Who Brought the POWER in March (2022)?
Marcia Potts
This month we are spotlighting Marcia Potts, who has been ryding with us since early 2018. I am going to keep this intro short and sweet, because Marcia does such an amazing, thorough job describing what it is about Power Ryde that has kept her coming back for so many years. Her Power Ryde story began with a Groupon ad that led her to a workout she loves. A workout that has made her stronger and allowed her body to be pain-free. Keep reading to learn all about Marcia's journey!
What brought you to Power Ryde?
I was in my 50’s and I made the conscious decision to get healthy in my “whole life” because I was stressed, crabby, constantly going to doctors, and in chronic pain. So I found a healthier job with healthier hours, and I looked for a fitness program that I could commit to – it had to work with my work schedule, be fun, local, age-appropriate, and not cause any additional unhealthy symptoms, like shin splints, back pain or feeling old! I saw a Groupon add, called the studio and talked to Meg before I bought it, and then signed up!
Do you remember your first ryde and how you felt after?
I had already spent about an hour on the phone with Meg! She was expecting me when I walked in. She was super encouraging and welcomed me with her always bright smile and her, “Hi Marcia!” She helped me set up (way in the back corner) and gave me the butt cushion! She made me feel comfortable to be uncomfortable! She introduced me to the other riders (I was shocked, no one talks to each other at workouts, right?). At the end of the ride, when I needed to just sit and peddle, others in the class told me it’d take 4 or 5 classes and to stay with it. I couldn’t believe how fun and friendly everyone was.
What has kept you coming back for more week after week?
It’s really important to allow each individual to come into class to achieve their own goals. Instruction and encouragement is at the core of your culture. Each ryde I’d set my goal to achieve one more small thing – until I recall going home and announcing that I actually did the ENTIRE RYDE ‘without cheating” (i.e. without sitting center). A few months later, Casey added the “Off the Bike” strength classes and I was HOOKED! The combination of cardio, core, and strength is exactly what I need for my age and my body structure. I continue to challenge myself, add harder classes, attend TRX strength classes, sign up for “doubles,” and am proud of myself that I can endure more physical challenges than ever before. I have NOT been to a chiropractor or other “specialist” doctor since I’ve joined. I get compliments on my strength and tone by others half my age (...though I still gotta get rid of this belly!:)).
Do you have a favorite moment that you remember at Power Ryde?
Hands down – I walked into the ladies rest room during my first week and saw the sign “What is impossible today will be your warm up tomorrow." I knew this was the place for me – because that is the culture and spirit of your studio and every one of your instructors! Accept where you are at and challenge yourself to do better – keep improving – believe it can happen. And you can transform an unhealthy body/attitude/spirit – as long as you keep showing up and trying! And everyone at Power Ryde is there to support you in your journey.
You attend our strength classes. What do you like most about these classes?
EVERYTHING! First, I know it’s really important for women my age to do combo of both cardio and strength training. All of the movements are EXPLAINED. Positions are DESCRIBED. Performance is MONITORED. It’s not competitive, nor about how much weight or how many reps you can do, it’s about getting stronger, doing what you can, and improving, no matter your starting point. PLUS, I love that so many times it’s so fun to share stories, be personal, complain together, get to know your neighbor, and be silly (OR NOT if you don’t want to!). Fitness is important, but it’s part of a whole health approach. It’s a healthy environment.
Tell us a fun fact about your yourself.
I’m almost 59. I practiced as a child and family psychologist for 30 years before I changed my career path and embraced a healthy lifestyle (4 years ago...aka same time as when I joined Power Ryde!). Last weekend I launched my new “hiking” hobby by going to the Grand Canyon to check that off my bucket list!
When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?
I’m always in search of SUN and WATER. But now, I’ll add HIKING to my list! I also love Country music, cooking for my family, and drinking wine with my sisters!
