Sean Todd, Cycling Advisory Board
Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your background, and how did you get into indoor cycling?
I actually never considered sports or athletics as one of my strong points of interest…I was the All-American Band Nerd and Art Geek! In 2013, I was introduced to outdoor cycling through the AV200 (AIDS Vaccine 200) in Atlanta, and found a new love for cycling (Go Pedal Pushers!). Fast forward to 2017 and a few months into my recovery from alcoholism, I walked into my first SoulCycle class from a partnership with the fitness company I was working for. I had not cycled in many years and had only recently began to workout again. My first experience was actually terrifying, and I was so mentally exhausted that all I could think about was that I would never be able to stand up the entire time during a class. Luckily I had also just recently met my now partner of 2 years, and he firmly suggested that I go back and try again (he was also an avid SoulCycle Rider). And almost 2 years later, I couldn’t have imagined what my life would be like if I had just given up after one class. The dark room, candles, music, community, instructors, front desk staff, and overwhelming LOVE that SoulCycle has put into my life is something that I hope everyone gets to encounter in life.
Why SoulCycle? What drew you to the studio, and what do you enjoy most about it?
EVERYTHING. Literally. There is not one aspect of SoulCycle that I have found not to love…well maybe the 3 loads of laundry a day I do now as an instructor lol. But, every time I walk into the studio I am reminded of that first time I walked in, feeling defeated but also the love and encouragement that instructor Tiff C. seemed to radiate from the podium. It’s the same thing that has brought me back time and time again and lead me to become an instructor. There is nothing but pure LOVE and COMMUNITY leading the way for SoulCycle and that is something that is very hard to find in larger fitness companies. Also, the MUSIC…every time I take a class the music is always leading the class and is just so uplifting!
Why did you decide to partner with Cycle for Recovery? Why is our cause so meaningful to you?
I had actually never heard of Cycle for Recovery until I was in SoulCycle Instructor Training this past summer and took Noa Shaw’s Rockstar Sunday Ride and started following him on Instagram. I saw that he was part of Cycle for Recovery and then began reading about the mission and thought this could be something awesome to be a part of to give back to communities that literally changed my life. As someone in recovery, and also someone who’s experience didn’t include rehab I want our community to know that they are supported and that there are so many options available in getting the help you need. You don’t have to do this alone.
Lastly, what should people expect from your classes?
It’s your class, you create the magic! The energy and commitment that you put into it is the energy and commitment that is going to be given back in such a bigger way. I also love a good throw back and come ready to PUSH, PUSH, PUSH…with a good hair flip into a long run!!