I started working out in my 30s, when I needed an excuse to work out the stress, and outlet for my rage, and a means of getting rid of my muffin top.  I was a skinny child, but my weight fluctuated all through my early adulthood.  I have always been a klutz, but I have a lot of endurance.  I was once nicknamed Gumby on a biking trip - I might be the slowest one on the route, but I always got the job done.

I am an arm chair athlete/weekend warrior.  I always relished the first Sunday in November, so I could watch the NYC Marathon and hear the stories of the runners.  I always wished I could try a marathon, but I am just not made for running.  For 3 weeks every July, I watch as much of the Tour de France as possible - I was incredibly disheartened when NBC Sports purchased Versus and stopped showing as much bike racing as possible.  I have visited the Alps where these races are fought, and realized that I go slower downhill then the professionals ride up a steep incline.  I grew up in a high school where honor students didn’t have to take PE, and I was grateful for avoiding the sweaty locker rooms.  I love watching Real Sports and 60 Minutes Sports, and I have canceled brunch plans to stay and watch the Ironman on tv.

I have never been an athlete.  Or so I thought, until I met Angela Davis.

Much has been written and said about Soul Cycle, the cult spinning gym that took over NYC and now Los Angeles.  The first time I went I scoffed - I fancied myself a cyclist - bikes are not made for dancing or arm dips - spinning is supposed to be like an outdoor ride.   I knew how to spin, I knew how to bike.  I did not know how to get my Soul on.

I was transformed mostly by the community - Soul is about getting on a bike, having fun, sweating your guts out, and doing it for and with the person next to you.

I rode in NYC religiously for over a year.  I liked getting yelled at.  I liked the race to get the perfect bike at Monday at noon.  I liked the puddle I left on the floor.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I was distraught.  No instructor could possibly have the NY energy, the music, the purpose.   I went to a few classes in LA, and was entertained but mostly disappointed until I met Angela Davis.

I am not a religious person, but I consider myself spiritual.  Spinning with Angela is like going to church for the Soul.  For 45 minutes, she puts the class through a grueling work out set to an amazing playlist.  This would be enough except for the fact that she accompanies every workout with herself and her amazing sense of purpose, of pride, of inspiration.  Angela choses to lift everyone in the room on her shoulders and to let you see yourself how she sees you.

Some of my favorite quotes by Angela are recounted in the attached image.

Even though I might be on the wrong foot, or moving my legs too slow, I know that Angela is routing for me, and she has also gotten the class on my side.  I leave each class exhausted and exhilarated.  I know I can make it through the day (even if I need a nap), and if I need another shot of positivity, I’ll just have to get back on a bike.