self.

Requests for comment from Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice were not returned.