Owner, Cycleward Studio, Fort Lauderdale
Website: cyclewardstudio.com
Why is fitness so important in your life?
I’m obsessed with the feeling of walking away from a vigorous workout drenched in sweat and knowing that I pushed myself to my limit. In addition, since opening Cycleward, I’ve had the chance to help other people accomplish their fitness goals; along the way, I’ve witnessed a lot of lives change. Finally, I want to live life to its fullest. I want to be able to keep up with my kids—and even my grandkids one day.
Was there something in your past that inspired you to become more passionate about fitness?
My parents met in the early 1970s on a blind date at a wellness center that, ironically, was across the street from where Cycleward currently sits. My mom was a fitness instructor; my dad played in the NFL, including with the Baltimore Colts team that won Super Bowl V. His dad was the fifth-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 1944. And both my older brothers were incredible athletes growing up. I decided to follow their lead.
What distinguishes your workout routine?
I’m a goal-setter and a highly motivated individual—and I believe in constantly bettering myself. A distinguishing aspect of our routine at Cycleward, along with the fact that it’s great for all ages and ability levels, is that we use a metric system called Performance IQ. We always encourage riders after every class to take note of their average and maximum power (energy), their mileage and their calorie burn—and then try to beat those numbers during the next class. Our different workout phases include warm-up, steady up-tempo cadences, sprints, climbs, upper-body workout and cool-downs. These varied routines, along with pulsating sounds, motivating instruction and music videos, keep the workout fresh and exciting.
Words of wisdom: “A lot of fitness experts will tell you to set a realistic goal, so you don’t get discouraged. I prefer to set an ambitious goal—and crush it!”
Photography by James Woodley
Creative Direction by Melanie Smit
Art Direction by Evelyn Suarez
Shot on location at Margaritaville Beach Resort, Hollywood Beach