What One Inspiring Rider Learned After 600 Classes
California rider TAWNEY BAINS recently passed her 600th ride and learned some major lessons along the way. Read her story, ahead.
Taking an hour to workout felt like an impossibility not too long ago. I told myself that I had other priorities: caring for my kids, tending to my relationship, growing my career, visiting with friends… eating bonbons. Okay, okay, eating bonbons was not on the list, but it might as well have been. Excuses filled my calendar until it was overfull, and I was drowning. Sinking under the weight of all the pressures and expectations that others set for me, I allowed it all to happen. Staying constantly busy and on the go gave me permission to drift through my life.
When I moved to Los Angeles three years ago, I remember driving by the SoulCycle sign in Santa Monica. I had a close childhood friend who was constantly posting on Facebook about “SOUL” and I could tell that she felt grateful for the place. So, rather than walking by, I walked in and asked “How much?” Jeff, who has since become an instructor, gave me a free class. I signed up that week and clipped in.
I cried most of the 45 minutes. For me, the experience felt very emotional, almost cathartic. Recounting the experience during dinner with my family, I said to my husband that my endorphins were running, and it was nice to feel them again. My 4-year-old son promptly asked “Where did you see baby dolphins?” (It marked the day that “endorphins” became known as “baby dolphins” in our house.)
Despite my attempt to explain, remembering the facts of the actual first ride remained tough. Here’s what I do remember:
Tears dripping freely
Sweat pouring
Coldplay blasting
Baby dolphins flowing
Most importantly, I remember that it was the first time in a long time that I accomplished something for me. Somewhere along the pathway of life, I stopped taking the time to reset. Perhaps I thought I was, but the waterworks at the ride told a different story. I had been squashing my desires by fighting to meet the expectations that others set for me. I was not creating my own purpose, setting my own intentions, or filling my cup up first. Riding at SoulCycle has helped me to change that destructive behavior. I now know that I am required to take care of myself to operate at my best.
Three years later, I am almost 40 years old, I am the fittest I have ever been, and I feel good. I cry infrequently at SoulCycle, and when I do, they are most often tears of joy or laughter. I recently reached my 600th ride, and I still find a way to ride most days, which means I set aside at least an hour a day just for me.
I wrote this long history of my time at SOUL to provide some context: I am a sure thing. I love SoulCycle. It has helped me to change my own life. I am a proponent of SOUL. I am a defender of SOUL. I share the experience of SOUL with friends and family. I love that SOUL still surprises me.
I can be seen. I will be heard. I am loved. Baby dolphins flow freely.