Contributed by Terry Ambassador, Claire Baragona, RYT, PICI.
My introduction to indoor cycling came in 2000, after my first hip replacement. Our local YMCA offered indoor cycling, and I found it just the right fit for my cardiovascular conditioning and the new way I needed to approach activity following recovery. It had sadly come time to bid adieu to horseback riding and my snow skis, but I welcomed indoor cycling wholeheartedly.
In 2018, I began spending my winters in a wonderful active adult community in sunny Tucson, AZ. There, I joined our EZ Riders Indoor Cycling Club, where the health benefits and camaraderie are tandem and create a win /win environment. Becoming a member of this community inspired me to take my spinning to the next level and so I began studying for my Indoor Cycling Instructors Exam. By January 2020, I was excited to start leading my classes and sharing my energy and expertise with fellow riders. However, two months later the world was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Deterred but not defeated, the EZ Riders took to the outdoors and we began offering small open-air and socially-distanced classes. These outdoor spin classes in the steamy Arizona climate presented new challenges but we persevered through the lockdown and were finally able to reintroduce indoor riding safely in 2021.
My teaching style focuses on making indoor cycling accessible to all. I work with a lot of beginners and individuals who have a variety of physical compromises and it is my goal to break down the barriers between them and the bike. I had the same interest when I taught yoga; I believe it is important to offer people the benefits of an activity and make the necessary modifications to have it fit their needs and abilities. A few years ago I developed allergy-related asthma, so now spinning isn’t just something I love to do— it’s integral for maintaining my lung capacity. That benefit alone allows me to enjoy golf and hiking at higher elevations out here in the mountains of Tucson. I love teaching and sharing the benefits of riding so others too can live their best life both on and beyond the bike.
Many of the students who start as newbies to indoor cycling transition to higher-intensity classes and even become instructors themselves, but we encourage all members to spin/work to their unique ability. My best advice to new spinners or anyone interested in riding is to always listen to your body for feedback, take advantage of your instructor’s knowledge by asking questions, and understand that any new activity will have a learning curve— especially for seniors—but there’s no time like the present to start spinning.
Another essential for sticking with spinning is having support from proper indoor cycling gear. I personally cannot spin without padded bottoms and my go-to choices are Terry’s Actif Bike Knicker and Bike Bermuda Short. The side pocket on the Bike Bermuda is lovely and I like that the fit and fabric of both the Bermuda and Actif are extremely comfortable and non-binding. All the tops I use for spinning also come from Terry. I am partial to the styles with pockets in the back and let the weather dictate my sleeve length. I like going with Terry’s relaxed-fit “Flow” styles, as they suit my mature body type and are very forgiving. I always recommend Terry to new students and suggest they speak with Terry’s amazing Customer Service Team to find what apparel or saddle will best suit them. Terry’s Customer Service is so knowledgeable about their products and always advises on proper fit.
I was recently asked about my role models and what motivates me. Especially as we face all sorts of obstacles as we age…. health issues, family situations, and losing our partners and other loved ones. When faced with an obstacle, I’m thankful to two women in particular who have helped shape the person I am today. First is my own mother, who truly gave all her children ‘roots and wings’. She taught me that the best way you can learn to fly is by knowing how much support there is behind you. I often hear women ( cringe ) and say “ I’m becoming my mother!” Well, I certainly hope I do…she was the most wonderful role model for me.
My mother-in-law is another exceptional woman. She developed Parkinsonism in middle age and faced every challenge with grace. She had a fierce determination to live well and give back to her community. She was a wellspring of love and support and a practicing psychologist with arms open to the word. Their encouragement, generosity, and determination have inspired me in many ways. I also hold admiration for the many women who have “broken the glass ceiling” in areas of science, health, and legislature that have helped bring women forward to a better place in our culture. There is a special place in my heart for the Notorious RBG, who quietly and determinedly brought about changes in laws that have positively impacted women in this country for decades. All the women remind me that by standing beside each other, riding beside each other—we can accomplish so much good in the world.
I want to thank the team at Terry for their continued interest in the lives and stories of the women who rely on the Terry brand for their wonderful products and insight into the indoor/outdoor cycling community. You make our clothing choices functional, comfortable, and colorful. Kudos to you all!
