March 2019

Meet Tommy – a Vancouver Instructor with the biggest heart and even bigger personality. His classes are fun, uplifting, filled with cat calls and cater to the newest and strongest Riders in the room alike. No doubt you’ll walk out of Tommy’s class feeling empowered, confident, and jazzed on life.

Where did you grow up?

Vancouver Island.

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

I remember taking Ashley Ander’s class in the winter that RIDE opened. I was a full blown sloppy mess…it was hilarious. It took me about a year to realize that I wanted to be an Instructor.

How would you describe your teaching style?

I like to put on great music and just facilitate a fun time.

Best part of being an Instructor is…

Being a part of something that impacts people’s lives in a positive way.

Track you’ve had on repeat

Is This Love (Montmartre Remix) by Bob Marley

AM or PM RIDES?

I prefer to take AM Rides, it’s the best way to start the day. But as an instructor teaching the PM Rides tends to be a little more fun because clients bring more energy, it’s a great way for people to blow off steam after a stressful day – and you can feel that in the room.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

I actually love going to the gym.

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

It’s made me a better communicator. After doing this for almost three years as an instructor and 2 years as a client before that – everything comes pretty easily to me, it’s all muscle memory. So having to get into the mindset of a newbie and communicate how to move and what to feel properly is always a challenge.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

The Four Agreements: don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, be impeccable with your word and always do your best. They apply to everything.

Who motivates you?

My mother 🙂

Favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

What’s your #1 life hack?

Don’t take anything personally.

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

In the winter I hope to be in Whistler on the ski hill, and in the summer I hope to be on a beach.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

If you’re in the mood for some entertainment throw me a wig and see what happens…

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

I’ve recently had one of my best friends pass away, it would 100% them. Be grateful for what you have while you have it.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

Whenever someone tells me that RIDE has helped them in the bigger picture of their life, it always makes my heart warm.

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

To really listen and be present in the moment.

What has you stoked on life right now?

The future.

RIDE with Tommy – find him on the Hamilton or Kitsilano Schedule.

Meet Tracy – a true Toronto RIDE or DIE, Tracy has been showing up and bringing the heat since the UNDRGRND days. You can always count on Tracy to RIDE bright and early, front row, tapping it back with incredible strength and energy.

What do you do for your 9-5?

I work for Aritzia! Clearly I have a thing for the west coast 😉

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

Genuine, loyal and funny.

How long have you been coming to RIDE?

Since the UNDRGRND baby!

What motivates you to get your ass to class?

The people, the energy and the music. Who doesn’t want to workout with some of the baddest in the city?

How has RIDE impacted your life?

Confidence. When you start to see both physical and mental changes, you know you’ve won.

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

Trying to live my best life. Insert smile by Lil duval.

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

The people by far! The positive energy and vibe that everybody brings inside that building is unreal!

Favourite Instructor and why?

Come on, at least let me pick 2! Alex – beast mode all the time! Emily – positive vibes like no other!

Best RIDE memory?

When I completed 30 RIDES in 30 days just because! @jonathancharles_ we killed that!

What other workouts do you do outside of RIDE?

Nada! Just RIDE!

Song you’ve got on repeat?

Total ft. the notorious BIG, Can’t you see

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

Oprah

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

@neps.ca my hubby is one wicked printer!

Describe your ideal Saturday in the city.

RIDE or course and just chilling with friends! Dessert must be involved!

Who motivates you?

The ones who love me and the ones who don’t!

Fave quote or words to live by?

It is what it is!

Last book you read was….

Michelle Obama – Becoming

What does RIDE mean to you?

A place where I can come and really push myself and prove that I can do anything!

Meet Sarah – a Toronto Instructor, also known as theme RIDE Queen and an all around vibrant human. Every class Sarah teaches is fuelled with an undeniable passion for creating a sweaty, challenging, heart opening RIDE. Her love of fitness, music and fun is both motivating and inspiring.

Where did you grow up?

Born in Montreal, but raised in our nations capital.

Can you remember your first RIDE class?

I was visiting Vancouver in the fall of 2015 for a friend’s wedding and I tried Brooke’s class after hearing tremendous reviews.

I considered myself a strong Rider (riding multiple times a week) and I remember having to sit down which was a real surprise.

Brooke took my breath away, literally! That 50 minute experience left me inspired, and immediately reserving my next class with Julie early the next morning, I was hooked!

How long did it take until you realized you wanted to become an instructor?

After my first few RIDE classes, I knew I wanted to join the family. Unfortunately at that time, living in Toronto, that was not an option. Fast forward to the fall of 2016, being an avid instagram’er, I saw a posting for RIDE’s new studio opening up in Toronto…the rest is history.

How would you describe your teaching style?

A rollercoaster of emotions. We rage, we cry, we laugh and we cheer. I try to connect with every Rider.

I design my classes to appeal to and challenge all Riders, regardless of their skill and experience.

Jogs, sprints, hills, fast legs, with some unique choreography sprinkled throughout. I strive to create an extraordinary environment where Riders are motivated to push their personal limits and give it their all.

Best part of being an Instructor is…

Getting a mic, a stage and an audience allows me to give life to my inner pop star.

For 50 minutes at a time, I get to be an enter-trainer (get it?) helping Riders achieve their fitness goals, getting a reprieve from the every day hustle, and challenging themselves.

Track you’ve had on repeat?

ANYTHING BY ODESZA

AM or PM RIDES?

Being an early riser, I love the AM RIDES, however, my 8:10pm class is a great way to end a day.

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

Barry’s Bootcamp. Training with Danielle, Kevin and Steven at Catalyst Health.

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

RIDE has given me the confidence to show the world my true self. RIDE has given me the confidence and courage to keep challenging myself and pushing my personal limits.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.

Who motivates you?

My RIDE or DIE. My husband. Nate ?

Favourite book?

I don’t have a favourite book. I dedicate that time to TV. My favourite shows are Grey’s Anatomy, This is Us and Game of Thrones.

What’s your #1 life hack?

Grande blonde in Venti cup.

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

Wandering Ossington after my 12:50 class enjoying a post class treat, an oat milk latte from Pilot.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

Competitive flossing

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

James Corden. But maybe we’ll just go to a drive-thru and quickly proceed to carpool karaoke.

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

As most of you know, I love themed RIDES. There is always one or two crowd favourites that everyone knows the words to. Once I hear the voices rise, I will turn the music down and let the crowd shine.

The first time it happened was to Britney Spears’ “lucky”, it was magical.

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

You’ve got 50 minutes to yourself, take a break from reality, close your eyes, listen carefully and open up your heart. Allow yourself to fall in love with the sound that fills the room – the music, the flywheel, your heart racing and your sweat dripping.

What has you stoked on life right now?

If you asked me a few months ago I would have said Coachella 2019, however, I will be staying in Toronto this year as Nate and I are expecting our first little one this summer!

What does RIDE mean to you?

Family. Happiness. My oasis.

Every single time I walk through the studio doors I become intoxicated with the contagious energy from every staff member and Rider. This place is special, it has helped me transform into my best self and allowed meet some amazing people who have now become family. I can’t imagine not having RIDE in my life, it will always have a place in my heart.

RIDE with Sarah – find her on the Ossington Schedule. 

Meet Meagan – a Vancouver Instructor who brings authenticity, fire and inspiration to every RIDE she teaches. She’ll motivate you to be your best self on the bike, always leading with a big heart and love for music.

Where did you grow up?

I’m North Shore born and raised. I don’t know why I’m always embarrassed to say I’m from West Van, it was a wonderful place to grow up honestly.

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

I do – it was one of Shira’s family and friends RIDES, and when she asked me after if I liked it I responded with “meh, it’s just not for me”. Needless to say it took a while for me to even fathom being on the podium. Actually until Ashley suggested it! I don’t even think I thought I could do it once training was complete and I was already teaching. The whole process was incredibly challenging in the best of ways. Hard to ever believe you’re confident enough to be a RIDE Instructor 😉

How would you describe your teaching style?

Mixed bag – sometimes I’m intense and have no mercy for the insane athleticism in the room, some days I’m a goofy idiot, others I have so much I want to say that it becomes more about using the stage to give meaningful reminders. Kinda like real life I suppose…

Best part of being an instructor is…

….besides the local fame? Joking! I think it’s that I get to live out my lifelong dream of being a DJ. Music has never not been at the forefront of my life and getting to move in synchronicity with 40 other people to songs that give me a visceral reaction lights me right up inside. Oh and being on the podium has taught me that what other people think of me is none of my business.

Track you’ve had on repeat?

PAAX (tulum) – epico and forever and always London Grammar – hey now (Arty remix). Nail the lights and these are both gold.

AM or PM RIDES?

AM all the way. Fire it up for the day!

Favourite way to sweat outside of RIDE?

I try and get in a couple of days weight training a week, but I’m all about mixing it up. Boxing, dancing, the class, you name it I’ll try it.

How has becoming a RIDE Instructor changed you?

Besides the obvious health benefits I’d say I’ve given myself permission to be unapologetically myself on and off the podium. I really feel as though we are all repressed in many ways, and each time I teach, a little something gets shaken up and unearthed. Maybe that’s what’s so addicting about it, the constant growth.

Go-to quote or words to live by?

Reminder to everyone that “your best” doesn’t mean pushing yourself to your breaking point. “Your best” means the best you can do while being the best you. Get enough sleep, give yourself breaks, listen to your limits. “Your best” is better when you’re happy and healthy.

Who motivates you?

In the room the Riders motivate me! I can’t count the amount of times I’ve looked around totally gassed and my front row is just givin’ er. Outside the room, my relationship motivates me. It’s pretty tough not to always want to be improving for your partner.

Favourite book?

The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge – I’m so obsessed with the human body and brain and the things we are continually learning about them.

What’s your #1 life hack?

Using my gas cap as a lever for the pump so I don’t have to freeze my a$$ off at the gas station.

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

Probably brunching somewhere after class with friends or in the woods with my beloved pooch.

Any hidden or not so hidden talents?

I can tie a maraschino cherry stem in a knot with my tongue.

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

My mom. Because there will be a day when I can’t anymore and I want to take all the time I can get. I’d say Jason Momoa or something but my mom is smarter and cooler AND better looking soooooo….

Best memory since you joined RIDE?

Probably staring at Kelly Ripa and her massive front row smile in the face, twice!

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

Haha have a crappy day first? No, I kid. Find the right Instructor for you, shut off the mind, lead with the heart and body, find the edge you think you can’t push past, then take a deep breath and push past it.

What has you stoked on life right now?

People speaking out! Seems to me that there’s a recent rise in voices and a willingness to listen. I love that sh*t. Let’s not be afraid to ruffle some feathers.

What does RIDE mean to you?

In one word I’d say transformation. The amount of lives I’ve witnessed RCC positively impact is pretty neat. Physical, mental and emotional transformations are happening in that room every day and I couldn’t feel more proud to be a small part of them.

RIDE with Meagan! Find her on the Hamilton and Lonsdale Schedule.