Once Upon a Spincess…

I taught my first indoor cycling class in 2012.

I was nervous as hell.

It was terrifying getting up on stage, putting on a microphone, and teaching in front of a group of people I didn’t know. Actually—let’s be real—it was just as scary teaching in front of people I did know. I treated (and still treat) every class like its own unique performance with a mood and energy all its own. There’s a certain kind of vulnerability that comes with leading a room and putting yourself out there.

I used to think:

“What will they think of me?”
“Will they like my class… my music… my choreography… my personality… me as a human?”

When I first started teaching spin, I was only 24 years old. I was instructing people mostly older than me—people who had more life experience, spouses, houses, careers, kids. I had a career at the time, but I was still living at home with my parents. I felt like a baby. And although I was confident in my fitness ability and teaching skills, I was intimidated just being so young and green.

Like any supportive boyfriend (at the time), Justin used to sign up and take my classes in the studio. He’d usually sit off to the side or in the back row. I always appreciated having him there. After class, we’d go grab dinner and chat about how it went—what it sounded like, the energy, the choreography. I’d eagerly ask him for feedback.

And honestly? That hasn’t changed.

Even now, after thousands of fitness classes, I still ask,

“What did you think of class?”
“How do you think it went?”

I think it’s that attention to detail and an insatiable hunger to improve that’s helped me grow a loyal following and become the coach I am today.

Within my first few months of teaching, Justin said something to me that I’ll never forget:

“Hey, you should record these classes so people can do them from home. You could do either pre-recorded videos or livestream for people who have spin bikes and don’t want to come to the studio.”

Leave it to Justin. He’s always preferred home workouts over gyms.

We brought the idea up to a few people, but it was quickly dismissed. Just a random thought. A “what if.”

Fast-forward to 2014: Peloton releases its first stationary bike.

JUSTIN!!!

Genius.

As Peloton started to blow up, Justin would just smirk and say,

“Didn’t I suggest this years ago…?”
😂😂😂

Despite his early foresight, livestreaming classes was never something I planned on doing. It just happened innocently and organically. And now? It’s a huge part of my life—I can’t imagine it any other way.

I used to think I wasn’t cut out for home workouts. I’m a people-person. I love the camaraderie, the energy, the social aspect of group fitness.

But something amazing happened…

A community formed. A strong, supportive, and seriously badass group of people. And that community now ranks among the BEST I’ve ever been part of.

We’ve created a space where like-minded humans come together in health, fitness, wellness, and movement. From all over New York State… the U.S… even internationally. People bond over sweaty rides, hard-earned reps, and shared wins.

And guess what?

I’ve become a lover of home workouts.

These days, I can’t imagine going back to the rat race of rushing to studios, fighting for parking, driving in snowstorms at 5 a.m., opening or closing studios at all hours, or packing a gym bag like it’s a full suitcase.

Now I have the best of both worlds:

• The flexibility and time freedom of working out at home

• The accountability, support, and friendships of a group fitness setting

So thank you, Justin, for keeping those wheels turning (literally).
And thank YOU—this incredible community—for showing up every day and sharing this journey with me.

To those of you who took my classes back in 2012 and beyond, thank you for welcoming me, encouraging me, and helping me grow into the instructor I am today. I’ll never forget it.

Ride on!👑🚴‍♀️
– Britt