Not going to lie, this is a wall of text. TL;DR - It's worth every moment. DO IT!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??
It took me three classes to become a Full Ride junkie. My very first cycling class and intro at Full Ride, an intro class at another studio, and the return to Full Ride where it really clicked. I'd been missing boot camp classes but am REALLY injury prone, got tired of internally critiquing the scientifically dubious claims of hot yoga teachers, moon after my never-to-be-beat hometown yoga studio, and hate solo exercise with a fiery passion. I will never stop missing competitive sports. I need the experience of a coach, intense exercise, and a group of equally committed people to get me to keep showing up.
I passed a cycling place on my way to work last winter and looked into it on impulse. Didn't really know what I was getting into, reading about things like choreography. Choreography? On a bike? Whatever - working out is good for me in every way and I needed something. I was being offered a low intro rate at a different studio that offered stats tracking, which fascinated me. I was all ready to sign on the dotted line to purchase the unlimited monthly plan but took an intro class at Full Ride "just because."
I feel so lucky I did - once I could compare the two, there was no contest. There's a vibe and energy at Full Ride that's unmatched. In every class I take, the instructors amaze me, and I adore them all for different reasons. I took my first two classes with Shawna, and she is a master at choreographing the music, lights, and routine - there's nothing like the suspense of pedaling together in the dark, waiting for the beat to drop and the lights to come up when you're riding with her. Beccah's workout is one of the toughest I've done, and that's one of the best compliments I can give. She's really good at pushing you to challenge yourself but never making you feel guilty about taking care of your needs. Kenzie is the BEST coach - there's something about how rock solid she is that makes you want to work harder. I love seeing her smile when she's up there on the podium - it's so infectious. Nick always makes me feel welcome in his class and once I could stop thinking about more than just catching my breath I realized how fun they are. I love it when he sings to the music or runs around hyping everyone up. And Kaitlyn? I wanna be Kaitlyn when I Full-Ride-grow-up. She is such a natural on the bike - she is a total dynamo and does it all with pure joy. Also, Nick and Beccah have given me awesome technical advice - don't ever hesitate to ask questions. And the front desk staff are always so welcoming and friendly.
If that isn't enough, it's awe inspiring to be around everyone else, powering through such an intense workout together. There aren't any computers to track your stats on the bike to compare with other riders. It dawned on me many months in that this is part of the energy and immersion of Full Ride. All I could do at the other studio was stare at the 10 resistance of the sprinting girl in front of me while I huffed and puffed along at 0. I now have a FitBit, and I vary things with my own personal challenges based on my progress. I know I would have been fixated on comparing myself to everyone else at the other place.
And if you're injury prone like me? It's been almost 6 months now, and as long as I make sure I stretch enough I'm good. The constant knee and hip problems I had from running and squats in boot camp are non-existent. It's AMAZING to be able to push yourself hard and know you'll be able to walk away feeling great rather than spending your classes modifying everything, being in pain, and agonizing over your limitations.
Full Ride is everything I've always wanted from a workout and more. I've finally found a full body HIIT group workout that my body can handle and will keep me motivated for the long run. There really aren't words to describe what this place means to me and the benefit the classes have been to me over these past few months. read more
