Melanie Griffith

Melanie Griffith is a fitness executive and master instructor whose career spans from corporate law to leadership in the boutique fitness industry. Griffith attended Columbia University and graduated at the top of her class at Fordham University School of Law. After working as a lawyer, she transitioned to a career focused on fitness and mindfulness.

Griffith began riding at SoulCycle when the first studio opened in New York City and became the first rider to transition to instructor. She serves as the senior director of brand experience and a master instructor at SoulCycle, where she emphasizes the role of music and unified movement in deepening the mind-body-soul connection central to the brand. In her role, Griffith leads initiatives in instructor development, customer experience, and the at-home bike platform. As a member of the management team, she is known for championing unity, empowerment, and personal growth.

Griffith has demonstrated resilience in the face of significant health challenges. Shortly after becoming a SoulCycle instructor, she was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. The cancer progressed slowly, leading her and her healthcare providers to monitor the tumors for about a year. Griffith has credited her experiences as a rider and instructor with preparing her physically and mentally to face these challenges. She has openly discussed her journey in classes to motivate herself and others. Griffith was later re-diagnosed with cancer and underwent intestine resection surgery. She has also been diagnosed with follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Lynch syndrome, receiving care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Before her own cancer diagnosis, Griffith supported Cycle for Survival's mission, participating in team rides during the fundraiser's early days. She became an event instructor when Cycle for Survival expanded to include virtual rides. Griffith's advocacy extends beyond the studio; she is a blogger, essay writer, retreat leader, and motivational speaker, presenting at industry events such as Shoptalk on topics like "Mind-Body-Soul: How SoulCycle Builds Community Through Holistic Experience." Through her work in fitness, wellness, and public speaking, Griffith continues to promote messages of courage, community, and transformation.