Instructor of the Month: Lauren Kaplan

Lauren Kaplan is originally from New Jersey.  She met her husband in NYC where they lived together.

My background Is in healthcare and I worked as a child life specialist in a paediatric hospital (Montefiore Children’s) in the Bronx before moving to Montreal.  I worked at Starlight Children’s Foundation for many years before having my two children.  Once I had my kids I wanted to work again but more part time and deciding my hours.  I was always in shape, but after having my two kids I needed to lose some weight and wanted to find a workout that I actually enjoyed and didn’t dread going to.  For me, working out was always a means to an end.  Nothing that I ever really wanted to do.

 A friend brought me to a rhythm based spin class and although I wasn’t able to do everything, I loved it!  I loved the concept and the fun of it.  One thing led to another and the owner asked me to try and teach.  I learned alot from him, but then very much developed my own style and personality on the bike.

I wanted to show people that working out could be fun.  I believe that it is not just a physical workout.  It is just as much a mental and emotional escape and release as it is a way to physically stay in shape.  We focus so much on our physical appearance and staying physically fit, that we forget our mental state.  I want people to use the music and the ride as an escape, a release, a way to let go, forget, remember and feel like they are at a party.

I taught at the first studio and managed in Montreal for about 5 years, then left and was the manager of the spin program and instructor at another studio in Westmount neighbourhood.  I then left and taught for a year at the third studio until covid.  I have taught rhythm based spinning for about 10 years now.

Once we closed the studio in March, I decided that I didn’t want to stop teaching and now more than ever my riders need that outlet and distraction and way to work out.  I launched my own website, brand and spin platform beginning of May….realspin.ca.

I offer high definition live stream classes from my website with lights and integrated sound 6x a week.  All my live rides are recorded and uploaded to a content library so that the riders can choose one and ride when it fits into their schedule.

There are approximately 90 rides in the content library.  Each ride is a different theme….motown, vegas pool party, alternative rock, boy bands, edm ride, 80’s etc.  I also have many 35 min. express rides, a dj ride and a 101 beginner ride.  The rides are 45 minutes with one song of weights.  We ride to the beat of the music, play with resistance all while incorporating upper body moves/choreography to feel like you are dancing on the bike.  Each ride is for everyone!  There is no one no matter what age or fitness level that doesn’t belong.  You find the beat sitting in the saddle as your base and then build on that….baby steps….add some arm moves, stand up etc.

There are various ways to sign up on the platform.  A drop in ($9.99 plus tax) is a one time cost and gives you access to both the live rides and the recorded rides for 7 days.  The unlimited recorded content membership is a rucurring monthly membership (($29.99 plus tax) and it gives you access to only the recorded content library with a 5 day free trial.  The all access membership is also a monthly membership ($36.79 plus tax) and it gives you access to both the live rides and the recorded rides with a 5 day free trial.

The rides can be viewed on any device….ipad, phone, computer, tv or even the peleton screen if people have a peleton spin bike.

My goal is for people to enjoy the ride.  I want people to clip in and not look at the time….to sing out loud, sweat and get lost.  There is so much uncertainty in the world with or without covid and I want my rides to be one thing that they can do without any pressure, anxiety or fear.  It is their ride and their time to sweat and have fun.