SHANNON

Bio: I’m a former ballet dancer - spin is my latest adventure in movement and creativity. I’m also a PhD candidate at Western, so you’ll usually find me typing away on my laptop. 

Class Style: My class is well-balanced and focused on clear movement progressions so that riders can learn and practice the skills we teach during class and still feel challenged by pace or movement combinations. My class is great for new and experienced riders.  In my class, there are no expectations for perfection or ‘doing it right’. It is your ride, not mine, and I’m equally happy if you are tapping it back along with me or riding and enjoying the music. 

Music: I consistently play EDM, house, and pop remixes. You’ll be able to sing along to some tracks, and get lost in a steady beat during others.

Why I get LOST: My ‘why’ for teaching fitness in general is to address some of the negative experiences I had as a client in other gyms. I wanted to put myself in the role of an instructor so that I could ensure that those who came to my classes would not have to hear BS about summer bodies or what they needed to change about themselves. I teach from the belief that fitness can be different than what it has been, and that it needs to be different. I teach from a body respect framework, acknowledging the incredible things our bodies do for us and that our relationships with our bodies are unique to each of us. The physical aspect of rhythm riding, moving my body to the beat of the music, is cathartic for me - it’s almost a meditative experience, and I want to share that with those who come to my class. 

IG: @s_mckechnie