I rode 2 times with Aina Williams in January 2020 at The Ride.
My first class with Aina had 3 people in the class, one new beginner, myself (who has taken spin classes in different cities for 10+ years) and someone who took her class often. Initially, in this first class, she put me with off with her comment "I have yet to see what you can do" as we started the ride. She told the new student to sit down on the bike during class. She lavished praise on the rider who was very experienced. At one point she told me I wasn't on the same page and because I slowed down for a minute I was upsetting the energy of the room. After class, I told her I don't appreciate instructors who bark at their students to make sure that was clear. Unfortunately, against my better judgement, I signed up for the $200 membership.
My second ride with Aina was on January 9, 2020. There was 20+ people in this class including the other owner, Carrie. The front row was empty but I took a bike in the front row as the rest was full. For whatever reason, that night I couldn't keep the beat. She started in on me a few minutes into class, saying " it's not right, left, right, it's left, right, left"- count it out by tapping your handle bar "left, left, left" while she continued on this for one to two songs. Eventually, I stood up on the bike, and said "That is enough" and motioned for her to stop. Instead of respecting my boundaries, she continued to argue with me in front of the class. I got off the bike and left the room. As I was leaving the room, she said "Some people just like to give up, don't pay attention to that" and "we didn't need her anyway."
In my many years of doing spin, yoga and Pilates, I've never walked out of a class in the middle of it. Carrie (the other owner) followed me out of the studio and said "Don't take it personally, this is just how she is. I suggest you write a letter". And I said, to whom? You are the other owner. She said the feedback would be better received if it was from me rather than from her and stated when she doesn't want Aina to focus on her she rides in the back of the room. I was shocked to hear this but it confirmed Aina is a bully who uses shame to control the room, and that is why her business partner rides in the back of the room.
This experience reminds me how crucial teachers are, and how having a bad teacher can turn one off to an activity. I hesitated to write a Yelp review about this, but I feel it's important information for the Seattle community at large. As a long time member of the business community myself, I'm appalled this woman has been left to operate unchecked.
Additionally, that same night, I told Carrie to cancel my membership and left a signed post-it note on their front desk before I left on 1/9/2020.
On Feb 6, as I was looking at my statement, I noticed another second month re-occurring $218 charge. I have disputed the charge on my card. Their business is either extremely disorganized or it was done with ill intent.
There are plenty of other great studios in Seattle with positive teachers who seek to encourage & challenge students without disrespecting their boundaries. I hope this review is helpful to the community.
Natalie H.
Seattle read more
