Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice, founders of the cult fitness and lifestyle brand SoulCycle, have announced the launch of their latest venture, Peoplehood.

They describe the new launch as a guided group conversation practice that equips people with space, support and skills to build deeper, more meaningful relationships and live happier, healthier lives.

Peoplehood has been conceived to create a trusted and safe environment for its members to share freely and listen deeply with others – virtually or in person.

Focused on community and connection, Peoplehood is now available globally on its digital platform and at its three-storey New York City flagship location. The new bricks-and-mortar site features a coffee bar, a retail shop and an event space for special member programming.

The experience

During 60-minute guided group conversations called Gathers, participants practise active listening.

Each session includes an intention, thought-provoking prompts, destressing breathwork and feel-good music. A peer-to-peer structure and thematic dialogue have been chosen to spark self-awareness, change perspectives and lead to inspiring moments.

Gathers are led by Guides who are described as "super connectors, natural storytellers and empaths". They're hand-selected and trained to bring the Gather experience to life.

At this time, Gathers are offered in two formats: Peoplehood, where members come solo, meet new people, make time to process life, and hear themselves think, and Couplehood, where people come with their partner to enjoy intentional time communicating and connecting.

Monthly memberships start at US$95 (£78, €90) for Peoplehood and US$145 (£120, €137) for Couplehood.

Three-Gather introductory packages are available starting at US$55 (£45, €52) for Peoplehood and US$85 (£70, €80) for Couplehood.

The inspiration“In a world that’s more digitally connected than ever, there's a human connection crisis and studies show healthy relationships are the number one way to improve our overall physical and mental health," said Cutler.

"We've done the leg work…off the bike this time. It’s been a three-year journey conducting research, sourcing data and learning from experts to build a tool that empowers people to form new habits and build high-quality human connections.

“We’re thrilled to finally introduce Peoplehood to the world."

The new wellness club draws on communication techniques and methods Cutler and Rice learnt firsthand while working with relational health experts. While establishing the SoulCycle empire, the duo worked with a life coach to help them work through the trials and tribulations of running a business together.

"When we founded SoulCycle, we realised that riders came for the workout but stayed for the connections they created in the studios. SoulCycle helped people build better relationships with themselves and others," said Rice.

"In 2023, coming out of the global pandemic, people feel lonelier and more isolated than ever. With Peoplehood, we hope relationships become prioritised just as much as daily fitness.

“Peoplehood is not therapy, but it's certainly therapeutic and intended to complement people's portfolio of physical, mental and social health practices."