lynccycling

[lynccycling]

WELCOME our trainee KAY

Can we get a HELL YEAH for our trainee Kay?! She comes to us with tons of experience in the fitness industry bringing a spicy, fun attitude and we can’t wait for you to meet her. Keep reading to learn about serious #MomGoals: 

Tell us a little about your fitness journey! I have have been in fitness for over 25 years...I taught everything from step with my Reebok’s with a strap to cycle! Fitness is my passion but really motivating and bringing joy to my classes is why I do it!

Why you love LYNC. I love community...strong motivated happy people that work as a team with no egos!

Quote to live by. “When someone shows you who you are, believe them the first time” –Maya Angelou

People would describe your classes as... Challenging, energizing & they leave feeling accomplished

What is your favorite part of being a fitness instructor? My favorite part is having the opportunity to be around awesome humans everyday.

If you weren’t doing this, what would your job be? I would be a stylist! I love fashion even though you will see me in tights most of the time.

What else should we know about you? I am a single mom of two amazing boys... 24 & 16! I’m a native of Dallas. I have an addiction to candy corn. (I know, disgusting but true)

[lynccycling]

WELCOME our trainee KEVIN

Have you met Kevin yet? He recently moved back to Texas from Georgia and we are so excited to invite him into the training group. Keep reading to learn more about Kevin:

Tell us a little about your fitness journey and how you became an instructor. Desiring to be a healthier and better me, I decided I needed a change in my lifestyle and become more active. I took my first group fitness class 3 years ago and never stopped working out since. A year ago, I tried something new. A new cycling studio opened up and I decided to take my first-ever cycling class. The music, physical challenge, and energy captivated me. Not too long after, one of the instructors put a bug in my ear that I needed to try out to be an instructor. So after an open-call, audition, and training, I became an instructor at CycleBar Dunwoody in Atlanta. 

What’s your favorite move in class? Nothing can beat a good tap to a pulse when the beat drops! 

Tell us about how you ended up back in Texas. It was a goal of mine to be an Executive Director of a nonprofit agency, and I was given the opportunity to do just that in the Oak Cliff area.  

What things do you do with your free time? When I’m not working out, I also enjoy trying out new restaurants and coffee shops. I’m a big foodie! 

The guilty pleasure song you’re not embarrassed to say you love. “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift 

The best vacation you ever went on. My vacation to Eastern Europe with my best friends! We ate so much food, got frequently lost, and really immersed ourselves in the culture. 

What’s your advice for someone moving to a new city? Don’t be afraid to try things out on your own! You don't have to wait to enjoy the new city you live in. 

[lynccycling]

WELCOME our trainee KASEY

Meet Kasey–she started cycling at LYNC years ago and her journey took her to House Ride Cycling in Sacramento, CA and now we’re so ready to welcome her back into our training program! If you haven’t already met Kasey in the Plano studio, here’s a little behind the scenes:

Tell us a little about your fitness journey! I have always been an athlete growing up, I played college softball and enjoyed long distance running for conditioning along with lifting weights. Being active was always a part of my life. When I was introduced to spin, it was a game changer, it completely stepped up my body and my mind. I fell in love with it so much that I wanted to become an instructor myself to hopefully impact my riders and make them feel some type of way! I became a spin instructor in California last year and now that I am back in Texas, I had to come back to my favorite studio and keep doing what I love! 

What’s your favorite thing about LYNC and the community? I don’t think I can have just one favorite thing about LYNC. The studio is beautiful and welcoming all the way from the aesthetics to the people who fill it up. I became the best version of myself to this day and I owe part of that to this community. The reason I wanted to become a spin instructor in the first place was because of LYNC and the people in it. The community is all about lifting up one another, always being supportive and embracing your true self and not being judged for it. The dark room, loud music with amazing humans always is a great part of my day! This community is truly one of a kind. What’s your music style for class? A little bit of everything! EDM, RAP & POP REMIXES for the win. Thing you’re most excited about being back in Texas Going to Chuy’s. Burritos and New Mexican martinis. Fun fact: bring me a burrito, you’ll be my new favorite person. What can people expect from a class with you? Be prepared for FUN AND SWEAT. I want people to let loose and be in the moment, the challenge will always be there and I want people to feel better when they walk out than when they came in, whether that be physically, mentally or both. Each day is a new day and I’m all about giving you what you came for that day! What goals do you have for the upcoming year? To get accepted into school, eat more burritos and to constantly look for ways to learn and grow, not only as an instructor, but as a human.

[lynccycling]

Need some inspo for this weekend’s brunch? We live for a post-spin meal made up of eggs, hash & mimosas. Our instructors dish on their favorite brunch spots from Deep Ellum to Frisco. 

vist luckys cafe

hudson house highland park • addison

eat at yolk

pie tap henderson • uptown • plano

barnes & noble kitchen @ legacy west

visit oddfellows

origin kitchen + bar

visit all good cafe in deep ellum

up inspired kitchen

[lynccycling]

WELCOME our trainee HEATHER

Heather is joining our training group from Flywheel and we've already nicknamed her the energizer bunny. She's got a contagious enthusiasm, and a super high-energy teaching style. We can't wait for you to meet her!

Tell us a little about your fitness journey:

I was a dancer all my life and found indoor cycling when I was in grad school at Florida State. I instantly fell in love with the thought of dancing on a bike and have been teaching ever since! I still cross-train as well, which I think is important. I'm a long distance runner and do lots of Pilates.

What's your favorite part of class?

When everyone in the room is feeding off each other's energy and the whole room is hyped up.

You need to get pumped up for your workout. What song do you put on?

I'm a big hip hop girl so anything in that genre. But I will say, Kendrick Lamar "Humble" can really get me going.

What's the best compliment you've ever received as an instructor?

I had a rider tell me she's never thought I was having a bad day and I always seem super excited to be there. Nobody pursues a fitness career to get rich, so if you love what you do it will show!

Name your fave post-workout snack.

I'm a vegetarian so finding meals with almond butter hummus, or avocado are great options to pair with a complex carb.

[lynccycling]

6 Moves for Seriously Strong Abs

Skip the boring sit ups and trade your core workout for this seriously effective & fun ab-building routine. Here’s 6 of our favorite moves from Cycle + Abs Instructor, Avery, to strengthen your core. Since your core is the center of all movement, an additional 20 minutes of ab-burning moves will not only improve your bikini bod but help with posture, balance and reduce back pain.

So, grab a mat and hit the floor — those abs aren't going to work themselves.

Moving Bear Plank

Start in a strong plank position, making sure hands are under shoulders and heels are pressing back. Walk each hand out in front of the body and then walk them back in, focusing on not shifting your weight side-to-side as you move. Walk the feet in toward your hands and back out, aiming to keep your hips from shifting. That's one rep. Do 10 in a row without stopping.

Shoulder Tap Mountain Climbers

Reset into a plank pose with chest open and shoulders pulled back. Tap each shoulder without moving side to side and come back to plank pose. Drive each knee under the body toward the chest and finish back where you started. Do 10 repetitions all the way through.

Toe Tap Crunch

Start on your back with knees bent in a tabletop position. Knees should be perfectly stacked on top of the hips, and the lower back should be pushing and connecting with the floor underneath. Keeping the knees bent, tap each toe on the ground one at a time. Crunch up and engage the core at the top, keeping your chin away from your chest, reaching arms forward. Lower down to the start position. Do 20 reps.

Oblique Crunch to Side Plank

Place one knee down and extend one leg out to the side with your knee directly underneath your hip. With your hands behind your head and elbows pointing out wide, take one side crunches engaging the oblique to help lift you back to center. Be sure to hold hips still and keep your chest wide. Repeat the same lean over, but now place your hand underneath your shoulder and take your leg out for a side plank hold. Pause for 5 seconds before you move back in. Repeat 10 times and then switch sides.

Burpee Cardio Crunch

Start standing on your feet. Place hands on the floor and hop back to a plank position. Hold 2 seconds then hop the feet back under and come back to a standing position. Reach hands above head. Engage your core and lift one knee at a time. As you turn, pull the arms down and feel yourself twist and your obliques engage, aiming to get the opposite knee and elbow to connect. Keep your knees and hips facing forward as you twist, checking that you're not opening up to the side. Do 10 reps.

Dancing Crab Sit-Up

From a seated position, roll down slowly to the floor making sure to connect your spine to the ground. Roll all the way back up to a seated position and place hands underneath the shoulders by your hips. Press up and reach the right arm to the outside of the left foot. Lower down and repeat by reaching the left hand to the right foot. Focus on reaching as you lift, getting hips up as high as you can each time. Repeat 10 times.

Do the entire series all the way through twice with a 60 second break in between sets.

We know! You’re loving these moves. Local? Snag our next Cycle + Abs class. Not local? Download our Core at Home videos.

[lynccycling]

Lync is able to provide a well-rounded workout routine through two dynamic workouts. But maybe you haven’t ventured across the hall yet into the room with CORE written in script on the door. You’ve taken a peak through the window when walking through the front door of the studio and may or may not have witnessed burpees being done to a pumped beat.

CORE is a unique workout that can only be found within the walls of Lync Cycling. 

Though the burpees may seem intimidating, there is nothing to fear when it comes to 45 minutes of CORE. There is no added equipment to this class. No weights, no bands, no straps – just you, the mat and the music. It’s not just about the exercise, it’s about the movement. Our bodies have a lot to offer when it comes to working out and we can create a challenging class through purely bodyweight movements. First you need to make the choice to move. It doesn’t have to be perfect and you can start small and build your way up, but the only way to create change is to move. 

As Ido Portal stated, “the body will become better at whatever you do, or don’t do. If you don’t move, your body will make you better at not moving. If you move, your body will allow more movement.”

With the music guiding you through the class, you move as little or as much as you want. Through movement we connect our bodies and our minds to build not only physical strength, but mental strength. This class is designed to build strength, agility, flexibility, rhythm and mental fortitude.  

CORE guides us to be present. To stay in the uncomfortable. In the burn. It’s in that moment where we decide not to give in to the doubt and fear and continue to move when we make progress. If you are looking to add a compliment to your cardio workout, CORE is a great place to start. You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to be strong. You don’t need to be the best athlete in the room. You just need to be willing – willing to take a chance on your body and do something out of your comfort zone.

Come join us on Thursday, July 18th for a FREE day of CORE! CLICK HERE to book your next class.

[lynccycling]

Did you know that LYNC has a pretty sweet referral program? Yup! Invite a friend, they spend $25 (ps. a week unlimited for new peeps is only $35) and you get $25 too! Read on to see how to use your referral link.

Step 1.

Login to your lynccycling.com account.

Step 2.

Under your info, scroll toward the bottom of the page where it says ‘REFERRALS’

Step 3.

Click on ‘invite a friend’.

Step 4.

Choose your option to share your unique referral link. You can copy and paste and send it to a friend. 

You can share it on Facebook or Twitter.

Or you can have our website send an automated email with a personal . message.

Step 5.

Your friend creates a LYNC account after clicking your link. Your friend attends class (and loves it!). THEN, your friend makes a purchase of $25 or more and in 24 hours, a $25 credit will be applied to your account. FREE MONEY and now you have a friend to hold you accountable.

Any questions? Shoot us an email at connect@lynccycling.com. Please note that referrals cannot be retroactively added. They must use your referral link. 

Best.

LYNC TEAM

[lynccycling]

Instructor Spotlight: Kailyn

Meet Kaillyn, our newest instructor to grace the podium in Plano! Read on to learn about what her class is like, when to take it and how to keep in touch with her.

What are your new class times in Plano?

Tuesday 7:30pm Thursday 6:30pm Saturday 7:30am

>> BOOK HER CLASS

How would you describe your class?

Inspiring and uplifting yet still fun and challenging. I want my class to be a place where you can feel comfortable enough with yourself to be excited to push yourself towards goals you didn’t even think you were capable of! I want riders to walk out of the class with something they needed that day - whether it be confidence, motivation, or just a quick escape from the outside world.

>> CHECK HER OUT ON SOUNDCLOUD 

Something people don’t know about you?

I used to lead worship at my church!

Other fave workouts:

Going to the gym to lift weights, pilates, and hiking! Also love taking any other group fitness classes!

Where are you from?

Born and raised in Dallas, TX!

Hobbies? 

Exercising, shopping, outdoor activities, exploring new places, reading and listening to music & podcasts!

Job?

Recent graduate from the University of Texas at Dallas. I am currently an Operations Manager at a wireless company here in Dallas. I also work front desk at Lync Cycling in Plano part-time!

What’s a day in your life look like?

Waking up early, COFFEE (iced latte, please), then heading off to work. If I’m not working front desk, then I’m obviously taking a class at Lync! I have to get a nice sweat session in at least once a day for my own sanity. Once I get home after my long days, I love to unwind by turning on some Youtube videos or listening to a podcast while either taking a bath or getting some cleaning and organizing done. Huge multi-tasking person. I throw in hang-outs with friends and my dog somewhere in there.

>> FOLLOW HER ON INSTAGRAM

How would your best friend describe you?

Caring, compassionate, empathetic, thoughtful, fun, & energetic!

Strengths: eager to learn, well-organized, strong-minded, determined

Weaknesses: doubtful, timid at times, reserved, overthinker, perfectionist  

Last words from Kailyn:

LYNC, all of the instructors, and the community has transformed me both mentally and physically and the feeling I get when I’m here is unmatchable. I hope to be able to give back to everyone else in the same ways that have help me grow and develop as a person!

[lynccycling]

Humpday got you feeling down? In an uninspired funk and can’t get out? Not feeling motivated to chase your goals? We feel you, it happens. Which is why each LYNC instructor has tools to stay focused & on their game. Take a scroll down motivation lane and maybe pick up a tip or two to get you back on track.

Becca

I loooovvvvveeee taking Teddy on a walk or run (whatever Ted is feeling that day) and leaving my phone at home to be in my own headspace and one with nature if we go through Arbor Hills! I also love to listen to one of my new fav podcast “The Last Podcast on the Left” which is about anything from conspiracy theories to true crime or historical facts (history has ALWAYS been my fav subject) while cooking or cleaning around the house! Maybe its the Mexi in me but cleaning is a huge reliever for me! Clean house = happy lil becky!

Our favorite cleaning products? Mrs. Meyers infused with essential oils.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Grace

I LOVE getting in my kitchen and cooking a yummy meal. I always start with a trip to the grocery store (probs Trader Joes) to pick up the ingredients.. I'm one of those weird humans that find grocery shopping SO therapeutic. I am currently OBSESSED with Alex from the Defined Dish, who just so happens to be a Dallas gal!  One of my favorites right now is her Shrimp Remoulade Lettuce Cups recipe! Of course, finishing it off with some healthy sweet treats, like this Banana Bread! 

This all happens while I'm listening to one of my favorite light hearted podcasts,  The Lady Gang.  When things get off track, a good belly laugh and a great healthy meal is always a great reset!

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Avery

I start my day with quiet time every morning accompanied by my devotional (@jesuscalling) and podcasts The Porch.

After quiet time, I take about 5-10 minutes every hour at work to listen to a few songs that make me happy (no shocker that Jess Glynne and Betty Who are at the top for me rn)

After work, I love walks on the Katy Trail or White Rock Lake, wine bars (leelas always) and cooking meals with my friends (favorite food blogger is definitely skinny taste). At night I try my hardest to unplug and focus on friends/family as much as possible.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Andrew

This music definitely isn’t everyone’s thing, but the band August Burns Red has picked me up when I’m down, pushed my butt through tough workouts, gotten me focused at work, you name it, more times than I can count. Their lyrics are really powerful, and they wrote one of my all time favorites:

“Don’t excuse yourself from life today on the pretense of your past.” Let that sink in.

Alt response: I pet my dog or take him for a walk if he’s nearby, or just look at pictures of him on my phone because he’s stinking cute and it’s a good reminder that I need to keep it together for the people who love me and doggos that depend on me.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Ashleigh

One of my favorite things to do (other than a good sweat sesh on the bike) is surfing. I used to go out to California and surf at San Clemente beach all the time when I was younger. It was a great way to slow down my mind and be focused on the present moment. HOWEVER there aren’t many beaches in d-town so I usually hop into a pool and swim it out or roll out my yoga mat at Hot Body Yoga. It’s a great way to control my breathing and something about being under water is relaxing to me.

When I need to get sh!t done, one of My favorite coffee shops is Global Peace. You can usually find me there writing or emailing with a cappuccino in hand. Also I LOVE coffee. Oh did I say love, I meant I’m addicted. Same thing right?

I’m also a BIG fan of live music and on the weekend if anyone is in town playing I try to make an effort to go out and support. It helps me get out of my head and is a good excuse to just sit back and enjoy some of my favorite tunes. My must see bands are: night riots, jet black alley cat, band Camino, State champs, Greta Van Fleet and Marianas Trench.

Look up concerts near you. One of our favorite venues? Granada theater!

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Liz

I love, and wish I did it more, putting my phone away when I’m home and being in the moment with my family (but of course grabbing it to document Noah dance parties and special memories). Five minutes with my son (if he is napped and fed 🙈) can cure five bad days. 

Between teaching/training clients/and all the hustle I also really enjoy silence. I rarely listen to music while driving nowadays because I’ve found that my mind tries to start programming and/or choreographing whenever a song is playing- so having quiet time to disconnect is important. I also love to jump in a class and go into student mode.

Check out 10 apps to help you put down your phone and get back to the moment.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Jaz

When the weather is nice, I love doing outdoor activities and being near water! Paddle boarding, swimming, and BBQing are my go-to day-off favs. I also enjoy a homemade coffee in the morning to kick start my day and going out back to wake up and check on my pepper plants and succulents. Planting is very peaceful to me. I love watching things grow.

Check out this 101 on starting your own herb garden.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Sydney

Outside of teaching, I love group fitness and enjoy taking classes at LYNC and around Dallas to let out nervous energy. I like to decompress by reading, listening to podcasts, and listening to LANY and John Mayer.

I listen to The Morning Toast and The Lady Gang - totally light hearted, but makes me bust out laughing in the car and puts me in a good mood before teaching.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Kayla

To stay motivated, I read... a lot. I read everything from nonfiction true crime stories and self development books to fiction novels to self-published articles on Medium. You can catch me searching my inbox at the Barnes & Noble check-out line for a coupon for a new book or sitting at Mudleaf Coffee shop (a super cool space in Plano) with headphones in listening to Audible.

My go-to read is anything by Brené Brown (Daring Greatly is my fave). She is a vulnerability researcher, specializing in shame. (wow, couldn’t we all dive a little deeper into that?) 

I also love to listen to Gary Vee’s Podcast to keep me focused in the business world. He touches on marketing tactics, struggles in business and life, leadership development and more–and TBH he’s just brutally honest and sometimes I just need a good kick in the ass and for someone to tell it to me straight.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Shannon

I like to take 10-15 minutes out of my morning to meditate to help level set me at the beginning of my day. My favorite app is “10% Happier” because it has courses, guided and unguided meditations and you can customize the time to whatever fits your schedule!

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Kelsey

I love a good story. I’m old school and really enjoy going to the bookstore and getting a physical copy. Lately my favorites have been ‘This Is How It Always Is’ and ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’. Put it with quiet time outside in the sun or snuggled with coffee and my puppy in the morning - foolproof feel good.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Olivia

I love going to Title Boxing to punch out all of my feelings. Whether I need a release or am excited and want to celebrate an hour of hard work–gallons of sweat at Title is always the move for me. 

I also love to take long walks on the weekends with my fave gal pals, Allison, Leina, Izzy, and Madeline to La La Land Kind Cafe or Bird Bakery. We almost always indulge in a sweet treat which for me is the perfect way to celebrate a week well done.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Izzy

The main thing I do at the moment to recharge is get a good nights sleep. Being in bed by 9pm really excites me, haha!

Also, getting some vitamin D and tanning by the pool on the weekends always puts me in a good mood. I usually end up falling asleep there too lol.

Catch this guided sleep meditation for a little shut eye to keep your mind right and our favorite SPF to lay out in the sun.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

Lindsey

I’d say personal time is the best way to recharge for me! I love walking the Katy Trail while getting out for some sunshine or hot yoga. Hot yoga is such a release for me because It not only calms the mind but gives me a good stretch! My favorite hot Yoga is at Core Power.

I’ve recently been loving EVERY recipe from The Defined Dish who makes clean/easy/whole30 approved meals. Her meals are so tasty and simple to make! Feel good guilty treat that is guaranteed to make any day better is ice cream!

Calling my family always lifts me up and keeps me rooted!  I also really try to put my phone down while at home for 30 minutes at the end of the day and engage in something other than scrolling mindlessly on social media which helps me reconnect with myself and surroundings.\

[lynccycling]

It’s that time of the year again, where seniors put down their heavy textbooks and turn their tassels. FOUR of our LYNCFAM are graduating from their schools this year. Read below about their favorite parts of school, their future plans and some advice they would give their younger selves.

Olivia – Cycle + Core Instructor | Front Desk at Dallas 

Victoria – Front Desk at Dallas

Sydney – Front Desk at Plano

Madeline – Front Desk at Dallas

[lynccycling]

Addicted to those Buzzfeed quizzes? Us too. Take our personality quiz below to see which LYNC instructor emulates your vibe the most.  

Find the instructor you matched with below to dive a little deeper into your personality. Who knows? You might even get a few ideas on some new weekend plans to go with your vibe. 

[lynccycling]

Check out the past 3 weeks of our SIX WEEKS TO SUMMER COMMUNITY CHALLENGE and how hard 150+ members of our LYNCFAM have been working toward a happier, healthier version of themselves.

During week one, our members visited our community partner EAST HAMPTON SANDWICH CO and dined on their many healthy menu options! Most of our members took this opportunity to meetup with their groups and get closer to other members of the challenge.

Week two was a chilly one as we partnered with our community freezers at CRYO1ONE and indulged in cryotherapy to help soothe our aching muscles. Freezing is more fun with friends!

THE SPORTS POD led our LyncFam through 3 mobility workshops and daily stretches to improve our flexibility, mobility & aid our performance over the course of the challenge-and beyond! We’ll definitely be taking these moves with us!

Meal Prep is on point! We’re three weeks in and we have the hang of this thing. Whitney from WHITNESS NUTRITION equipped us with 6 weeks worth of amazing meal prepping tips, recipes and her complete guidance. Scroll down and see the changes our members (and instructors) have made in just three weeks and what people are saying about the challenge.

We couldn’t be more proud of our team, our instructors, whitney stuart of whitness nutrition and so grateful for our community partners throughout the challenge. Congrats on reaching the halfway point, here’s to the next 3 weeks!

–LYNC TEAM

[lynccycling]

Hi! I’m Avery! I was raised in Austin, Texas. I love to bake, travel, hike, and go on long walks.

People might not know that I am a die hard Baylor Bear! Went there for undergrad and grad school and loved every minute of it.

What’s a day in the life of Avery look like?

I spend my days as a Forensic Accountant! Solving financial crime and finding fraud. Also had the opportunity to work in Sydney, Australia with my company for a bit - that was fun.

I’m a morning person so typically hop into a spin class in the am, have some quiet time, come into work, and then see friends at night when I’m not teaching or reappear at Lync for a classic Avery 2-A-Day 😂

Other than LYNC, what other ways do you like to workout?

I grew up dancing so I have always loved Pilates/Barre because of the similar moves. Also a big fan of HIIT training.

Describe your class to us:

I like to think of my class as challenging, yet empowering. I want everyone to feel confident and capable of crushing their workouts in order to walk out the doors feeling like a better version of themselves :)

Tell us a little bit about you:

My best friends typically describe me as loyal, committed, and compassionate. I’m the friends that loves to celebrate the highs but will also be there at any hour with cookies/wine/something to make you feel better for the lows.

I’m very hardworking, driven, and passionate. When I set my mind on something I chase after it! I’m a major feeler and can get emotional. Definitely can be a strength butttt sometimes crying isn’t the answer, am I right?! 😂

Last words from Avery:

I just want people at Lync to know how THANKFUL I am for this community. It’s because of the riders that I am up on the podium. I love spin with my whole heart and want to continue sharing that love with everyone!

[lynccycling]

We’re officially one week into the SIX WEEKS TO SUMMER COMMUNITY CHALLENGE where 150 individuals are tracking their progress for 45 days! Each participant was assigned to an instructor-led team & is being guided through nutrition plans by Whitness Nutrition to come out a healthier, happier version of themselves.

The main goals are to connect with their community, indulge in Whitney’s healthy meals and check off consistent LYNC workouts! Check out how much fun we’ve had stepping outside of our comfort zones...

We’ve adapted Whitney’s way of nutrition by spending a few hours on Sundays prepping for the week to come! Fail to plan, plan to fail!

Community is what we’re all about & precisely why we love this challenge. It’s the main reason this challenge is so often requested—stepping outside your comfort zone and meeting new people. You commit to yourself, and your team that you’re going to do your absolute best to earn fun & rewarding prizes, together!

Change is a huge part of this challenge as well. Embracing new habits, ridding old ones & changing your perspective. Here’s some of our favorite quotes this past week on the challenge:

Stay tuned to our social channels (@lynccycling) to watch these 150+ dedicated individuals take on the next 6 weeks together! We’ll post another update on the blog soon. #LyncUp

[lynccycling]

Meet Andrew, one of our newest members to the LYNC fam–always making us laugh and serving us a kick ass workout! Read about Andrew’s life beyond the bike room and then sign up for his next class.

Age?

26. In the past year I’ve adopted a dog, changed jobs, and become an instructor at Lync, so I’m excited to see what 27 is going to hold!

How would you describe your class?

I try to build a class that is challenging, inspiring and fun. If I can give every rider at least one moment where they genuinely smile, surprise themselves with their own strength, or put their heart/mind at ease, then I’m happy. Do I want people to leave class tired, sore, and sweaty? Sure. But more importantly, I want people to be leave feeling proud of themselves, empowered, and ready to tackle whatever life throws their way.

Something people don’t know about you?

I’m sort of an open book, heart on the sleeve kind of guy, so this is a toughy… I’m not shy about either of these, but most people probably don’t know my music taste looks a lot like that of an angsty teenager (still rocking my Blink-182, Linkin Park and New Found Glory on the regular) and that I struggle with anxiety and self-esteem issues quite a bit, though I’m proud to say I have a grip on those much more than I used to. I’m really passionate about mental health issues, so I also serve on the advisory board of an organization dedicated to brain health.

Other favorite workouts?

Before coming to Lync, I spent a good amount of time lifting weights. I loved being able to listen to intense music, doing short bursts of work (great for those of us with less than stellar attention spans) and how easy it was to gradually push myself and measure my progress. I’m hoping to get back in the gym more often or begin attending yoga regularly.

Where are you from?

I was born in Colleyville, so Dallas/Fort Worth has been home for most of my life! I love to travel, but having Dallas as my home base has been nothing short of wonderful.

Hobbies?

I don’t make enough time for them, but I love to cook, read, play golf and play guitar. If it can be considered a hobby, I also love spending time with my dog, Blue, whether at home, at the dog park or at Truck Yard. I am 100% a crazy dog dad, but you would be too if you had such a handsome, wonderful, loving, sweet angel boy in your life.

Job?

By day, my secret identity is working in business development for a commercial real estate company. I’m thankful to have an awesome boss and team that took time out of their week to ride in my first class as an instructor!

What’s a day in your life look like?

Every day really is different, which is great because variety is the spice of life! That being said, my ideal weekday routine would involve waking up, making some time to pray or meditate, and walking Blue before work. When I get home, I get Blue to the dog park ASAP, teach or take class at Lync, eat dinner and then either take care of a few chores around the house or just lounge before I stretch and go to bed! On the weekends, more time at the dog park, cooking, reading or spending time with friends is a top priority after I teach in the mornings.

How would your best friend describe you?

Well, my closest friends would just roast me, so I’m glad you’re asking me instead. I genuinely make an effort to be a good friend, and I think they would describe me as compassionate, loyal, a good listener and someone who really does go out of their way to help a friend. I don’t think that’s the speech my best man would end up giving at my wedding, but a guy can dream, right?

Strengths and weaknesses?

It sounds self-serving, but I’m a very empathetic person, sometimes to a fault (I cry in movies, like, a lot). Being able to empathize really helps me support my friends and family and connect with people on a meaningful level. I have more weaknesses than I can count, but other than an inability to say no to cheese (despite being lactose intolerant, lucky me) my biggest weakness is probably how much I beat myself up. Like a lot of us, I’m my own toughest critic, but I’m working on being my own biggest fan. Loving yourself makes life a whole lot easier!

If there’s anything else you want to know, look for me at Truck Yard with Blue or follow me on IG at andrew_matt!  

Sign up for Andrew’s Class

[lynccycling]

Healthy thoughts create a healthy life. The more we think about the good stuff we have, the better we end up feeling. But that’s sometimes easier said than done. Sometimes, no matter how you try, you just can’t shake that blah feeling. Maybe it’s a heaviness, or a dark cloud that seems to follow you through the day, and that negative energy starts affecting you mentally and physically.

Since we’re all human, we are bound to have dark thoughts at some point. The important thing is not to pretend they don’t exist, but rather, to learn to acknowledge when they’re there, and to not let them stay around to damage the rest of our day. We checked in with our team to see how they practice letting go of negative energy when it creeps in, and here’s what they had to say. Check out these 6 tips for restoring balance and energy when you feel low: 

“This is a topic near and dear to my heart, because I’ve struggled with self esteem issues and shaking off negativity for as long as I can remember! My best advice is twofold: forgive yourself for your negative thoughts, and remind yourself of your worth. Too often, negative thoughts feed on themselves, even when we try to replace them with gratitude. It goes something like this “I have so many great things going for me, so why do I still feel so bad?” Instead of feeling better when we go through our list of reasons to be thankful, we instead begin to feel guilty for having negative thoughts in the first place, that cycle repeats and/or intensifies and then you feel even worse! When we experience negativity, frustration, sadness, whatever it may be, FORGIVE YOURSELF FIRST. We wouldn’t know what the great days and great moments feel like without the valleys in between. When you’re in one of those valleys, acknowledge it, tell yourself it’s okay to be in a rut, and remind yourself that the next peak is coming, even if you can’t see it or think it into existence at the snap of your fingers. 

Second, I truly believe we’re all here for a purpose, even if it isn’t obvious to us. And I mean that in both a big and small way. We can’t all do great things that change the course of history, but I guarantee there is someone in this world who would say their life is better for having known you, or, at the very least, they can think of a time or times you made them smile. If we are capable of having that impact on even one person’s life, then we have every reason to love ourselves unconditionally because we do matter and we do make a difference. And, if we’re having trouble loving ourselves, even with that reminder, see point number one :)” 

“When I’ve had a bad day and things aren’t going my way, I like to practice controlling my life in small ways. I do laundry, clean my bedroom, cook healthy food, prep for the next day and go to bed early. Then I’m able to wake up the next morning feeling more prepared and as positive as I can be going in to the day. Some days just don’t go your way, and in my opinion, it’s okay to acknowledge that. But you can’t let those negative thoughts and feelings keep you down for long. By completing those small tasks, I start to feel productive and more accomplished, instead of helpless. Control what you can and keep a positive mindset because ultimately you dictate your own outlook on life.” 

“For me the best way to clear my head is to go for a run. I started running when I was young. Living in a small town, there wasn’t a lot to do and not a lot of people I felt comfortable talking to about things on my mind. So I would just start running. Being in a small, rural town it was easy to go down a country road and get away from it all and just be alone with my thoughts.

Now, living in Dallas, it’s not so easy to go down a clear country road, however, I plug in my headphones and get lost in the music and my thoughts and I forget about the “big city.” I have had runs where I was upset with someone and during the run I started thinking in their point of view and I called that person after to say “I’m sorry.” Times when I was anxious about something and after the run I had formulated a plan to ease my stress. And other times I was down on myself, but during the run I start realizing how much I have to be grateful for. Not only does the run clear my head space but then after I just did some cardio so I am proud of myself for that as well. That’s just an added bonus!”

“Stress is inevitable. How we handle it is our choice and can either make it worse or help alleviate some of the negativity. My husband is in the USMC and throughout our relationship he has had trainings and/or deployments ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months. It was during that time that I really learned to enjoy my time alone. I am a very active person, both in my work and social life. I always say yes. Yes to lunches. Yes to workouts. Yes to shopping. I literally can’t say no! I realized while he was gone the importance of self care.

Instead of constantly being on the go, I needed time to myself to decompress. I found a sense of relief in taking my dogs on long walks Friday nights instead of going out. Being outside in general really helps me relax. I learned I don’t have to be on an actual beach to be a “beach bum”. Perception is everything. Instead, I would do yard work. Plant flowers and mow the grass. There was a pure sense of independence and confidence when he was gone and the household gender roles weren’t a thing. It was all me- and I loved it. Since he’s been home I have continued to help him with the yard work. It’s during those times I have the deepest talks with myself.” 

“Negative vibes are so much easier to come across than positive. Training my mind to think positively is an ongoing process and I definitely find myself in a rut some days where I am just super down on myself. On those days, I turn to places and things that I know help boost me up when I’m struggling.

Self care is a huge thing for helping rid myself of negative vibes - whether it be getting coffee at my favorite coffee shop or getting my nails done, I always try to make time for myself even just for an hour! Lync obviously is a place I find comfort even if it’s pushing myself out of my comfort zone. The people and environment always make a positive impact on me and I have never left Lync in a bad mood! Honestly! The motivational things the instructors say during class really help me through and I constantly remind myself that even though I might not have done my very best in class, I can be proud that I made time for myself and pushed my boundaries.

If I can’t make it to Lync or don’t have much time on my hands then I always love to look at two Instagram accounts: Morgan Harper Nichols and Well+Good - super feel good accounts that always have positive vibes.” 

“I’m an emotionally empathetic person, meaning I easily and unconsciously absorb the energy/emotions of others and ultimately take them on as my own. I’ve been a creative my whole life which means I feel everything. My heart often overpowers my head and unless I make a cognitive effort to slow down, detox and re-center my focus, I slip deeper into negativity.

Prior to finding fitness and becoming a mother, my “escape” was easy- I’d turn down the lights, turn up the tunes, and dance around my room until I felt at ease. Nowadays, finding time to myself has become more of a task. Finding fitness, however, has triggered another side of my brain and taught me how to tune in and check out. As an instructor, it is important for me mentally to turn off my coaching brain and be a student. My go-to class when I can get away is yoga- I live for a sweaty flow and clearing shavasana. Since taking class daily isn’t feasible for my lifestyle, I’ve recently been searching for other outlets. Here’s what I’m practicing now: 

- The Calm app (mindful meditation) - SILENCE (think about how much noise we are surrounded by throughout the day. Sit in silence. It’s weird and uncomfortable at first, but not as uncomfortable as compiling negativity.) - Putting my phone down (I am NOT doing well with this. But I’m aware, and that’s the first step to making a change.) - Affirmation of others (Make someone’s day. If you have a thought that they look great, tell them. If someone inspired you, tell them. If you appreciate someone’s presence, tell them. It will surprise you how lighting up someone else’s day will always light up your own.) - Stretching (No, I didn’t just plug this so that you’d start stretching or come to my stretch class, ha! But tension in your body can be reflective of tension in your mind. Stretch. It. Out.)” 

And remember, it’s always an ongoing practice. The more kindness your show yourself day to day, the more you tune in to how you feel, and the more you accept your bad moods without judgment, the easier it gets. Plus, the LYNC team is always here to help you work through it!