Why did you start taking Spinning® classes?
Fresh out of college and burnt out from running after a collegiate track and field career, I started taking Spinning ®classes as a way to mix up my workout routine. I was drawn to the fusion of exercise and music, and the team atmosphere and camaraderie in the Spinning room kept me coming back.
What inspired you to become a Certified Spinning® Instructor and then a Master Instructor?
The Group Fitness Director at the gym where I took classes saw something in me that I had not yet seen and encouraged me to get certified. Despite my initial refusal to sign up for the Spinning Instructor Training, she continued to suggest I get certified and eventually even attended the training with me. I’m really glad she did. After teaching my first class, I realized that this was something I wanted to pursue further.My primary inspiration for becoming a Master Instructor was to give back. Spinning has positively influenced my life in ways that I never expected, and I want to help spread that positivity as far as possible. Hopefully, I will help encourage a few people who have yet to see their own potential just like I was encouraged. Beyond that, I enjoy helping others learn (about science and about themselves), and the MI position is a perfect role for that.
What do you love about teaching Spinning® classes?
Teaching Spinning classes lies at the intersection of my greatest passions: athletics, music, and coaching. These things bring me more joy than just about anything else in the world. So, needless to say, when I am in the Spinning room, I am truly in my element.
What are your top three favorite songs to play during your Spinning® classes and why?
“Deliverance” by Yanni–a peaceful but anticipatory intro gives way to an energetic world music groove. Great warm up choice, especially for those early morning classes.“Tapatam” by Laya Project–rhythmic drumming throughout helps focus flat road pedal stroke drills.“The Pretender” by Foo Fighters–sometimes you just need a big sprint finish!
What makes Spinning® such a great workout?
Spinning is a great workout because it is incredibly versatile. If you want a high intensity workout or a recovery day, Spinning has you covered. If you want a steady state effort or you want to vary the intensity with some intervals, Spinning has you covered. If you are training for weight loss or athletic performance, Spinning has you covered.
Share a memory from your experience as a teacher/coach/presenter that embodies the value of being a Certified Spinning® Instructor or Spinning Master Instructor?
For me, I realize the true value of being a Spinning Instructor when I help a participant turn goals and dreams into reality. One day, a man made my class a regular part of his weight loss journey. Several years and over 150 lbs later, I had the pleasure of watching him complete his first triathlon. Spinning gave him the means and the motivation to accomplish something he could only dream of prior to that. I feel lucky to have been a part of it and to be inspired by his incredible progress!
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a Certified Spinning® Instructor?
Take the leap and sign up for a Spinning Instructor Training! If you love Spinning enough to consider becoming an instructor, that is all you need. Even if you decide not to work as an instructor, the additional knowledge you will gain will enhance your personal Spinning experience. And who knows? Maybe you will enjoy it far more than you ever imagined.
What’s one of your favorite motivational quotes?
“Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.” – William A. Ward
Do you have a hero in the Spinning® community, someone who deserves recognition for their leadership?
Every instructor who, week after week, puts their heart and soul out there in an effort to make the lives of the people in their classes a little better. Whether these instructors realize it or not, they are making a positive difference in at least one person’s life. That’s pretty heroic, if you ask me.
Is there anything about you that would surprise people?
I have been a featured trumpet soloist on an international concert tour.Born and raised in Central Massachusetts, Joe now lives in Virginia just outside of Washington, DC. Joe earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) with a minor in Music. Joe also competed in Track and Field for WPI as a hurdler, sprinter, jumper, and multi-event athlete and is now an avid triathlete, qualifying for the USA Triathlon Age Group Championships every year since 2012. Joe is an active trumpet player with several groups in the greater Washington, DC, area.
