May 2018

Meet Jonathan & Ian – Ossington’s resident RIDE or DIE couple who completed a combined 60 rides in 18 days during our 30 Day Challenge (Jonathan completed the challenge in 16 days, with Ian right there with him in 18 days). Come to any 6 or 7am in Toronto and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see one of them or both front and center, whipping their towels and tapping it back like there’s no tomorrow.

What do you do for your 9-5?

J – I work in sales.

I – Art Direction for Sephora.

If your bestie were to describe you in three words, what would they be?

J – Creature of habit.

I – Quiet, calm and tall.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

J – Since the studio opened in Toronto last March. I was going to the UNDGRND for a bit too.

I – I started officially last April, so just about a year now.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

J – Not paying the late cancellation fee? Lol! But seriously…waking up at 5:30am to do anything let alone work out was definitely an adjustment. Now it’s just the norm and the fact that other people are just as crazy as me gets me out the door for those 6am classes. Knowing that I’m going to see friends and get in a good sweat…that motivates me. It’s also a place where I can focus on just myself and tune the rest of the world out. We all need that sometimes.

I – I like the group atmosphere. It’s a lot easier to motivate myself in a room with 50 other people all doing the same thing. Plus, the music is fun and it gives you a good endorphin ‘high’.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

J – RIDE was something I needed and didn’t realize I needed. Fitness was never a part of my life and now I can’t see my life without it. RIDE has also introduced me to an amazing community of people that I’m so grateful for. I’m a better version of myself because of RIDE. I also have never owned so much athletic wear or done more laundry in my life.

I – Aside from the obvious health benefits, it gives me something to look forward to every day (especially when I’m having a bad day). The sense of community is great and I’ve met a ton of awesome people because of it.

Outside of your 9-5 – tell us about all the badass things you’re up to.

J – I think I’m actually pretty boring. However, now that summer has finally shown up I think a lot more “badass” things are upon us. All the park, patio and bbq hangs…

I’m also very big on being a tourist in your own city. There are so many “badass” places to explore and things to do that are within arms reach. I’m excited to do more of that.

I – I’m pretty boring too. I do love to travel though. Jon and I spent 2 weeks traveling through Italy last Fall and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life so far.

In your opinion, what makes RIDE’s community so unique?

J – All worlds collide at RIDE. I’ve been able to revive and strengthen relationships with friends and made so many amazing new ones. It’s a nice feeling knowing that I can walk into RIDE and I will always have a friend there. It’s kinda like the show Cheers where “everyone knows your name”.

I – There’s like zero attitude or pretension at RIDE. It’s funny because we all joke that it’s like a ‘cult’, but really everyone is welcome and at any fitness level. It’s just a good time!

Favourite instructor and why?

J –Everyone is great for different reasons. Top of mind I’d have to say Alex. She really knows how to kick my ass and motivate me to be better! She also bullies *ahem* motivates me to go to classes I never intended on going to…even if that means it’s my third RIDE of the day. And I love her for that.

Dani, she really knows how to get my day going and has introduced me to so much new music. I’m always asking her what songs she’s playing.

Winter and Rebecca..sometimes I feel like they’ve stolen my iPod and just pressed play. I could really make a point for why everyone is my “favourite”. I don’t like this question, I love everyone….NEXT!

I – I think they’re all great this isn’t a fair question! I will say that Alex and Taylor really push your limits the most though. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing? Haha.

Best RIDE memory?

J –There have been so many. One would be my birthday ride when Alex let me RIDE on the podium with her. It was a class filled with family and friends. I felt such a high riding on the podium and seeing it from that perspective was super cool. Completing the 30 Day Challenge would be my most recent highlight. I wanted to push myself to see how quickly I could do it. I finished in 16 days and I am super proud of myself. Also I think my face still hurts from smiling at the RIDE vs. SPICE GIRLS class (Cat prancing around the room in heels just makes me smile.)

I –Definitely riding the podium with Alex was memorable. Completing my first ‘30 RIDES in 30 DAYS’ which seems like nothing now but was a big deal at the time! Or maybe when we cheered on the 10k runners outside along the waterfront. Good times!

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

J– I’ve been really getting back into Lagree lately. It’s such a great compliment and contrast to RIDE. I’ve also tried Barry’s a few times. Always a challenge but I’ll keep trying at it.

I – I’m awful, it’s really all I do. I have tried Barry’s a few times and will likely be going back. I also used to swim competitively and I do miss that.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

J – I have such random taste in music. That being said, I grew up on early 90s hip hop and R&B so thats always on repeat. Think Brandy, En Vogue, Busta Rhymes, Biggie, Tribe, TLC, Missy, New Edition, etc.

I – Everything Now by Arcade Fire! We also saw them in concert last year and they were amazing.

If you could brunch with any male/lady boss (past or present), who would it be?

J – Ummmm Oprah!!!

I – I’ll just got with what he said…Oprah.

If you were to give a s/o to a local entrepreneur, who would it be?

J & I – Our girlfriend Char opened a women’s clothing store on Dundas West called Nevada Rose. She has some really amazing, fun and unique pieces that I would even wear.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

J – Now that it’s summer…RIDE, brunch, hanging out in Trinity Bellwoods with the crew. Or maybe a day at island.

I – Any shopping and eating experience works for me!

Who motivates you?

J – Ian does. I’m so lucky to have him and he motivates me to be a better person in all areas of my life including RIDE. RIDE has actually made our relationship stronger. Eww that sounds sooooo cheesy (but true).

I – Thanks Jon haha. Likewise!!!! My Ride or Die…

Fave quote or words to live by?

J – “Never regret anything because at one point it is exactly what you wanted”.

I – Look up the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley. Always loved this but too many words to write down here.

Last book you read was….

J– Do magazines count?

I – Ugh I can’t remember, and I used to read all the time. I should probably fix that.

What does RIDE mean to you?

J – It means EVERYTHING!

I – RIDE is my happy place.

Get to know Kyle – also known as the Ossington Spin God. Known for his full-house RIDES and hip-hop heavy playlists, Kyle’s classes have a pre-game vibe that gets the mirrors steaming – even at 7am on a Thursday. He offers a unique combination of intensity and compassion – he’ll push you to work your hardest, and you’ll always feel like he has your back.

Where did you grow up?

LaSalle Ontario (right outside Windsor).

Can you remember your first RIDE class? How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an instructor?

My first RIDE class was an audition to become a RIDE instructor. I knew right away I wanted to be an instructor after first meeting Ashley, but I was wildly underprepared for what RIDE was and what level of class I was going into.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I expect a lot out of my riders and it’s definitely tough but my main goal is to make sure everyone feels connected to the music, to themselves, and to each other. I try to create an environment where people don’t ever think twice about yelling, pulsing a little harder or bigger. RIDE for me is the best social experience and should always be fun – even when you are fully exhausted.

Best part of being an instructor is…

When you see everything click and a rider fully gets it. People always ask me what makes RIDE different and when I answer the question I usually start putting my hand over my heart and tapping my chest a bit as I’m trying to explain and I say “It’s a feeling”. There are no words to fully explain it – but I can definitely see when someone “gets it”.

Track you’ve had on repeat?

Hurt to look – Swae Lee

AM or PM rides?

PM – I want my RIDE to be the equivalent of a pre drink.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Barry’s Bootcamp and F45.

How has becoming a RIDE instructor changed you?

Confidence. It took 6 months and many conversations about who I was as a person but the training made me more confident in my choices and made me realize some of my personality traits that I wasn’t present to. Put spotlights on yourself and raise yourself on a platform and it amplifies the good and bad.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

Better to be quiet and thought a fool than speak and remove all doubt.

Who motivates you?

My fellow instructors. We all share music and talk about stuff we want to do and try and it’s crazy being in someone else’s class when they drop a new song you’ve never heard or say or do something you wouldn’t think of. We all push each other in the best most positive way.

Favourite book?

The Amazing Adventures of Kavilier and Clay.

What’s your #1 life hack?

If you order Ubereats/popeyes on your way home it will cut down the amount of time you’re sitting and waiting for it.

Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?

At The Local.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

My only talent in the world is being calm. It’s bad sometimes because maybe I’m too calm……….

If you could brunch with any person (past or present), who would it be and why?

Just had to chat about this with a colleague and we decided that you wouldn’t want to go after someone who you idolize (Kanye West) because you wouldn’t want to be gushing about how amazing they are. “I’m sure you get this all the time but you’re the best and this thing you did means so much to me” – that kind of person. So that being said I’d go for this guy who hosts these Youtube videos I’ve been watching lately done by Complex called the Blueprint. His name is Noah and he’s like a Creative Director or something but I think his proximity to all these amazing creatives and business geniuses would yield some cool lessons and stories and he’d have a lot of insight to provide.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

Coming into the studio for the first time was mind-blowing. We had been doing the undrgrnd and training for a long time then seeing it all be real and come to life was the best. Also taking all the instructor’s classes in Vancouver when we went out there to train just showed me what was possible. They were doing things I couldn’t even dream of and seeing how advanced their riders were and what they were doing. We didn’t have our own studio at the time and I was like “Oh shit this is what it actually is.” We were riding for 6+ hours a day but it was so fucking cool.

#1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?

The times when you want to freak out and squeeze the handlebars and try that much harder are when you need to breathe and relax the most. Through training I would try to force a lot of things because I wanted to get it faster. But to get the beat, stand up on fast legs, pulse on beat etc. – you actually have to slow down and get out of your head and not overthink it. It’s so counterintuitive but it’s the only way I can explain it to people.

What has you stoked on life right now?

Gratitude has me stoked on life. Being grateful for what you have and realizing that if you’re a spin instructor and have a full time job and have a friends that care about you and you can order uber eats your life is probably pretty great.

What does RIDE mean to you?

Community. Seeing everyone talk after class, show up to our events, go out with us after and then do it again the next week is something you can’t buy. Front desk, owners, instructors – we all love RIDE and doing what we do and it shows.

Catch Kyle on the podium RIDE Ossington – view schedule.