Page 30 - Trending Magazine 2017 Winter

Wellbeing_TourCycling_Layout 1 17-12-06 5:40 PM Page 2

n a recent Friday night, Tour Indoor Cycling
presents an “Ultimate Divas” theme ride. The
Oinstructor aka “tour guide,” Brooke Ward,
greets the riders before launching into a high-intensity
spin class soundtracked to her carefully curated
playlist, featuring the likes of Whitney Houston, Lady
Gaga and Beyonce.
The lights are low, the music is blaring and for 45
minutes, riders are guided through a challenging
rhythm-based class.
As a longtime runner, Ward was initially drawn to spin
class for the vigorous workout. But it was the positive,
motivating atmosphere that hooked her in.
“It’s honestly so much bigger than
just a spin class.”

Dana and Whitney Roberts, owners of Tour Indoor Cycling.
“From the second you walk in the door to the second
you leave, you feel like you’re being pushed to be the Brandon after several years in Calgary. They fell in love
best version of yourself.” with spin in Alberta, and wanted to bring it to the
After regularly attending classes for more than a year, Wheat City.
Ward was approached about becoming a tour guide. It “I think we were the first studio to open in a smaller
was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up. She went market, most of the others were in big cities,” Whitney
through the training process and now teaches at least said. “We were a little worried about that to be honest,
two classes per week. when we first opened.”
“As an instructor I honestly feel so fortunate for the The Roberts are thrilled to see how much it has caught
opportunity to witness and contribute to 28 riders for on in Brandon, and are truly proud of their clients.
45 minutes,” she said. “You’re motivating and “We never really thought too much about how we
encouraging positive change, through physical would actually effect people’s lives, but it does have a
movement and mental growth, and honestly the clients positive effect,” Dana said.
inspire you right back.” The independently-owned studio at Unit 4 - 215 6th
Since the boutique spin studio opened its doors in St. has 11 instructors, and offers 23 classes per week.
Brandon in February 2016, a tribe of passionate riders The age range is wide — typically the classes attract
has formed and continues to grow. people in their 20s to their 60s — but they’ve seen
In addition to the physical fitness aspect, many spin people as young as 12, and as old as 82.
enthusiasts are drawn to the class for the mental “The feeling that we have now at the studio, that is
escape. what we were going for originally,” Dana said. “The
“It’s a de-stressor for me,” said Caelie Walker, who has community feel … everybody’s happy. It’s a good vibe.”
been a consistent rider since the studio opened. “I know Riders build strength and endurance as they go
in that 45 minutes, I can turn my brain off, and I’ve got through the interval training, which Dr. Savitra Ramaya
nothing else to think about but me and that bike.” said is key to a great cardio workout. In a Tour class,
Walker enjoys the camaraderie and how the riders adjust the resistance on their bikes, as they are
instructors shake things up with different routines, taken through “races,” face uphill climbs, and
theme rides and challenges. incorporate a variety of different movements that
“Every time you go, there’s no two routines that are the target different muscles in the body.
same,” she said. “It’s always exciting and it’s always Ramaya was initially hesitant to try the class, feeling
different. It never gets boring — that’s what I nervous and intimidated. But she was pleasantly
appreciate about it.” surprised by how much she loved it — in her words it’s
Husband and wife duo Dana and Whitney Roberts like “dancing on a bike.” She is now an avid rider, and
took a leap of faith when they moved back home to encourages others to try it.

30