Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Jones.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ryan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have ALWAYS been a performer. My family jokes that I had a career waiting for me from a young age of being a people greeter at a store because I would talk to ANYONE! I also grew up playing every sport I could get my hands on. It feels only natural that I found a career that lets me perform for people in such an active and creative atmosphere.
I graduated from Tulane University with a dual degree in Musical Theatre and Political Science. I know, I’m always met with the reaction of that curious head tilt of “REALLY? Those two together?” I’ve ALWAYS been encouraged to and am a strong advocate for doing what feels right to you, whether it’s wildly unorthodox or completely ordinary to other people, if it’s what you want to do, DO IT!
After graduation, I moved to New York City to pursue my Broadway dreams and spent some time performing around the country and as much as I loved that experience, I craved stability. In between performing contracts, a friend adamantly suggested I go to SoulCycle. I was in a rut, NOT a workout person, and was really skeptical. But I went to class, fell in LOVE with everything about it and have been clipping in to stationary bikes for 5 years now!
The instructor talked a lot about the concept of “If not now, when?” all throughout class and it struck me in such a way that I went home and applied to work at SoulCycle THAT NIGHT. Yes, I felt the need to yell that out because it sounds slightly crazy to me that that’s how it went down. I was hired a week later to work at the front desk and fell more and more in love with the company, the workout and the way that I was feeling about my life. Fast forward 6 months and I decided that “If not now, when?” and auditioned to be an instructor. I’ve been teaching for 4 years now and have some of my favorite memories, favorite people that I’ve met, and favorite things that I’ve learned about myself all thanks to that dark room and bikes that go nowhere.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I like to think that if someone looked at my journey they would see a smooth road, but they may not realize all of the construction and work that went into making that road look smooth and steady. There are days when I am physically exhausted and emotionally drained. However, those moments are not what we seek out, have really taught me what it feels like to truly know how to find your passion. Those moments are always a reminder for me to step back and realize that I have been 100% successful in getting through my bad days throughout my life. I remind myself that I GET to be exhausted because I give everything I have when I am teaching. I remind myself that I GET to be emotionally drained because I have put so much heart into what I am doing. Now trust me, some days that reminder is a VERY bitter pill to swallow, but the mindfulness that I have gained from this part of my life has truly taught me a lot about myself and how I go through life.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SoulCycle – what should we know?
SoulCycle is an indoor cycling company with 87 studios across the United States and Canada, with 5 specifically in Boston. What I love about SoulCycle is that while you riding on a bike that goes nowhere, you are on this amazing roller coaster physically, mentally emotionally. I’m a firm believer in having fun and ENJOYING your workout, so I love to bring my performance background into class! I’ve been dubbed the THEME RIDE KING and love to dress up in crazy costumes to really take things to the next level.
I’m most proud of the community that we build at SoulCycle and the level of hospitality that exists at our studios. Everyone is welcome and there is definitely space for everyone. SoulCycle cultivates a community of individuals who all bring their authentic selves while riding to the rhythm of the music and giving you space to just let go and make your physical movement more mindful.
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
My plans for the future feel very similar to that scene in the Sound of Music where Julie Andrews is spinning in the middle of the gorgeous hills. There are a lot of fun and exciting ways that things can go, but I’m trying to stay present and fully aware of where I am at in the moment. If there’s opportunity for me to perform onstage again, I absolutely would. If there’s opportunity for me to expand in the fitness industry, I absolutely would. If there’s some new venture coming my way that I’ve never thought of before, I absolutely would, ESPECIALLY if it’s being a game show or talk show host! For right now, I love where I am at. I love what I’m doing. I love where things are going. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next!
Pricing:
- If you’re ever interested in a group ride in one of my classes, follow me on instragram @tryansaurusrex and DM me! We also offer a great Soul Starter pack, which is three classes for the price of two! Call any studio to purchase!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soul-cycle.com
- Email: ryan.jones@soul-cycle.com
Image Credit:
@thekateowen
@soulcycle
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