ast month we had the opportunity to interview a competitive cyclist and got to understand all the training they’ve done to build up to it. What about the ones who are interested in cycling but don’t want to compete? How about the ones who also have no interest in cycling outdoors? Enter Yeg-Cycle, a facility that helps motivate fitness enthusiasts in 60 min spin sessions of high energy cardio & strength training and all of this done indoors. In the past 6 months I’ve participated in a handful of classes and have had the opportunity to stumble upon one class in particular that hit home. It pushed me just the right amount, it fueled my motivation and drove me to push myself more every class. This class is driven by Katrina Nelson.
WD: Hi Katrina! Thank you so much for sitting with us at the Edmonton Muse! Tell us a little bit about yourself, what got you to start with Yeg-Cycle?
KN: I started spinning there back in January 2016 and instantly fell in love with the atmosphere and the people. I would go every morning at 6:00am before school and was instantly addicted. Yes, getting in shape was amazing, but that was just a bonus. The music and the support you feel from the motivator and the other 41 people riding with you are indescribable. Shortly after, Farha Shariff offered me a position to work as a crew member at the studio. This quickly translated into a far-fetched dream of becoming a motivator. October rolled around, training at YEG Cycle had gone by in a flash and before I knew it I was seeing my name on the schedule. The rest is history.
WD: What an amazing story. Do you do any cycling outside of yeg-cycle or any other sports for that matter?
KN: I’m fortunate enough to mountain bike with my dad in the Rockies. I also love biking in the river valley in Edmonton. I do enjoy yoga, specifically hot yoga and I also love jogging in the summer outdoors, and am looking forward to running the Seawheeze half marathon this summer.
WD: How long have you been a motivator at Yeg-Cycle? How many days a week are you there?
KN: I have been a motivator at YEG Cycle since November 2016. I’m at the studio Tuesday 9:15am, Wednesday 7:45pm, Thursday 6:00am, Sunday 1:15pm. However, we have a new studio opening up soon downtown in which my schedule will change. I will then be at the Whyte ave location Tuesday 6:00am at 124 th , Wednesday 7:45pm, and at the 124th location Sunday 10:30am.
WD: What is one of the most challenging things you face today when it comes to fitness & health?
KN: I think one of the most challenging things that women face today in fitness and health is the unrealistic expectations placed on us by social media. I am no exception to this challenge. It’s so easy to compare yourself to a photoshopped image in a magazine and I think people forget just how beautiful it is to be truly unique.
WD: I couldn’t agree more! Have you always been into sports growing up?
Athlete of the Month
Katrina Nelson
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" I think one of the most challenging things that women face today in fitness and health is the unrealistic expectations placed on us by social media. I am no exception to this challenge."
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