Introducing our next Random Act of Soul honoree... BETH CLARK! Beth's sister nominated her saying, "My sister Beth is a champion. In the beginning of 2011, she started her journey to lose 50 lbs and she has succeeded through a combination of healthy eating and physical exercise. But it’s not just about the weight for her. It’s about a deeper connection between mind, body & soul. SoulCycle has sparked a light in Beth that has pushed her deeper into her own personal potential." We are thrilled to share her story and if you see her around SOUL, be sure to say hello! 

Beth and a friend at the Harry Potter Ride in UNSQ! 

A picture of Beth before her journey. Beth has changed inside and out! 

When/Where do you ride: 
I am fairly new to SoulCycle but I like to ride at UNSQ. Now that I am a Soul junkie I plan to ride wherever and whenever I can fit it into my schedule. I also love with a good theme ride! There is nothing more powerful than a room filled with people who love the same things you do and want to have a little fun paying tribute! My favorite ride was the Harry Potter spin: adorned with the classic HP scar, we all ditched the brooms, saddled up, and went on a magical ride to Hogwarts! It was flipping fantastic and one of the most fun/memorable nights I have had thus far!

Random Act of Soul:
I am an NYC first grade teacher who is currently in the process of reclaiming her life and making it her own.  This whole journey started with the goal to lose 50 pounds, but as my weight loss expedition progressed it became less about getting the weight off and more about self discovery and finding the healthy me!  I started in January and am about 15 pounds away from reaching my healthy weight, but I am just starting to realize who I am and what it truly means to be healthy and happy!  Now that I am starting to find personal balance within, I want to bring the same balance/healthiness/happiness to others around me especially in my classroom and school.  Childhood obesity has become this runaway freight train; this school year I want to bring healthy and happy living back to my students in the South Bronx!

What motivated you to take on this goal?
I wanted to lose 50 pounds because I didn’t like how I looked or felt, which caused me to be extremely self conscious.  I made excuses to stay home instead of go out, I rarely looked in the mirror, and I just detested the person I had become.  I hid it well on the outside but on the inside I would beat myself up relentlessly for being the way I was, eating poorly and being inactive.  I printed a gym schedule and Weight Watchers schedule which sat in my school bag for three weeks until I finally plucked up the courage to make a change instead of wallowing in self-pity any longer!  The driving force to keep me motivated came somewhere from within and from the people in my Weight Watchers group.  Having an awesome circle of friends and family who never wavered and were always supportive was a big help, as well as tuning in and watching a few hard working girls on the Biggest Loser, who I don’t technically know, but were motivational all the same!

What's been the high point so far?
The high point has definitely been actually discovering who I am supposed to be.  I have discovered this balance and confidence deep within myself that has lit a fire to continue on and better myself in other ways.  About half way through, the journey stopped being about how much weight I could drop and it became about discovering the possibilities and potential I actually have in this life!  I feel healthy and strong which I have never ever encountered before...ever!

What's been the low point?
April was a very hard month for me because I was just unsure of myself and frustrated with the weight loss journey all together. I was all about dropping the 50 pounds as quickly as I could and it just wasn’t coming off at all…I was on a plateau that lasted the entire month and I was very close to throwing my hands up and quitting. Moving beyond April I started to realize what the journey was all about, but there have been many moments where I slip back into my old mentality and let my self consciousness get the best of me. I second guess my abilities more often than not and it’s hard for me sometimes to drown out that voice that says “no you can’t.”  

You inspire us. Who inspires you?
I have two sisters who are a huge inspiration because they are, and have always been, confident and strong in who they are as individuals, which is just plain awe inspiring to me!  I tend to find my inspiration in people that are honest and real about who they are.  I am lucky to have a few wonderful people in my life that have gone through similar journeys and understand what I am trying to accomplish.  I am inspired by people like my yoga teacher and the SoulCycle instructors because they push me to be better than I think I can be.

I also am a huge fan of the Biggest Loser.  Whilst on my journey of self discovery, the 11th season of BL was playing out on NBC with two sisters (who remind me of me and my sisters) at the helm.  I was inspired by Olivia and Hannah’s journey because they were  strengthened by a supportive relationship with each other.  I am lucky to have similar bonds with both my sisters and I think that is what made them relateable and inspiring!  Maybe one day I will get to ride at SoulCycle with ‘em!  I have learned that support and inspiration come in every form; you just have to be willing to accept it.

How can riders support you?
I think it is important to remember that every person, at one time or another, was the new guy/gal so it is important to be open and welcoming to all those who enter the Soul community.  I felt warm and welcomed the first time I hopped in the saddle at SoulCycle and I instantly appreciated that because I have been in scenarios that made me feel exactly the opposite!  Happiness and healthiness are contagious we just have to spark the inspiration by putting good vibes out there for everyone to catch!

If you'd like to nominate someone for Random Act of Soul (winners get 3 free Soul classes) email blog@soul-cycle.com!