4 Things It Takes to be an FRC Instructor
Kenzie Todd had ZERO professional fitness industry experience when she first auditioned to become a cycling instructor. Today we sat down with her to learn the story how she went after her goal and hear the four traits that lead her to the podium…
“You never forget your first time. Mine was a 6am class at SoulCycle in Brentwood, CA back in 2014. I was terrified and worried I was going to get hooked on something I knew my budget didn’t allow for, but nonetheless, there I was. I walked out of my first class thinking how almost everyone does after their first endorphin-filled, euphoric, energizing 45-minute cycling class: my head spinning with phrases along the lines of “holy sh*t that was so hard, but I’m coming back!”. After a few months of riding, I thought “hmmm maybe, just maybe one day I’ll have the courage to be the one leading the class.”
A couple years went by and I found myself new to Nashville, desperately missing the ride, the experience, and the sweat indoor-cycling had to offer. A few weeks later, I heard about a studio hosting auditions and thought, “why not?”. So I went for it — without ANY experience and ended up getting the gig. Fast forward three years and now cycling is my entire WORLD.
Looking back, it was these four traits that took me from a rider to the podium, and there the traits I’m looking for in new talent that I am hoping to bring to Full Ride Cycling:
Vulnerability. To me, this is the most important. You have to know where you are to know where you need to go and what you need to work on. It’s a process of growth so lean into it and know you have to start somewhere. Connection is derived from vulnerability. In your audition, be real. be different.
Practice. Practice, practice, practice. It’s a physically demanding job. The stronger you are on the bike, the easier it will be for you. Work at it.
Trust. Let it be an adventure. If there is something inside you that is pulling you to audition, DO IT. We are not looking for perfection, we are looking for those with drive, persistence, and the ability to work through the hard things. Trust yourself enough to lean into the fear.
Confidence. I was scared out of my mind when I first auditioned and as the first few months as a new instructor. Good things take time. Fake it till you make it and know that everyone who has ever done anything like this before has also been shaking in their shoes ;)
I’ve been teaching in Nashville for just over three years and I still apply these four principles to my daily life as an instructor and business owner. To me, these are the fundamentals I am looking for as I expand my team. If it’s in you and you’re willing to work for it, it’ll happen.”
Think you got these four traits..? Full Ride Cycling’s instructor auditions are back January 9th, 2021. Visit this link for all the details.