Reasons to Ride: Stuart

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I am Stuart, 36 years old and born and raised in Amsterdam. I love music (and especially enjoy attending live concerts), traveling and working out… Friends call me a serious gym addict! I think movement is very important and I try to move every day at least 30 minutes. My biggest passion is yoga and I have a daily practice. But I like to switch things up, so I do all different kind of sports: boxing, reformer pilates, calisthenics, strength training, HIIT training, barre, ballet fitness, running, hiking, surfing and rowing. And of course, I’m seriously addicted to…Vélo!

What is it you love about Vélo?

I love the vibe in the studio and the community. It’s a beautiful studio with awesome instructors and staff. It’s a place where you have the opportunity to allow yourself to take 45 minutes (or 60 minutes if you’re a badass) dedicated to yourself and no one else. A place where you can challenge yourself while having fun. And fellow riders also have a big contribution to your workout, because you are part of a group and the energy of fellow riders is contagious! Also, the workouts never feel the same because of the different music playlists. No wonder I’m addicted!

What is your ideal Vélo class and why?

I love pyramids! So, lots of pyramids please ☺ I love to train my endurance, so my ideal class would be less time on the saddle and just go for it (more Adrenaline classes please)! But a ride out track near the end of the class would be perfect too! For just one track; taking it easy, closing my eyes and riding it out on the beat of the music.

What is your perfect time to go to class (morning or evening) and why?

I think there’s no bad time to go to class, just show up ;) But if I have to choose then I would say I have a slight preference for a morning class because you can keep the post-ride feeling and that will definitely affect the rest of your day positively! That euphoric feeling will make sure you are ready for anything life throws at you. But I also like to end my day with a ride to leave everything that happened on that day behind and reset before going to bed.

What is Vélo to you?

A way to make peace with who you are and love yourself more while getting stronger and fitter. And it all comes down to being yourself and having fun on the bike!