Group Fitness Member of the Month: Daniel

At 21, I was driven by a massive ego and ambitious goals. I aimed to squat over 700 pounds, bench over 400, and deadlift over 700. I have yet to reach any of these numbers, but as reality set in, I learned to accept myself and appreciate the effort I put in. My competitive era is mostly behind me now. These days, I’m focused on finding the right balance between training and other aspects of my life. Currently, my training revolves around preparing myself physically for my future career as an HVAC technician. I want to ensure I’ll be able to carry a furnace on my own if needed.

I went to my first Rhythm Ride a couple years ago when a coworker told me about cycle. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, not expecting to like it as much as I did. I had an absolute blast, and attended a few more Rhythm Rides. Unfortunately, I stopped going so I could focus on powerlifting.

I’m glad I got back into Rhythm Rides this year because I’m loving them more than ever. These classes involve a lot of movements and choreography that didn’t come naturally at first. As I struggled through and challenged myself to overcome my weaknesses, things eventually clicked, and each class became more enjoyable. Part of me hates accepting defeat, so the thrill came from seeing myself improve on things I once struggled with.

Additionally, indoor cycling has greatly benefited my weight training—since starting again, knee, hip, and back pain has been practically nonexistent. It’s also enhanced my coordination, sharpness, and body awareness. As a result, this is probably the leanest I’ve ever been, without any caloric restriction or special diets.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from these classes is that mistakes are an essential part of the journey. Embrace your ‘failures,’ and don’t fear looking foolish. It’s through making mistakes that I learned to value the journey over the destination and to stay present. In cycle, you’ll face many challenges—whether it’s a fast tempo or intricate choreography, the challenge in front of you is all that matters in that moment. Any other thoughts—dwelling on past mistakes, anxiety about the future, or self-judgment—are just illusions trying to hijack your present and distract you from what you’re working toward now.

Nobody becomes a pro overnight, and expecting to do so wastes energy—energy that could be invested in giving your best effort to the current challenge. And when you finally nail that tough choreography or catch the rapid beat that once felt impossible, that victory is yours, and nothing can take it away.