I started taking spin classes in 2018 at Cyclebar and Urban Elements. When the world shut down in 2020, I was lucky to have access to a Peloton bike and I swear that thing saved me more than once. There’s something about working my heart to the beat of the music that just ignites my soul. When I started teaching at Urban Elements in 2021, I invested in my own Peloton bike and in 2022 when UEC had to close, I was grateful we were able to bring the bikes (and the students/teachers) up the street to Union Fitness. Now-a-days, you’ll find me riding in our UF classes and on my bike home, always finding inspiration to teach my Ryde classes. 

My classes are very music driven ー the cadence (leg speed) is entirely determined by the beat of the music, which is why I put so much care into the order of songs in my playlists. I am a dancer at my core and I’m also a yoga teacher, so I absolutely love sequencing and planning out my classes based on the music. Creating playlists is like an artform for me. I’m constantly on the hunt for new and interesting tracks that take me on a journey. I’m inspired by anything that has a beat, so in my classes you’ll hear a variety of genres including Pop, R&B, EDM, Rock, Hip Hop, and we even had an Emo day! 

Ryde is awesome because it combines so many things that I love: rhythm, music, cardio, sequencing, and strength. You can truly choose your own adventure by turning the red resistance knob to your desired road weight. And the Real Ryder bikes are fun because unlike other stationary bikes (including my beloved Peloton) they simulate a real road-riding experience as they move side to side allowing for a full body workout. You’ll wonder why your core is sore after keeping these bikes stabilized for 30-45 minutes. I highly recommend SPD clips with biking shoes for the best experience. (Ask us instructors about them!) 

When I’m on that instructor bike, mic wrapped around my head and sweet beats blaring from the speakers, I get so fired up. Teaching is one of the reasons I’m here on this earth. My entire goal with these classes is to have fun working up a sweat while increasing strength and cardiovascular fitness. I teach Ryde on Fridays at 5:30 am and 7:00 am and every third Saturday at 8:30 am. I hope you’ll join me on a bike soon! 

Kayla 

P.S. Come early to your first class so we can get you properly set up and run through the basics. There is a bit of a learning curve with these bikes, but once you get it they are so. much. fun.

This month marks the end of my first year at Union Fitness, so I wanted to take this time to speak on the knowledge and wisdom I’ve obtained here, note goals in the upcoming year, and give thanks.

The time I’ve spent at Union has given me much in lessons and learning. I learned that trusting in the process is key to progress. Whatever your journey may be, whatever your goals are, and however you pursue happiness, it is crucial that you believe you will succeed. Yeah, sure, it is true that consistency and support will aid you in achieving your goals. Although, without internally knowing that you can/will be better for your efforts, your self-confidence will suffer, leaving room for wasted time and energy in doubting. We are all going to make mistakes, as they are a part of the journey, so don’t doubt yourself. Keep going.

The next lesson is something I still struggle to do, but I do see myself getting a lot better at asking for help. I find it tough to do this because, as a survival technique, self-sufficiency has been my default setting when navigating new and old experiences. Though there are places and times for this tactic, no one can do everything alone. Some questions cannot be answered from within; some needs cannot be resolved from our own resources. When you put the work in to understand yourself in a compromised position, you can understand your needs to be met and how to meet them. Then, you can convey your vulnerability to people who are there for you, people that care about you. I know this is easier said than done, but always worth the emotional labor.

Making use of the wisdom I’ve assumed this year, I want to keep working to achieve my goals to compete in a full powerlifting meet, acquire certifications in several massage therapy and fitness fields, and continue to seek physical and emotional growth. I have much more to learn, and I’m pretty excited about it all. So, watch out for me!

I thank every part of the staff at Union Fitness and all its members for their ongoing support and investments they make in me. I am forever grateful. As this is the manifestation of the beginnings to another great year, all I ask is that you continue to believe in me. We’ve got work to do, and we’ll make it great together.

-Malik

We have all heard the quote “we learn from mistakes, not from success.” And when I dissect this quote, I think that part of it is right and part of it is wrong. We absolutely learn from mistakes, but on the contrary, I believe we learn from success too.

We learn from mistakes because once we make them, we can figure out what went wrong and improve those missed steps, so we don’t repeat them. But when we succeed, we also learn. We learn what works. We learn what we are capable of and what we need to continue to do to keep succeeding. Both failure and success will always be key parts of our journey, and without the other we cannot continue to grow.

I take this approach with my training. When many of us think of a “failed lift” we naturally think of it negatively, but that shouldn’t be the case. For one, failing a lift is proof that we are training to our maximum effort, you’re giving 110%. If you never fail a lift, you know you aren’t getting uncomfortable enough. Uncomfortableness is where we grow, in lifting and in life.

My favorite thing about failing a lift, is that once I fail that attempt, I know I can pull apart what went wrong, what I can fix, and when I can attack that weight again with a better chance to be successful. That weight isn’t going anywhere, it will be there when you’re prepared to challenge it again.

I also love when I fail a lift, and somebody in the gym who is stronger, has been training longer, and is more knowledgeable than me can tell me exactly where I went wrong and how I can fix it. The best part about lifting is we always have room to get better and continue LEARNING, and that growth never stops. We keep fighting the battles and we continue to win as we get stronger and as we continue our journey. When you find yourself no longer failing lifts, you are too comfortable. Learn from your success and learn more from your failures.

Take pride in the failed lift, it means you’re pushing for more. And to me, that is elite. 

Maria