RIDE OR DIE | Julie Chutter, RIDE Instructor

Get to know Julie – for our lucky Vancouver regulars, her smile and infectious energy can be seen and felt at the studio on the daily. Since RIDE’s inception, Julie has grown from “the worst counter” to Lead Instructor who teaches with so much heart – every single RIDE. She’s had a huge impact on the growth of the RIDE community and we’re so grateful for her dedication to the tribe.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a cattle ranch in Merritt, BC. I consider myself so lucky that I had the upbringing that I had, we were always outside whether it was building forts, riding horses or changing irrigation pipes. I don’t think I ever wore shoes! I’ve been in Vancouver for 13 years but home is still barefoot on the ranch.

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

I never actually had a first RIDE class, I was part of the first group of training before RIDE was open so I had no idea what I was in for. Training was a challenge physically and I wasn’t prepared for how hard it would be mentally. I really struggled and it took me a long time to believe that I could instruct let alone motivate a class. Not only was I the worst counter, couldn’t find the beat and overall just was a horrid rider, but I couldn’t get comfortable exposing myself to a room of people. It took me a solid 4 months of training and year of teaching to finally hit a point where I felt like maybe I belonged in the room.

How would you describe your teaching style?

That’s a hard question to answer for yourself but I think I teach the way that I want to workout. I asked Brooke, she said “Athletic and Ever Changing’, Barb said ‘Powerful’, Michael said “Honest, Present, Disciplined”.

Best part of being an instructor is…

You meet so many people that you would never normally get a chance to discover. Creating those new relationships, finding lasting friendship and just getting to know people from all walks of life really is what makes being an instructor special. We are very lucky at RIDE to have that. I’ve met some extremely special people in that room.

Track you’ve had on repeat?

Magic Addiction – No Mana. Cannot stop.

AM or PM rides?

DAYTIME.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Not one in particular, boxing ruins me like nothing else (in the best way), I love a good run or even beach soccer at my cabin with my family.

How has becoming a RIDE instructor changed you?

I was a baby when I started at RIDE. I guess it showed me that sometimes you don’t know what’s going to happen and you just have to take a chance. I also finally have quads.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

You’re sick of this one by now because I say it every time but…”It’s supposed be hard, if it wasn’t hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great”. It’s just true, in all aspects of life.

Who motivates you?

My Mom. She has never given up on anything and is a daily reminder to me that no matter the odds, you can beat them with the right attitude. I hope I grow up to be half the woman she is. Moms are the best.

What’s your #1 life hack?

High physical pain tolerance.

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

Well it’s Saturday and I’m writing this from my bed after training our new instructors. So napping. Saturday is my Friday 😉

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

Put me on a horse and I’ll rope you.

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

My Grandpa! He was the coolest guy I know, you could never be in a room with him and not smile. He had this special way of greeting you when you opened the door…a booming ‘heyyyyy-ooo’. Miss you gramps!

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

Riding with the instructors in training when they start to teach – there’s nothing like watching someone you have trained months with get up on the podium and crush their first class. It’s exciting, overwhelming, nerve-wracking and overall just such a proud moment.

Last weekend I also taught a class for THE TOUR – an event where attendees took a BarreGT/AllCity/Lagree class then ended for a final RIDE. It was amazing, 4 hours of sweating to raise money for the Vancouver Women’s Health Collective. They were such an inspiring group of people smiling and sweating the entire time. Loved this day and felt incredibly lucky to be a part of it.

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

Give yourself permission to experience whatever comes up! Every RIDE is going to feel different day-to-day, so let whatever needs to happen, happen. But really, relax and have fun, it’s just riding a bike 😉

What has you stoked on life right now?

Lots of things! I’m just really happy.  Adventures are unfolding, travel plans in the works…life is great.

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE isn’t just a workout, its an experience. It’s a journey that changes from class to class and sometimes trying to explain what it is leaves you at a loss for words. There’s nothing else like it.

Find Julie each week on the Hamilton and Lonsdale schedules.