Imagine stumbling upon the heartwarming secret of a Hollywood legend who turned every workout into a moment of genuine connection—that's the untold story of Diane Keaton's dedication to her SoulCycle classes, as revealed by her longtime instructor. It's the kind of tale that makes you wonder about the real people behind the fame, and trust me, you won't want to miss the details that make it even more captivating.
To set the scene for those new to the world of fitness, SoulCycle is a popular indoor cycling studio where participants pedal to motivating music while following instructor-led routines—think of it as a high-energy spin class that blends exercise with a sense of community. But here's where it gets controversial: While some might argue that celebrities often breeze through life with an air of entitlement, Diane Keaton flipped that script entirely. As an Oscar-winning star known for iconic roles in films like Annie Hall, she wasn't just showing up; she was fully present, treating her classes like a cherished routine long before she passed away on October 11 at the age of 79.
Her instructor, Alba Verela, shared this exclusive insight with PEOPLE, painting a picture of Keaton as a regular attendee who brought warmth to the studio. Verela, a dedicated SoulCycle coach with 13 years of experience, first encountered the actress in 2015 during her Saturday morning 10 a.m. 'SoulSurvivor' class at the Santa Monica location. Picture this: The front desk staff excitedly informed Verela that Diane Keaton was in her session, and she initially thought it was a prank—after all, Verela was a huge fan, and who wouldn't be starstruck by someone of Keaton's stature?
From that point on, Keaton became a fixture. 'Pretty much every Saturday at 10 a.m., for my SoulSurvivor class, Diane Keaton was there,' Verela recalled. 'She was consistent.' This regularity wasn't about flaunting celebrity status; it was about embracing the workout on her own terms. Verela noted that Keaton pedaled at her own rhythm, doing well without pushing too hard, and she always chose the same spot in the back—bike number 47. For beginners, it's worth noting that the Santa Monica studio is one of the largest, accommodating up to 60 bikes in a spacious, deep layout with a central wall that creates a sense of separation between riders. Bike 47, right against that wall and in the middle of the setup, offered Keaton a quiet, private corner away from the crowd, with no bike directly beside it due to the wall's positioning.
And this is the part most people miss: Keaton's post-class ritual wasn't just polite; it was deeply personal. As one of the last to wrap up, she would approach Verela right by the bike's handlebars, making a point to express her thanks. 'Every single time, she would come up to me after class, and I remember her specifically telling me, “Thank you, Alba. I had so much fun,”' Verela shared. This gesture stood out in a world where celebrities might not always take the time to acknowledge those behind the scenes. Verela, who was consistently amazed, described it as 'endearing,' noting how rare it is for a star to personally thank an instructor and share that they enjoyed the session. 'She was such a nice lady,' Verela added. 'Not usually would you get a celebrity to come up to your bike handlebars and thank you for the class and tell you that they had fun.'
What made Keaton even more memorable was her attentiveness. Verela felt truly recognized, as Keaton used her name and showed up week after week, sparking excitement each time the front desk announced her return. The instructor cherished Keaton's gratitude, presence, and that signature smile—qualities that highlighted her as 'someone who was just so grateful.' To give you a fuller picture, Keaton often dressed simply for class, sporting a long-sleeve shirt, glasses, and a white towel draped around her neck throughout the session, blending in like any dedicated rider.
Verela was 'completely in shock' upon learning of Keaton's passing, but the memories endure, especially those words of appreciation that 'meant the world' to her. In an industry where fame can create distance, Keaton's actions remind us that kindness can bridge the gap. And here's a subtle twist to ponder: While Keaton's behavior was exceptional, does it challenge the stereotype that celebrities are aloof, or does it just prove she's the exception that makes the rule? It's food for thought in our celebrity-obsessed culture.
Do you believe stars like Diane Keaton have a duty to show such warmth to everyday people who support their passions? Or is this level of gratitude something we all should emulate, regardless of fame? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss whether this is the norm or a refreshing anomaly! Don't forget to sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to keep up with more inspiring stories like this, from celebrity insights to heartfelt human tales. You can read the original article on People for even more details.
