Rider Spotlight

a ray of light in and out of the bike room.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a heart bigger than that of this month’s Rider Spotlight, Emily. She radiates warmth and enthusiasm, and is an absolute joy of a person - so, it’s not surprising that she spends her days championing awareness for kiddos in our area.

We can’t wait for you to get to know Emily a little better - be sure to give her a high-five if you see her in a Theme Ride or getting those steps in around town!

Meet Emily

Tell us about your first Ignite Ride.

My trainer, Matt at Meta Fitness Studio, suggested that I add Ignite Cycle into my weekly routine. He knew that I had had a few injuries from my days of running, so he thought Ignite would be a great place for me to get an awesome cardio workout while having fun. And he was right! Everyone was welcoming. I loved the vibe of the whole Ignite experience, but I really reflect on my second ride with Katie that got me hooked. I was still a little nervous, but I showed up and clipped in for that second ride. And the energy was incredible...I remember thinking in that class that Ignite was the place for me and I have not looked back!

What do you do when you're not woo-ing it up in The Bike Room?

The Three W's....working, walking, and wanting to focus on self-improvement. I love my job as Director of Cause Marketing at Children's of Alabama! Children's of Alabama is where I have spent most of my career, so working is something that brings me great joy (and I know how lucky I am to say that).
Walking is a huge part of my day - I always try to end the day with a brisk 30-45 minute walk to get my 12,000 steps. Walking helps me clear my mind, reduce stress, reflect on the blessings of that day and get ready for the next day. Wanting to focus on self-improvement is something that takes all sorts of forms - reading, watching a fav tv show/documentary, learning a few phrases in French, taking time to visit with family and friends....basically anything that allows me to spend a bit of time to work my brain or my heart.

What track gets you the most hype?

Any track from a Theme Ride! The Women of 2000s, Coldplay, Drake, and the 1970’s Disco have been my faves! My time at Ignite has opened my ears to lots of new artists and songs. The music is such a part of the overall experience and I've downloaded new tunes because of Ignite.

Fave move on the bike?

I cannot believe I am about to say this, but the Walking Press. For someone who is rhythmically challenged, this was a move that I never thought I would learn. But each time we did them – it was important for me to listen to my guide and to give my best. When I got stronger and more confident on the bike – it started making sense. And the first time I caught a glimpse in the mirror moving along with everyone else – I was super proud!

What's one thing we wouldn't know about you by scrolling through your social media?

I love Birmingham. Everyone knows that I love to travel, but they may not know that I have a deep, deep love of Birmingham. As a transplant from the early 1990’s – I have seen this city change, grow and become a wonderful place to live and work. I recognize that there are still changes that are needed. Looking back at the better part of 30 years I have spent in & out of Birmingham – this city has so much to offer. Birmingham is really a city of LOCAL! It is such a joy to be able to really embrace the local restaurants, shops, and workout spots like Ignite Cycle and Meta Fitness.