When I took my first spin class 10 years and over 100 pounds ago, I never would’ve thought I’d be where I am today. Back then, I was this twenty something 250+ pound girl doing my best to lose weight. I instantly connected with spin and with instructors along the way. I enjoyed the group setting, the low impact on my joints, the music, and the sweat! I always sat in front, never letting my size or lack of endurance get in the way. In fact, sitting in the front pushed me to challenge myself; I pedaled faster and added more resistance. I was also able to closely watch the instructor.  

In 2016, one of my New Year's resolutions was to get my spin certification. Despite the fact that I had lost over 100 pounds, I was still not fully comfortable with my body. However, my supportive friends and family all encouraged me to go for my dreams. It took a lot of courage, patience, and a bit of assertiveness to land my first spin class in September of that year at Yoga Sakti. Once I did, I was one of the happiest, and one of the most nervous, instructors on the Fall schedule.  

You see, while I can spin like no other, I am not a size 0, or even a size 4 for that matter. My body type is pretty average with the exception of the extra skin I have from my weight loss. Most of the instructors I see are extremely fit. While no one has ever made a comment on my weight, I often look around the room and think, ‘Wow, I’m the heaviest person in here!’ But what makes me happy and keeps me going is that they are here because I am able to motivate and instruct them in every class. I have amazing students and watching their improvement makes me feel very fortunate.

I am strong, healthy and fit. My job as an instructor is to provide a safe, fun, challenging and effective spin class and I believe I do that even though I may not look like the “typical” spin instructor.