August 2018

Get to know Dani – known for her laid back yet motivating teaching style, killer abs and that signature voice, we can always count on Dani for a RIDE experience that is the perfect mix of fun and challenging. She keeps things chill while getting you to work hard and push yourself in the best way – a killer combination for a great RIDE.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Guelph!

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 with Julie. I heard RIDE was coming to Toronto and needed to know what it was all about. She certainly sold me on it, and after one class (where I couldn’t find the beat let alone get out of the saddle) I was determined to join the RIDE team.

How would you describe your teaching style?

Pretty laid back. I let the music dictate a lot of the class. But if you drop your arms or sit down, I will call you out.

Best part of being an instructor is…

The people you meet…and getting to pretend you’re a DJ for 50 minutes.

Tracks you’ve had on repeat

Benoit & Sergio – The Way You Get (thanks Tor)
Gesaffelstein – Hate or Glory and OPR
Michael Jackson – Will You Be There

AM or PM rides?

Mornings are my favourite.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Barry’s Bootcamp when I need my ass kicked, MISFITSTUDIO when I need to reset.

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

In a million ways. Most notably it’s given me a new crew of friends who are like family, and a place where I can completely be myself.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

Don’t overthink it, just do what makes you happy.

Who motivates you?

My BFF (Best fitness friend) – my sister Dee.

Favourite book?

Can’t think of a particular favourite…I just re-read Kitchen Confidential, if you haven’t read it, I suggest you do.

What’s your #1 life hack?

Always order extra dipping sauce.

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

Union / the Drake / Trinity Common – essentially any patio with good company, or trying to learn to ride a bike that is not stationary.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

I can do the worm, kind of.

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

I’d probably choose Taylor Swift and bring my Mom along, she’s obsessed. I’d win daughter of the year for sure.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

There are way too many… the lululemon Waterfront 10k cheer squad definitely goes down as one of my favourite days of the year, training in the Underground, watching the classes grow and everyone slowly develop into amazing Instructors, the studio opening its doors last May, or Dez dressing as a snowflake during our Christmas RIDE. Dez should always dress as a snowflake.

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

It’s dark in that room for a reason – no one can see you and nothing else matters so let yourself completely go.

What has you stoked on life right now?

It’s summer which is hands down the best time of year in TO.

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE means a lot of things to me, and it’s hard to think back to a time before RIDE was part of my life. It’s my favourite place to hang out, sweat, blow off steam, or shake a bad mood. The riders, the staff, and our boss man Ash make the RIDE community what it is, and I’m so so grateful I get to be a part of it.

Catch Dani on the podium at our Ossington Studio.

Meet RIDE Ossington power couple Bradley Hammond and Melissa Di Costanzo. You can always count on them to bring the heat to Dani and Cat’s classes, and their warmth and love of community is felt and appreciated by the RIDE staff and Instructors. It’s riders like Brad and Melissa that have helped build and strengthen Ossington’s tight-knit, supportive community – grateful for you, B & M!

What do you do for your 9-5?

M: Communications/PR.
B: Senior Communications Manager at The Nuclear Waste Management Organization.

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

M: Quirky, independent, curious.
B: Loud, quick, fun.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

M: About seven months.
B: Same.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

M: The playlists, the Instructors and the community – and the post-spin endorphins.
B: The music, friends and Melissa.

How has RIDE impacted your life?

M: It’s been fun getting to connect with people plugged into the fitness community and comparing common goals and drivers. Everyone’s experience is so unique, and everyone wants to share their tips and tricks. And ultimately, everyone wants to help you succeed and achieve.
B: RIDE is a lot of fun and provides an experience I want to go back to again and again. RIDE is one of the reasons why I’m now in the best shape of my life and the motivation to keep coming back comes from Melissa and all the other riders.

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

M: Travelling, yoga, reading, or eating at any of Toronto’s amazing restaurants.
B: I love to consume pop culture: music, comics, books, video games and serialized television are all hobbies I enjoy. Yoga and travelling are two big passions outside of RIDE. Currently planning our honeymoon together, and really looking forward to that as our next big adventure.

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

M: Great people either instructing or at the front desk, and everyone’s excitement at wanting to help you reach your full potential.
B: Everyone at RIDE, front desk staff, Instructors and other riders are all friendly, welcoming and committed to a good time and great sweat. It’s a wonderful environment to come back to again and again.

Favourite Instructor and why?

M: It’s a tie between Dani and Cat. Both are lovely, have great prompts and amazing playlists.
B: Same.

Best RIDE memory?

M: Any time I’ve been with friends or Brad!
B: May was a busy month for me at RIDE. I completed the challenge, and Melissa was in a busy work period, so we were doing more 6 and 7AM classes together. Good memories.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

M: Yoga and Pilates
B: Love practicing yoga at Union Yoga and Wellness. The studio is super welcoming and features some fantastic Instructors.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

M: Halls of Sarah – Neko Case
B: Spaceship – Galantis

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

M: Gabrielle Hamilton, author of Blood, Bones and Butter and New York City chef/restaurateur. It’s a rich read. Through her book, she forced me to confront my own historical culinary roots. It helped me connect with my grandmother through her cooking, shortly before she passed away.
B: Probably way too cliche, but I would love to have dinner with the Obamas. It would be fascinating to see firsthand the contrast with the current leadership in the United States.

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

M: Province Apothecary, MICHI, Saul’s Beauty Shop, any of the amazing restaurateurs we’ve been lucky enough to encounter lately!
B: The North Standard Trading Post is a personal favourite for clothing, as well as Union Yoga and Wellness on Bloor, The Ace restaurant in Roncesvalles and Bellwoods Brewery on Ossington.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

M: Coffee at Jimmy’s, RIDE with friends, brunch at Union and a trip to the beach (Hanlan’s or Cherry).
B: Cooking breakfast at home with Melissa, RIDE, second breakfast with friends and a patio with cold beer.

Who motivates you?

M: Brad and any of the amazing female leaders I’ve been lucky to encounter professionally.
B: Melissa motivates me a tremendous amount – her drive is contagious!

Fave quote or words to live by?

M: “You can’t change the wind, but you can change the sails.”
B: “Do or do not, there is no try” – Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back

Last book you read was….

M: Motherhood, by Sheila Heti
B: Bonfire of the Vanities, by Tom Wolfe

What does RIDE mean to you?

M: I really connected with RIDE during a really intense work period. RIDE became something to look forward to, and a great method to relieve stress. It began to push me to explore other complimentary exercise classes, and ultimately served as a launchpad for me to continue to expand my health and wellness journey.
B: There is something unique about the relationship between the community and the personnel at RIDE. During class, I feel plugged in to the people around me, and take inspiration from the effort of others. That said, when the lights are off, the anonymity of pushing against the beat and letting the music drive you is incredibly freeing. Getting these experiences in an awesome space with great people is what makes RIDE unique.

Since opening our doors in North Vancouver almost a year ago, we’ve come to know and love the tight knit community of Lonsdale that we now call home. We asked our staff, Instructors and community to share their favourite North Van spots for pre-or-post RIDE – here is what you had to say.

Earnest Ice Cream

You’ll catch Barb here after almost every class.

The Workshop Vegetarian Cafe

Great little spot for our vegetarian friends that serves up amazing ramen.

Lift Bakery

The “heritage hash with avocado” is Rowan’s absolute favourite.

Anatolis Slouvaki

Julie and Noah’s favourite spot.

Tap & Barrel

You can catch half the RIDE Lonsdale team working here when they aren’t at RIDE.

Buddha-Full Provisions

Amazing fresh, healthy fare if you’re feeling like some nutritious post-sweat fuel.

Finch & Barley

Mediterranean-inspired pub grub & cocktails in a chill hangout with DJs & local music acts – what’s not to love?

Raglan’s

A fun tiki vibe with great burgers and nachos – a great treat for 50 minutes of tapping it back.

Orto Artisan Pasta

A delicious menu and home-cooked feel.

Pier 7

Awesome patio right on the water – perfect for a post-RIDE hang at golden hour.

Cates Park

Warm up pre-RIDE by exploring a waterfront trail, complete with beaches and tranquil views of Indian Arm.

Glory Juice Co.

Nothing like a refreshing juice to recharge after a killer RIDE. We’re a big fan of their healthy snacks for refuelling between RIDES, too.

So make a morning, afternoon or day trip of your visit to our Lonsdale studio – there’s so much to explore and enjoy here!

Get to know Barb – a Vancouver Instructor with a bigger-than-life personality who plays an integral role in our West Coast community. Whether it’s 6:00AM on a Tuesday or 5:15PM on a Friday, you can always count on Barb to walk into the studio with an infectious energy, warmth…and a few jokes. She’s dedicated to ensuring each and every rider feels comfortable, works up a killer sweat, and most importantly has fun – and it shows.

Where did you grow up?

North Vancouver and to be specific, it all started up Indian Arm in Deep Cove. Needless to say I love the ocean because of it.

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

Here’s a hot ‘Barb tip’ but I have the WORST memory ever. I am pretty sure it was Julie’s class and I was SUPER thrown when she went from her teaching voice to regular voice. I already taught fitness so getting the beat isn’t unfamiliar to me but my legs and body weren’t vibing the same as the playlist. It took me almost a year of riding and becoming friends with a certain bodybykong before I knew I wanted to be up there on the podium teaching beside him and the rest of our team.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I love to laugh and be crazy and say silly stuff. My classes are extremely loud and I have the voice to match the volume. I want riders to have the time of their life in the room while smiling and sweating from start to finish.

Best part of being an instructor is…

Connecting with people – Instructors and clients. I am such a people person and it’s all the relationships I make along the way that matter most to me. Plus, there is NOTHING better than a sweaty high five at the end of class.

Track you’ve had on repeat

Rewind – Rascall Flatts & Hostile – Skism & LAXX

AM or PM rides?

Both – my schedule is jam packed with a variety of class times and I wouldn’t trade any one of them for another.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Thursday Bootcamp at Oxygen Yoga Yaletown taught by yours truly.

How has becoming a RIDE instructor changed you?

Things finally make sense to me; like I was meant to do this. I’ve had a long journey over the past 4 years and can easily say that I wouldn’t have done it any other way.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

You are enough. You are so enough. It’s unbelievable how enough you are.

Who motivates you?

My youngest brother Stuart – catch him riding bike 18 on weekday 6AM classes.

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

I am not very good at leaving North Van. after I get home from teaching – catch me poolside in my backyard (best $60 I ever spent on that blow up pool).

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

I can crochet a toque in 45 minutes.

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

BLESS brunch. Happy to hit up a brunch with anyone as long as they don’t feel uncomfortable with me ordering 2 drinks as soon as we sit down.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

Teaching my first (of many) Thursday 5:15PM classes at YT. The room was full and words cannot describe how full my heart was.

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

Sitting is chic if you are having a hard time catching the beat (especially in runs or jogs). Trust me when I say, I was awful when I started, but everything will come with time and when it does you’ll be super amped you came back.

What has you stoked on life right now?

Waking up everyday and doing what I love EVEN if it means I am teaching/riding 20 plus classes a week.

What does RIDE mean to you?

RIDE is that place that allows one to truly be who they are. It’s much more than a spin class; it’s a community and my family. Every single person who walks through those doors matter to me.

Catch Barb on the podium at both our Hamilton and Lonsdale studios.

Photo credit: Marcy Media

Meet Ashley – a Toronto rider whose passion for the RIDE experience and warm, friendly presence is felt in a big way. You can count on Ashley for always showing up, introducing friends to the RIDE community, and sharing how RIDE impacts her on a daily basis.

What do you do for your 9-5?

I wear a few different hats. I have a freelance business where I manage communications and social for various brands. I’m also a published writer with a background in Journalism, and most of the RIDE community probably know me as the Manager of Bond Running.

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

Funny, loyal and giving.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

I first went to RIDE back when it was the Underground. It was one of Winter’s Instructor training classes and I remember leaving and thinking to myself ‘Girl, you have ZERO coordination and don’t even know your left from your right”. When the RIDE x BOND Challenge started I met a lot of the RIDE community and decided that maybe I was a little hard on myself the last time and signed up for one of Kyle’s classes. I hid in the back row but I made it through. Now I’m a  front row, towel wiping, hype-person, die hard.

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

I’m big on accountability. If I know my crew is all dragging their asses to class right along with me, I’ll be there. I’m 100% guilty of sending this text: “RIDE tomorrow, 7AM?”

How has RIDE impacted your life?

This is a big one for me. Without getting too emo, I’ll say this…I’ve had some major life changes over the past year, some of which left me a bit fragile and my confidence shattered. If shit got too heavy, I’d sign up for a class and sweat it all out. Those 50 minutes in the dark, with the music blaring, drenched in sweat played a big role in building back a lot of things that had disappeared – most importantly my confidence. I’ve spent many, many RIDES DEEP in my feels.

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

I like to hustle and normally have 5 different things all going on at the same time, but I love it that way. I’m also a runner and spend a lot of my time training for races. I like the thrill of pushing myself, both physically but also creatively too.

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

The passion. Everyone RIDES as one and there’s no bullshit in class. We are all one pack that vibes and pushes together. A packed class, all riding in sync with a dope song playing real loud and that lighter flicks – damn, it’s electric.

Favourite instructor and why?

HA! Nice try!! It sounds diplomatic, but I really do love them all. Every Instructor has a different vibe and I look to them all for something different, it’s part of what makes RIDE so special. I tend to go to the 7AM classes the most so I see Alex and Kyle most often.

Best RIDE memory?

1000% running through the RIDE cheer squad at the Waterfront 10K this past summer. It was a full circle moment for me and I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Major feels.

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

My run coach keeps my running in check and my trainer keeps me strong and makes sure I can run and RIDE without injury. So lots of running and gym-ing. I’ve been wanting to try a workout at Studio Lagree as well.

Song you’ve got on repeat?

Frank Ocean everything, all the time.

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

I would have loved to sit down and have a chat with Anthony Bourdain. His inquisitive mind and beautiful storytelling are both huge influences of mine and my passion for storytelling. Remember to check in on your strong friends.

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

I’m fortunate to have a lot of entrepreneurial friends in my circle all of whom inspire me daily – so it’s hard to pick JUST one. BUT if I had to pick I’d say Sam James – and it’s not just because I’m addicted to coffee. It’s inspiring to see how he’s grown his brand and built his business to the scale that he has over the years.

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

Coffee from Sam James, RIDE, more coffee and that Earl Grey scone from Crafted, and really good food with friends. Oh and dogs, there needs to be dogs in there too.

Who motivates you?

Hands down, my friends and family. I’ve really won the friend lottery.

Fave quote or words to live by?

It’s not so much of a quote, but right now I’m really trying to live by just doing me.

Last book you read was….

I’m a 5-books-on-the-go-all-at-once, type of person. But the last one I couldn’t put down was Jen Agg’s I Hear She’s A Real Bitch. It’s a memoir, it’s beautifully written, and you should read it!

What does RIDE mean to you?

Community and strength. Few things make me feel more powerful than the 50 mins I spend grinding in RIDE, sweat dripping off my nose, rapping along to the best playlists.