How Cycling in The Studio Made Me Fearless in Life

Work out your body, work out your mind, and be amazed at your newfound potential.

When I see high performers succeeding in their jobs and social circles, my educated guess is that they start most of their days with a vigorous workout.

Not only is this apparent in their physical appearance (sculpted arms, small waist, great ass), but in their confidence. From their cool, conversational style to their charming wit to their self-assured mannerisms, these people are on top of their game — in large part — because they get a good sweat in every day.

I’ve been a fitness addict the majority of my adult life, and therefore have witnessed first-hand the rewards (and consequences) of sticking to (or not sticking to) a regimented fitness routine.

I admit while I am a bit obsessive about spin class (my husband calls me a “cycle psycho,” which did nothing but give me a business idea for opening a studio called just that), I also know I’m right when I say working out will immensely improve the areas of your life that you are annoyed or dissatisfied with.

Whether you enjoy cardio, strength training, dance, HITT or other form of exercise — as with most things in life — you do not and will not see the results of your labor unless you are consistent with your fitness endeavors.

Here Are 5 Things I’ve Done That Were “Out of My Comfort Zone” I Wouldn’t Have Done Pre-Cycling aka Pre-Living

I contacted people I deemed “out of my league” for career advice

Everyone is always waiting for the right career move to make, the right time to start a podcast, and the right time to invest in their skillsets.

I was the poster child for “waiting for the right time,” making excuses like not having enough money, not being an expert in my field yet, and not knowing where to start in the midst of success overwhelm culture.

Last week I decided to change that. I messaged someone I thought for sure would not respond to me due to their status and credibility in the industry. Not only did she respond (20 minutes after my initial nudge, mind you), but she set up a call with me two days later and gave me a roadmap for exactly what to do in preparation for a project I’m working on, for free.

This move was spurred from my spin instructors’ motivation and eagerness to be better.

I got clear on exactly what I wanted out of my friendships

Adult friendships are a difficult thing to develop and sustain due to the time constraints demanding jobs and marital/parenting obligations we have to adhere to.

I quickly realized making my friendships a priority (alongside work and family) made me so much more pleasant during the week. When your focus is so wrapped up in work and to-dos for your kids, relationships with your friends tend to be the first thing to dwindle.

Bringing that back into my life has made me so much happier. Having something to look forward to each week — like Friday night wine night or Sunday afternoon strolls or 30-minute phone calls — makes a big dent on the happiness spectrum.

I got clear on exactly what I wanted out of my career

To be fair, I can (wisely) assume this came with age and (good and bad) job experiences. But the point is, cycling 3–4 times per week carved out a focus on what I truly wanted out of my professional life.

The combination of encouraging speeches, full body movement and super bass music makes me feel invincible every time I ride.

When you are pumped up mentally, physically and emotionally — all at once — brilliant ideas come to you at lightening speed and you can’t help but obsess over how to see them through.

I disciplined myself to actually work toward my goals

Disciplining myself on the bike quite literally lead to disciplining myself to work toward creating the life I want to live.

You can’t push yourself physically without pushing yourself mentally. The two co-exist and rely on one another for support, sort of like you and your best friend keeping your relationship strong. It takes two. Consistently showing up to class naturally transformed into consistently showing up for my goals.

Whether my goal on any given day is to crank out an article or introduce myself to someone I admire or even cook a better-than-average dinner, the motivation I feel and learn through cycling is always my ally in this regard.

I bought clothes I thought were only reserved for “skinny leg girls”

My previous form of exercise before discovering cycle was running myself ragged on various versions of elliptical machines. It was as boring as it was easy. But it still made me feel good.

Before spinning, I had just succumbed to my body as it was. I was in shape, and overall fine/happy with how I looked physically, but cycling transformed my body into the leanest, strongest version it has ever been.

This lead to wearing things I had always hated wearing before like shorts, skirts and tight dresses. This made getting dressed more fun, which made me want to pursue more things that fell into the “fun” category.

Last Tidbits of Advice

Well, if this post hasn’t convinced you to join a cycling studio (or get a Peloton bike) I hope it has inspired you to (consistently!) welcome fitness into your life.

Love yourself enough to give yourself everything you’ve ever wanted.

This starts with treating your body right, which will inherently feed your mind right. There is not one downside to working out. So you can’t weasel your way out of “Let’s get physical” chants when you decide to up your workout game.

As always….Thank you for reading!

If you want to collaborate in any way, email me @ Ashley.lauren.alt@gmail.com