Amy Lipcius

Where do I even begin? This lady is like an onion - no she doesn't smell - so many layers to her that every time she comes to ryde (which is almost every...single...day!), I learn something new about her! Sometimes I wish she would just hang out with me at the front desk so we can chat because she really is so fascinating. Not to mention her kids are hilarious. No, I don't know her kids, but I stalk her on Facebook and her posts (which are usually about her kids) will have you laughing until you cry.

But in all seriousness, Amy is definitely someone you want to get to know! She's only been ryding with us for a few months and already she's become part of the Power Ryde family. When she doesn't come for a few days, I find myself thinking, I hope she's okay (when in reality she is probably just being smart and giving her legs a break). This hard working mama claims she is a "back row ryder" for LYFE, but we are all determined to get her up front!

Keep reading to learn more about Amy, who dragged her to her first class, why she rydes at Power Ryde, and some very interesting facts about her!

What brought you to Power Ryde?

Amy Szitanko is my soul sister and life counselor. She has such great energy that it's hard not to follow her advice! She convinced me I wouldn't fall over if I took her class. I own klutz-ing. I was hesitant but pleasantly surprised that I didn't bite it. She played great music as well. I'm a sucker for a legit tune. Plus she told me there was a disco ball. Only amazing things happen in rooms sporting disco balls. 

Do you remember your first ryde? How did you feel? What kept you coming back for more?

First ryde solidified my pseudo-nickname... "wounded gazelle". It was such a good "wound" though. I hadn't used certain muscles in years. Honestly, I viewed the seat as some sort of throwback-medieval-torture-device. After 3 or 4 classes though, strangely enough, you just kind of mold to the seat. The pain goes away. And you are just....addicted.

Why do you ryde at Power Ryde?

I am an absolute junkie for great energy. Support, encouragement, positivity...how I wish these things were more prevalent in day-to-day life! It's so evident at Power Ryde. Just an amazing flow there. Truly all the instructors teach to every level of ryder and help is always available for newbies. I appreciate that. This also marks the first fitness activity that my husband and I started doing together. He loves it as well and comes with me a few times a week.

What did you do for fitness prior to Power Ryde?

Shockingly, I'm a mild Facebook addict (If you know Amy, you know this is not shocking. Mild is an understatement! Insert, winky face). There was a meme out not too long ago that several friends sent me..."Fitness? More like fittin' this whole pizza in my mouth." Okay, I might not have been that bad but um...working out wasn't too high on my list of priorities. I did a little Pilates and yoga here and there but at 37, I figured I should step up the workouts. Gravity isn't always your friend, folks. Power Ryde classes kept my attention all through class, from the first class on!

What goals has Power Ryde helped you achieve?

Power Ryde has helped me, for the first time in my life, stick to a fitness routine that I love. I actually plan my week around classes. My energy level has improved immensely and I look at class time as my "me time". (Because my children are usually savages. Can I say that?!) I've met an amazing group of positive and encouraging people at Power Ryde. They just help me to be a better person all around!!

What goals are you hoping to achieve in 2017?

• January is my detox month... no sugar, gluten, dairy or alcohol. Excuse me a minute while I shed a tear for all of these lovely edi/drinkables. I have a thyroid disease so I am hoping a tweak in diet will help me need less medication. Stay tuned...
• Power Ryding at least 4-5 times a week. It's my sanity!!
• I am such an experience person. So goals include trying, seeing, and doing as much as possible this year. I believe I've effectively conned Amy Szitanko into hitting the Dakotas with me and my girls this coming Summer (while my husband experiences the awesomeness of the Kenai in Alaska, my home state!) so I complete my "visit all 50 states" bucket list item!!!
• Lastly, breaking my toddler of her Storm Trooper t-shirt addiction.

Do you have a favorite moment that you remember at Power Ryde?

All the instructors have strong playlists. The highlight would be when Amy Szitanko rocked some "Rocky Top" for my two brother-in-laws when they came for Christmas break. They are freshman on the University of Tennessee baseball team. They loved it!!!

What is your favorite music to ryde to?

Anything I can sing along to. Oh, and gangsta rap. 4 life.

Tell us a fun fact about your yourself.

I have a total gypsy soul and am always up for an adventure. I was in 26 states in 2016, including a cross country drive from CA to OH with my hubby and 3 girls. While checking in for our return flight, I asked everyone if they'd rather just drive and "have a crazy journey." I was so thrilled when they all said yes! The pics on that drive still make me laugh every time I look at them. #WorldsLargestCoffeePot

What motivates you?

My girls!!! Always and forever. I had three daughters in 4.5 years. Because, come on, who doesn't love a challenge?! They are 7, 4 and 2 and completely hilarious, energetic, crazy fun loves. They try my patience hourly but what's life without a little spark in it?! I intend to be around as long as possible so I can see my grand-kids and great grand-kids test their sanity some day. I'll quote Justin Timberlake on this one... "what goes around..."

When you are not Power Ryding, what can we find you doing?

I mean, I'm not going to say I'm a ninja warrior but ask yourself this question... have you ever seen a ninja and I in the same room? Julia Gibson can support my claim...

• I drive a mini van but you will always find gangsta rap on my dial. I was cool at one point in my life.
• Coffee flows through my veins like my blood probably should. Caffeine is like my fourth child.
• Oh, and I am a freelance writer for a local tech company. I've actualized my childhood dream of working in my pj's.

Way to go Amy Shackelford-Lipcius-Shackelford-Lipcius! We love having you ryde with us...and all your crazy, awesome stories. ^^^no that's not a typo, you can ask her about that some time for a GREAT story!