R InsideRs: Being A Spin Instructor

By Lauren Paterson

Exactly one year ago this month I became an ex-college swimmer, against my own will. I had used up all four years of NCAA eligibility and although I had a long, successful career, it was more bitter than sweet to finish my last race. I started running more often to keep healthy, and started working the front desk at JoyRide since I had extra time on my hands and my swim “job” was finished.

I quickly became a cycle regular, attending any class I could between classes and work. My mom introduced me to cycling years ago back home and honestly, I did not enjoy it. It was hard, my butt hurt from the seats, everyone was peddling so fast and I felt like the outsider. As I went through high school and then college I started to cycle more often and sort of got the hang of it. But it wasn’t until I met JoyRide that something clicked and my heart opened up. I fell in love (if you can fall in love with a cycling studio…?)

JoyRide is so much more than a cycling studio. We are a community. We are a team. We are a family. I have been teaching at JoyRide for over a month now and I feel as if this wonderful place has filled the hole that swimming left (sounds cheesy, I know, but it’s true). The energy that you’re braced with when you enter the studio is truly full of love, passion, and a whole lot of JOY. Here are some things that I’ve learned about cycling and JoyRide in general in my year-long relationship with the studio.

No Judging
First, this really is a no-judgment zone. When the instructors tell you that this is “your ride” so do what you can but challenge yourself, they’re not lying. JoyRide welcomes people of all ages and abilities. It doesn’t matter if you can cycle the fastest or can’t even stand up out of the saddle yet, we welcome you to the family either way.

People are Good
When you’re having a bad day or you’re just tired and don’t feel like talking to people, your mood will flip when you walk into the studio. Its inevitable. Once you hear the music bumping and your classmates are scurrying around to grab a towel or fill their water bottles and the front desk staff greets you with the sign-in sheet, a smile is bound to appear on that pretty face of yours. And people at JoyRide aren’t just there for the sweat. They will listen, they’ll talk. People are good, and our JoyRide people are damn good. Not to mention, I love our apparel, there are so many retail therapy items that always perk me up too, as a bonus.

Sweating is the Best Therapy
Honestly I can’t think of a more perfect stress reliever than listening to the hottest hits (singing along, too) in the dark and sweating out whatever it is you need to sweat out. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, sugar,or excitement, come sweat it out at JoyRide and you’ll be hooked just like me. But hey, it’s a healthy addiction!

Make Connections, and Friends!
I’ve met some pretty amazing people in the year that I’ve worked at JoyRide. From our fearless leader/owner, Becky, to the new rider who was in my class for their first ride the other day, everyone has a story. People come and go to the studio but there is always opportunity to make a connection or impression on the person strapping on their shoes next to you, the rider across the room, your instructor, or the front desk staff member. These connections, for me, have turned into friendships that I cherish and look forward to seeing every day. I even met Emily, the owner of R Public Relations there, hence this post and my internship. The cyclic nature of the community at JoyRide, puts a spin on spin and cycling, for sure.

Our studio is called JoyRide for a reason. We pride ourselves on the fact that we welcome anyone and everyone who wants to sweat it out on a stationary bike in the dark. If you’re a regular, you know what I’m talking about. If you’ve never cycled at all or with us, come try it out. Your first class is free! And as always, spread that JOY!

Schedule A Class Today: HERE

• all photos provided by Joyride Studios

by R Public Relations Firm