Who Brought the POWER in August (2017)?

Bridget O'Connor

Over the years we have had many ryders come through our studio; some stay, some go, and some appear here and there. August's Student of the Month has been ryding with us almost since the beginning. In fact it was just about three years TO THE DAY, that she walked into Power Ryde for the first time. She has stuck with us and stayed committed; ryding a couple times each and every week, year in and year out. But it's not her commitment that we love so much. Nope; it's the energy she brings to each class and the effort she gives every time she rydes. Bridget is always in the front row and she always yells out a "Woohoo" here and there, encouraging her fellow ryders and the instructor to pedal harder.

I know I speak for all of the instructors and students when I say, we love seeing Bridget's name on the class list because we know she will bring the energy!

What brought you to Power Ryde?

I had been working out pretty consistently before I decided to try out Power Ryde, but I was hitting a lull in my workout routines and I had challenged myself that year to try something new (and somewhat scary). I kept passing the studio, looked online to check it out and finally decided to just do it. 

You have been ryding with us for three years now, do you remember your first ryde and how you felt after? What has kept you coming back for more week after week and year after year?

My very first ryde was with Erin Lawry. Meg made me feel incredibly comfortable for being a new person. I remember thinking how scared I was because I wasn't sure if I would be able to keep up with everyone. But Erin and Meg told me to ryde my own ryde, have fun...and that I would be uncomfortable and sore for at least the first three rydes. I finished that first class drenched, sore (yes), but ready for more. I was so proud of myself for trying something new and feeling incredible afterwards. I wanted to continue to challenge myself with the bike, which made me come back for more rydes. Now, I can't imagine what I would do if I didn't have Power Ryde in my life!

Why do you ryde at Power Ryde?

The people, the awesome instructors, the playlists, the variety of workouts available just to name a few...The RealRyder bikes give you the total body workout, which gives me that challenge that I look for in a workout. 

What did you do for fitness prior to Power Ryde?

With my work schedule, I find it hard sometimes to make it to a gym so I would find cardio workouts online and DVDs. I still incorporate those workouts 3 out of the 5 days I workout - like PiYo (which I love) or PopSugar workouts. The other two days are my cardio days at Power Ryde! 

What goals has Power Ryde helped you achieve?

I lost over 20 pounds because I started spinning! In addition, Power Ryde has actually helped me watch what I eat to help with the weight loss and just be good to my body. I definitely don't eat as much pizza and subs as I used to! Power Ryde also lists some really good recipes on Facebook that I have used to add good clean, healthy meals into my diet. 

What goals are you hoping to achieve in the second half of 2017?

I still have not managed to ryde with no hands, so I'm still trying to achieve that goal!

Do you have a favorite moment that you remember at Power Ryde?

My goodness, there are so many! But I think the best moment was when Casey was teaching and the power went out in the neighborhood. It was a very humid day, but nobody stopped ryding! We kept pushing without music or air conditioning while Casey told us stories the rest of the class. That just shows the determination, stamina and heart of the people that come. It was amazing to be a part of! 

What is your favorite music to ryde to?

I love pretty much every type of music, so my favorite classes incorporate the oldies and the new stuff. Power Ryde is also my source of finding some really good tunes to listen to when I'm not ryding. 

Tell us a fun fact about your yourself.

I am, and always will be, a Philly girl. I moved here almost 5 years ago to be close to my, now, husband. I have lived in Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. where I worked for the Secret Service for a bit... 

What motivates you?

I am a perfectionist, so I always try to find things to accomplish. I try to make it a habit to set goals for myself, whether it be to eat better, push myself harder in workouts or take a cooking class. Once I have it down on paper, it becomes my motivation to cross it off my list. 

When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?

I volunteer at a local dog training facility, training puppies (and they are all cute!). I love to play golf, read a good book, and there is inevitably always a house project that I'm find myself trying to finish :-)