Month: June 2017

Dan & his journey to Rhythm Cycling

Today we got a chance to talk with Dan, the Cycling Director of Absolute Cycle. Dan shares his story and a journey of how rhythm cycling changes his life…

How did you get into fitness industry? What’s your inspiration for becoming a cycling instructor? Tell us about your journey to this career.

I was, what could probably be described as an overweight banker, having worked in finance for 18 to 20 years. I neglected my health badly. I had tried going to the gym and all that did was bulk me up, didn’t help me lose weight and didn’t give me the physique I was looking for. So I tried road cycling and while it was a good cardio, it built really big muscled legs which I didn’t want either. I discovered Rhythm cycling and found out the technique of riding puts the focus on the right body parts and has the right mix of cardio and heart rate management that helped me lose all the weight and also trim down. So rather than big and bulky, it’s lean and mean!

At the beginning, I was inspired to be a rider because I was into the music and the routines that the class gave; it’s a connection between the rhythm, the breath, and the moves. After a while, I thought this is actually something that I would love to do. I saw the way instructors were on the stage, I saw the impact that made on people’s lives. Also, at that time, I was looking for a way out of the banking business. This was something I thought I could be passionate about. So the switch to here was fitness related initially but then it became more of a life goal, more worthwhile than being in banking, so that was the switch. Something that I was inspired and passionate about. It was a total shift! I’d heard about people doing it, but never really thought you could. Then once I discovered that you could – I was in 110%.

How much weight did you lose?

At the peak, I was 100 kgs and then now 80 kgs. 20 kgs – a big change.

Can you please describe the Rhythm cycling class? What’s it like, why people will love it and what’s the benefit?

Rhythm cycling is basically different from spinning. Spinning is not very well-connected to the music, the music is more in the background and more focused on what you’re doing on that bike. Whereas, in Rhythm cycling, the music is in the foreground. The music is the essence of the class – you control the class mood, motion and the speed with the music. Classes here at Absolute Cycle are very structured. We have specific beats per minute for each song in a routine. It’s not random 11 songs pieced together, it’s well-choreographed routines that aim to train different muscle groups and also shift between fat burn, endurance, metcon and HIIT.

Can you please describe the Rhythm cycling class? What’s it like, why people will love it and what’s the benefit?

Rhythm cycling is basically different from spinning. Spinning is not very well-connected to the music, the music is more in the background and more focused on what you’re doing on that bike. Whereas, in Rhythm cycling, the music is in the foreground. The music is the essence of the class – you control the class mood, motion and the speed with the music. Classes here at Absolute Cycle are very structured. We have specific beats per minute for each song in a routine. It’s not random 11 songs pieced together, it’s well-choreographed routines, that aim to train different muscle groups and also shift between fat burn, endurance, metcon and HIIT.

Why people would love it?…

I think because, underneath everything we do, people love music. It’s there in everybody’s life – day in, day out – whether you are in the car, shopping mall, club, bar, restaurant, music is always there. I think people have a natural connection to rhythm, even the way that we walk, the way that we talk, there’s always a rhythm to it. So when we bring the music into a group exercise dynamic like this, people adapt to it very quickly and the music pulls you along in class – helping you get through it a lot easier.

What’s it like?…

It’s being in a room with 40 other sweaty people, all working together as one. We ride at the same pace, we all move at the same time. There’s an excellent group dynamic. You’re going to love the music, the moves, the people, the instructors, the lighting, the sweat, and the feeling afterwards! When you get out of here, you will feel so light. It does take a few classes to get fully used to it. As with anything, you can’t expect to be perfect the first time. So you have to give yourself a chance to get into it. Allow your body to adapt – once you are through that stage, it becomes a magical experience.

What are the benefits?…

Definitely weight loss, serious weight loss. It’s great cardio exercise. It focuses on the abdominals, the core, the obliques and the butt/glutes. A lot of women and some men don’t like the idea of cycling, worried that it will give them big muscled legs. In this class, the focus is not actually on the legs, we don’t use our quads, thigh, calves muscle – it’s all on the core, on the butt. It’s a very good exercise if you are looking to tone up/trim down those areas. For me also, it’s the mental awareness. I find after every class I’m able to think clearer, feel better and process thoughts in a much more positive way. It’s my meditation.

What’s special or unique about Absolute Cycle?

All of our teachers have been trained to a very high level by incredibly experienced instructors, with years of experience overseas. Our training program is the best out there. You are not going to find better. The secret to it is our methodology and the way we structure our classes – and the science behind that, the physiology – the way we focus on form. Plus, they’re all great entertainment value!

What keeps you motivated, inspired and cycling every day?

Honestly, it’s the riders! The people that come here. The people that come in and have that first experience with Rhythm Cycling, they look at you afterward and say “Wow, that was amazing!” Also, you have existing riders that have breakthrough moments where they’re pushing themselves further than they thought possible. The people that come up to you with their success stories – weight down, blood pressure down and better mood – and just to see these smiles on people’s faces ? It’s difficult to get that high from anything else.

What advice would you give to people who are trying to be healthier, fitter and getting in shape?

Come and take our classes at Absolute Cycle! Dare to try! No harm can come from trying. No hurt can come from making a commitment to yourself to come once or twice a week. Even if it’s not cycling, try to find something that you can be passionate about. Make the time, don’t make excuses. Every successful person in the world has the same hours in a day as you – they just don’t make excuses. They get on and do it. So, my advice is to stop making excuses, take a deep breath and let the process happen!

Do you have a story to share? Email us HERE! Want to ride? Click HERE to book a bike!

by absolutecycle

Committed to 15 Rides – K. Janatip Bhokavanij

How K. Janatip Bhokavanij, Absolute Cycle rider kept their New Year’s Resolution by clipping in over 30 times in 30 days

Last month K. Janatip Bhokavanij took up the challenge riding over 30 times, taking the New Year’s Challenge – Committed to 15 very seriously! After reaching her goal, and receiving her amazing gifts, we look back and tell you how the pack and inspirational instructors kept her motivated. We also asked her which rides bring them good memories and how Absolute Cycle is changing her life…

We look back with K. Janatip Bhokavanij, who rocked 30 rides, to tell you how the pack and inspirational instructors kept her motivated. We also asked her which rides bring her good memories and how Absolute Cycle is changing her life…

What first brought you to Absolute Cycle?

I was already a member of Absolute You when K. Ben brought rhythm cycling to Thailand. I heard about it due to the success of it in US, so I didn’t hesitate into try it.

Fitness has been part of my whole life. While I love Pilates, I have been looking for an energizing and fun cardio workout that could also target specific areas of my body; butt, hips, and thighs, as well as work my core to complement my Pilates exercise.

Tell us about your first ride. How did it feel?

My first ride was at theCOMMONS studio. I was one of the first members to try rhythm cycling with Absolute Cycle and I loved it. The music, the instructor, the environment. I felt so good and excited about this new workout. My coordination was ok, however, as a beginner, I couldn’t do the double times. That was actually my motivation point to come back until I got it right. When it happened, it was a breakthrough of emotions. It just feels great to enjoy the endorphins of 30-second sprints. 

How has Absolute Cycle impacted you physically / emotionally or both?

My professional life pushes me hard over my limits. My schedule is very tight and stressful, so I really need my outlet to get it fixed. When this challenge came up, I was actually on vacation so I set the goal to do a class every single day during the campaign period. And I did it! Better than that I saw immediate changes on my body. Much leaner, toned and I could see the abs line coming up…hahaha

Has clipping in influenced you in any other ways?

The impact on my body has been positive, of course, but it was by riding where I realized that there is more than how my body looks like on the outside that gets me through class, but it’s the strength I have on the inside that keeps me coming for more.

You rocked 30 rides in February. What made you take the challenge?

Definitely the challenge, and how that motivated me to set a goal of doing a class every day. By the end, I was doing that for myself, not really to only score rides.

So was the goal of 15 classes within 30 days easy or difficult to achieve?

Because I enjoy riding so much, I have to say it was not that difficult for me to reach that goal. Additionally, I made myself accountable by announcing my goal to friends and family. Sure, there were days that it was hard to get to the studio, but knowing how I would feel the end of each and every class kept me coming back.

Do you have any particular rides or memories at Absolute Cycle that stand out to you?

All the classes are unique because of the music, the instructor, however, I must say the most memorable class I had was when I mastered the 1,2 (laugh).
Thank you K. Janatip Bhokavanij for sharing your story with us. Thank you for keep challenging yourself every day at Absolute Cycle. We look forward to seeing you on the bike.

Have questions or comments? Email pearl@absoluteyou.com!

by absolutecycle

Committed to 15 Rides - K. Bongpavee Waratjirunthanin

From becoming more motivated to fine-tuning their healthy habits, our Committed to 15 Rides Challengers achieved incredible success in just 1 month of thrilling daily rides. Check out their stories and let them inspire you to by the incredible benefits of a daily cycling routine can introduce to your wellbeing.

Today we talked with K. Bongpavee Waratjirunthanin, one of the rockstar riders taking the Committed to 15 rides challenge. She shared what motivated her to take the challenge and the incredible results she achieved in only 30 days…

What motivated you to sign up for the challenge? 

My professional life doesn’t allow me to have much time for myself, much less, time to work out. In November, after 2 years of a passive membership with Absolute You, I decided that was time to do something for me. That commitment to myself started with a workout routine and the Committed to 15 Rides challenge was right there to prove to myself. 15 rides in 30 days for a person without workout habits seemed challenging, the prize very interesting, so I thought, why not?

Rhythm cycling is something very new in Thailand, and I couldn’t be happier to be able to practice it. I’ve got lots of friends, I enjoy the time I’m on the bike, and it couldn’t be more satisfied with the amazing changes I see on my body and my way to face up to things.

What was your favorite part of the challenge?

I loved the sense of friendship and community that was created with the challenge. We were all in it together, whether we were excited about classes or admitting that we were struggling. I have got new friends that push me every day to come to take a class. Every time one of us got a stamp for the ride done, would share it immediately on group line. It was fun how seriously we all took the challenge. It was great to see that I wasn’t alone.

What type of results did you see or feel after the challenge is over?

I felt stronger! I also started a program with Absolute FitFood, so by eating better, I wasn’t hungry all the time and started snacking less. During the challenge, I lost 3 kilos and my body fat percentage dropped 3%. I also have more energy for my workouts. I will definitely sign up for another challenge again!

Thank you K. Bongpavee Waratjirunthanin for your inspirational testimonial. We are glad to help you to achieve your goals for a healthier and happier life. See you on the bike!

Have questions or comments? Email pearl@absoluteyou.com!

by absolutecycle