Soul Story: Lucinda Ora

Meet LUCINDA ORA, a talented singer songwriter, Twitter personality and SoulCycle addict more affectionately known as "Red." Lucinda's life at Soul and her music career are overlapping more and more: riders from Soul have been known to stop by her shows after class and Lucinda even names SoulCycle on her performance prep list. A valued member of our community, you won't want to miss her Soul Story.

When and how did you discover SoulCycle?

I had started to hear about SoulCycle through fitness blogs and media, but it took me a minute to get to a class. I had done indoor cycling before at the gym and wasn't really into it. I thought it was an extremely torturous way to spend 45 minutes listening to trance music.

Ultimately it was recovering from a running injury that motivated me to take a class. That was in October 2011. Little did I know that it would be a life-takeover in the most spectacular of ways!

What made you come back?

Rique and Danny Kopel were my first instructors and, although they teach very different classes, they definitely showed me that cycling could be extremely fun and very challenging.

Since my first classes with Rique and Danny, I have discovered that my SoulCycle class is much more than a workout for me. It's where I come to see my extended family and discover just how far I can push myself. Rique pushed me from front row to the instructor bike and I am pretty sure I would not have done that without him willing (forcing) me to do so. It's actually often his belief in me that moves me forward, on and off the bike.

How often do you ride now?

4-6 classes a week, typically with Rique, and once a week I'll try to double. Although very challenging, it is really a very joyful experience. I pretty much schedule my life around my classes... That's how much they mean to me!

What would you say are the mental and physical effects of riding so much?

I have always been extremely athletic, competing in sports and dance competitions all my life, so I was mostly just looking for something new and exciting to add to my fitness regimen. However, I wanted stronger legs to improve my running and help prevent injuries. I definitely have them now. My culture celebrates females who are more curvaceous, so being über-skinny never appealed to me. However being strong and keeping it tight is how I like to maintain my physique.

As for the mental aspects, I am on Cloud 9 (or "Cloud Rique" as I like to say), 90% of the time. I feel much more upbeat, and have felt myself become a more open, receptive and friendly person.

You have a strong presence on Twitter -- have you met a lot of people through SoulCycle?

Yes I have met a ton of people through SoulCycle... The friendships and support I have made and received have been truly mind-blowing and unexpected. If it weren't for the people, I'm not sure if I would be at Soul as much as I am. I see a lot of the same people in each of my classes and when one of the regulars is missing I really do notice. Some of my favorite people in my life now are people that I've met at SoulCycle. It's hard not to love people who see you sweaty, makeup-free and vulnerable. I feel very peaceful and at ease when I am in class. It's a magical feeling.

As a professional singer and songwriter, do you find that work and working out ever intersect? Does one have an impact on the other?

Yes! Everything you do, affects everything you do! People who feel good about themselves will always produce a like result in their work. The positivity I feel in my classes can't help but spill over into every other area of my life.

You inspire us. What inspires you?

Authenticity, uniqueness and boldness. People who are willing to go against the grain and live fully and passionately for what they believe in. Passion, whether beautiful or ugly, is always attractive to me. A person who can choose their own thoughts and opinions over what is popular is who I like to surround myself with. Also, excellence. People who strive to be the best at what they do. There is always a next level to reach.

Questions or comments? Feel free to email blog@soul-cycle.com!

Posted June 25, 12