RIDE OR DIE | Rebecca Amare, Instructor
Meet Rebecca – an Ossington Instructor known for her signature hip hop vibe. She’s fun-loving, approachable, and offers a RIDE experience that is the perfect combination of a great sweat and fun time.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Scarborough, in a small area called 400. Honestly, I grew up in the hood. It was an adventure everyday and I loved it.
Can you remember your first RIDE class? How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an Instructor?
My first ever RIDE class was actually my audition to be a RIDE Instructor. It.was.disaster. I had no idea what they hell I was doing, and for some odd reason I left and said, I think I should do this. I e-mailed Ashley after that audition and said I know it looked BANANAS, but I can do this.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Basement bashment. You know that old Sean Paul video when the guy yells out… “Stop banging on the damn furnace”… it’s like that.
Best part of being an Instructor is…
I get to build a space of inclusiveness and belonging for a lot different people. Of course I play a lot of Hip Hop, but I play everything from Old and New School, Afro Beats, Pop and Reggae and EDM … nothing gets untouched. It makes me so happy when people feel important and included in spaces where they might feel slightly outside of a certain box.
Another amazing part of this job is I get to take care of people’s hearts, physically and emotionally. I want their hearts to be happy and healthy. I don’t give a shit about weight. I want people to have fun. I want them to forget about anything that won’t serve them in that room and out. I want them to enjoy life, one song at a time.
Last but not least, someone actually pays me to workout! I think this one of the most genius decisions I’ve ever made lol.
Track you’ve had on repeat?
THIS IS HARD! My music consumption rate is ridiculous. I’ll just go for a staple like Bey’s Lemonade.
AM or PM RIDES?
Not a morning person. PM.
Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?
Walking around parking lots looking for my car.
How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?
I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude doing this job. I wake up feeling grateful, lucky, and motivated.
Go-to quote or words to live by?
The way other people feel about you, is none of your business.
Who motivates you?
HAILE (pronounced ‘Hi-Lay’). My daughter. My life. She drives me insane and then says something hilarious and I get over it. She’s SO goddamn funny. She keeps me present and motivated.
Favourite book?
The Conscious Parent. – my mind was blown.
Still have to remind myself to separate my authentic self from my ego. Work in progress.
READ THIS BOOK.
What’s your #1 life hack?
Apologize. It’s not who you are, it’s OK.
Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon in the city?
I have to sit in a group piano lesson for 5 year olds, I don’t want to use the word torture…. But not even going to lie, I am staring down the clock HARD.
Any hidden or not so hidden talents?
I’m not shallow… although money, cars and hoes seems to come up a lot in conversation.
– I wrote that tweet in 2006.
Hidden talent…I think so.
If you could brunch with any person (past or present), who would it be?
Oprah.
Best memory since you joined RIDE?
Winter said it in her BIO. We were so new and taught class together that felt like a disaster, but by the end of it, we were doing the Dougie in the middle of the room together and it was magical lol.
Also, shooting that badass RIDE commercial for the new private label was awesome!
#1 piece of advice for someone looking to have a killer RIDE?
Close your eyes and be present. Every class is a new adventure.
What has you stoked on life right now?
I am SO excited for the holidays to slow down my life and enjoy some quality time with my family.
What does RIDE mean to you?
Woooow. When you’re having a good day, RIDE makes it better. When you’re having a bad day, RIDE makes it better. RIDE = happiness.
RIDE with Rebecca – find her on the Ossington Schedule.
