THE COMMUNITY | Adrienne Lui, Vancouver

Get to know Adrienne – a Hamilton Studio regular whose energy and enthusiasm gets the whole room vibing. Learn about Adrienne’s journey with us and the impact it’s had on her life since her first (memorable) RIDE.

What do you do for your 9-5?

I would like to be spinning if I could!

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

Bubbly
Feisty

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

My first RIDE was March 7th 2016, and it became part my routine within a week. Wow! So it’s been 2 years and 3 months?

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

The feeling of coming out of class feeling accomplished. The feeling that you have let a lot of weight off, not just physically but mentally. It’s wild how addictive this feeling is, you just never know how much you can let go of within a 45-50 min class. The moment you are trying to catch your breath you know you’ve grown stronger by letting go of so much negativity in your life.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

So many ways! It’s a big part of my life now. Not only do I feel stronger physically, but I’ve been able to endure so many more challenges in life. Everytime I am faced with a challenge, I think to myself, “if I could get through a triple ride or Michael’s no-weight-session classes, I can get through whatever this is.”

So yes, I feel like I’ve been more courageous and headstrong, most importantly, I’ve learned the real meaning of “mind over matter”. When I think to myself that I’ve pushed myself to the limit, I go back to those words and I am able to go beyond what I thought I couldn’t.

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

I have an obsession with cookware and cooking gadgets. I invite friends over for feasts and cook food enough for a village and make sure that everything is all portioned out for each guest, a side of salad, a side of aburi salmon…I love sides! (like how the Japanese do it, but less refined of course!)

I am also quite adventurous with my cheeses. You’ll find me chatting up the staff at the cheese counter in Whole Foods, sharing cheese thoughts, and asking them to cut me small portions of each cheese so I could get a little taster of everything for a cheese board night. (With figs of course!)

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

The fact that everyone has the same goal to let go and move forward. We share the same determination to step up and change something about ourselves everyday.

Favourite instructor and why?

I’m gonna go with the whole “every-instructor-brings-something-different thing” – I honestly feel like every instructor has very different qualities that makes me come out of class and think, that was lit! If I were to pick one instructor that gives me the most rewarding experience and kicks my ass like no other, that would be Michael – I come out feeling like I ran up the Grouse Grind, followed by a boxing class at All-City Athletics and finally, a 10k marathon. No kidding!

Best RIDE memory?

This is a very difficult one. I’m going to answer all the questions and come back to this one.

Ok I’m back.

It would be my first class at Ride Cycle Club. I remember very clearly that my first class was a power ride with Noah. Rowan helped me with my bike then quickly clipped into her bike, she turned around and whispered, “Don’t worry! Everybody in the front row are all instructors or staff here, don’t feel intimidated, just do your best!”

Before Noah started, he did the whole “is this anyone’s first RIDE?” thing and I raised my hand up, he gave me a look and everyone else in front of me turned around and gave me the whole “Oh nooo, you’re in for a treat”. Loved it, died a little inside. At that point, I’ve done a handful of spin classes and was hopping around testing out studios, so I didn’t feel murdered right away, but ohh dear. I felt it all hit me the next day and thought to myself, “heeeelll yeaaa, THIS is it” then the rest is history.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

I used to run everyday, was a competitive swimmer and basketball player, then adulting came along, and spin replaced all that.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

My Spotify playlist consists of 90% spin songs – King and Don’t Leave by Gryffin. (Thanks Brooke and Julie!)

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

Nigella Lawson and Barack Obama.

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

Currently, Michael Gorenstein, owner of the newly opened Yum Sweet Shop. He left a very remarkable impression on me.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

Wake up to a sunny day, go to Michael’s 11:45am, eat baked goods, scenic walk through Granville island, visit an artisanal grocery store, purchase the whole store, make fresh pappardelle, cook up a storm, eat.

Who motivates you?

My parents, and occasionally my brother Matthew (ew).

Fave quote or words to live by?

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

Last book you read was….

Simply Nigella – Nigella Lawson.

What does RIDE mean to you?

It’s a place where I can be amongst people with similar goals and values. To me, it’s also a place of no excuses, we have 24-hours a day, what’s one hour in a 24-hour day to invest in yourself and push yourself to your limits?