Conor Kelly, Chairman of Cycling Advisory Board

I first stumbled upon SoulCycle shortly after moving to LA for sober living. I had just finished rehab, and I was living in LA for continuing care. I woke up that morning with a plan to go with a friend to another workout class, just to show up and find out we didn't get in. The instructor told us to go over to SoulCycle for our cardio, and come back to a later class. What I didn't know was what was about to happen would change my life forever...

My first class was in the newly opened WEHO studio with my now mentor and friend Angela Davis. It was just another regular Monday morning. I was still getting adjusted to living a sober life, and also the huge adjustment to living in Los Angeles. But when the door shut to the studio, the lights went down, and the music cranked up, and Angela started to lead us. This Monday took a sharp turn for anything but regular... 

Within that 45 minutes of time, I was able to disconnect from everything in my life that caused stress and anxiety, and just focus on bettering myself. I worked as hard as I could, pushed myself to the max, and just when I thought there was nothing left in the tank, Angela said over the mic, "take all your fears and your worries, and place them on your handlebars and ride through it...". At that moment, I pushed for everything good in my life, every reason I was alive, and every reason why I had gone to rehab to get sober. Then I felt the tears, the tears mixed with the sweat pouring off my face, all coming together as one, they were tears of joy! This was me at my best, fighting for everything I believed in! I WAS ALIVE! 

Right then and there I was hooked, and I began to truly understand the power that coaching has on myself and others. I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and I knew I could do that through the SoulCycle platform. 

I will never forget that day. I think about it every time before I teach. 

SoulCycle’s community is unlike any other. The company puts a heavy emphasis on connecting riders with one another, as well as to his/her instructor. I was particularly drawn to SoulCycle by this community aspect: I had found a community that would support me, and push me, towards being the best person I could each time I clipped into the bike—both as a rider, and an instructor.

And after everything I experienced in that first class, I realized something while we were stretching. Angela had given me something. Now WHAT that something was cannot be put into words. It was just an overall emotion. I decided right there and then, that my goal was to give that emotion and feeling to others, to try and help others achieve their greatest goals — and be the best they could be. That was my inspiration three years ago, and it is still my inspiration today. It is what I bring to every class.

This is a tricky one... I would say the biggest difference would also be the biggest similarity that we share with our riders. We are all in that room to put ourselves out there — to try something new, to push ourselves beyond what we think is possible. The difference is where our bike is located within the room, and how the lights are directed onto us. The beauty is that we all walk out of that room stronger than we had walked in.

My biggest motivation is to continue to stay sober. Because with that, I can be the greatest son/brother/friend/SoulCycle instructor I can be. I motivate myself to be great, because I know I am capable of great things, and I surround myself with family and friends that inspire me to reach for greatness!

Why did you decide to partner with Cycle for Recovery? Why is our cause meaningful to you?

My first tattoo I ever got is located on my left forearm. It is something my father has always told me. I try to live every day by this mantra: FEAR NOT.