April 14, 2019

Meet Sylvia & Yo Santosa – April 2019 Riders of the Month

#theBESPOKEeffect with Sylvia and Yo Santosa

Nominated by Instructor Orlando

Sylvia Riding Since: November 2017 | Rides Taken: 190

Yo Riding Since: December 2018 | Rides Taken: 167

In Orlando’s words: these two show up for every class, and not just mine – sometimes they double up with back-to-back classes. A BESPOKE trend! The thing about these two, they don’t just show up, they go hard! This is not a requirement but they give over 100% each time they ride. On and off the bike they bring smiles, jokes and overall good energy to the class, and the entire studio. These two are always pleasant and sweet. They don’t keep all this BESPOKE goodness to themselves… they often bring a guest to the studio!

Question: When did you start riding?

Silvia: Jan 2018

Question: What made you search for an indoor cycling studio?

Silvia: Curiosity. I’ve been a runner for 20 years and looking for a good cardio alternative.

Question: Do you know how many rides you’ve taken?

Silvia: Around 150.

Question: How did you hear about BESPOKE?

Silvia: Classpass

Question: Had you ever spun before BESPOKE before joining?

Silvia: Yes, I’ve tried Soul Cycle.

Question: Who is your fitness role model, and why?

Silvia: My mom, she will be 70 in a couple of years and works out consistently each morning to keep healthy, looking and feeling good.

Question: Who is your fitness role model, and why?

Yo: My sister. Check out her arms.

Question: What is your favorite music to cycle too?

Silvia: Retro Hip Hop.

Question: Tell us of a specific accomplishment you’ve had with your active lifestyle.

Silvia: I’ve been able to reduce my body fat %.

Question: What keeps you motivated lately?

Silvia: Other consistent riders help keep me motivated along with Orlando’s classes – his direction, choreography, energy, and music keeps me engaged to push myself each class. And his smile is just…magical.

Question: What would you tell new riders?

Yo: It’s ok if you can’t keep up, you’ll get better! My first ride, I rode like I am strolling at the beach. 😉

Question: What changes have you made that are working for you?

Silvia: I book my seats in advance so I am committed. Riding with my sister so we try to keep each other accountable.

Question: How consistent are you with riding on a weekly basis?

Silvia: 3 times per week consistency.

Question: What is the most important part of your transformation?

Silvia: I am stronger than I thought, physically and mentally.

Question: What would you tell new riders?

Silvia: Don’t be intimidated, you can go at your own pace, nobody judges. Try out different instructors, so you can find the style that suits you best. The instructors and environment are there to support you and your self-discovery.

Question: What has been your most memorable experience with BESPOKE?

Silvia: Riding with both my sister and mom last year.

Question: Where there any obstacles or challenges you faced in losing weight?

Yo: Abstinence from fried chicken.

Question: How long did it take to see major changes?

Silvia: 6 months of spinning consistently.

Question: Lose any inches from your waist?

Silvia: I think so.

Question: Where there any obstacles or challenges you faced in losing weight?

Silvia: Controlling my overeating has been a challenge for me. Food is just so good.

Question: On a scale of 1 – 10 how healthy do you feel incorporating cycling into

your lifestyle?

Silvia: 8

RIDE WITH SYLVIA & YO

March 11, 2019

Meet Jessica – March 2019 Rider of the Month

OT: “I chose Jessica because from the first time she took my class she let me know how much I made her push herself. Ever since that day, I have strived bring that experience to every single rider. Jessica sneaks her way into the back row without being noticed, but her energy always radiates to the front. She brings her A-game to every ride and does it with pride. She is officially apart of my #ShawteeSquad!”

When did you start riding? Last summer.
What made you search for an indoor cycling studio? My friends at work loved it and convinced me to give it a try.
Had you ever spun before BESPOKE before joining? Years ago, at a 24-hour fitness (BESPOKE is for sure a giant upgrade – this place was super old school)
Who is your fitness role model, and why? Probably my Dad. He just turned 65 and still competes in off-road motorcycle racing.
What is your favorite music to cycle too? I like all kinds of music in general, so anything that keeps me going, I’m down for.
Tell us of a specific accomplishment you’ve had with your active lifestyle. I ran the LA Marathon in 2012. I didn’t die. So maybe one day I’ll try again.
What keeps you motivated lately? I got pretty sick at the end of last year and ended up having surgery. It sounds corny, but to feel good, be healthy, and be able to exercise, is motivation enough.
How consistent are you with riding on a weekly basis? It all depends on work, but I do my best to make it as much as I can.
On a scale of 1 – 10 how healthy do you feel incorporating cycling into your lifestyle? 10 – there’s never a time when I walk out of class and think – that was a mistake, I should’ve ordered a pizza instead. I always feel better after going.
What would you tell new riders? Just do your thing – don’t worry about anyone else. No one is you, and that is your power.
What has been your most memorable experience with BESPOKE? My second class ever was music-less (technical difficulties). It proved that BESPOKE instructors can hang, and are the real deal. It ended up being a great workout!
How much weight did you lose from day one? I’m not sure. I try to stay away from the scale and pay more attention to how I feel (and how my jeans fit). I’m sure if I cut out the cocktails I could be leaner, but what’s the fun in that? For me, the benefit of spinning has been mostly mental.
Where there any obstacles or challenges you faced in losing weight? Honestly, I do struggle with balance; I’m still not sure what moderation is/feels like, but I’m learning!

January 28, 2019

Meet Rachael – January 2019 Rider of the Month

Hector: “I chose Rachael as a Rider of the Month because she, like many before her, have become staples to the BESPOKE community. Rachael is one of those members you just instantly remembered and got to know; you couldn’t miss her hot pink hair and just awesome vibe. She is usually always there in the mornings riding front row, doing back to back classes with the usual Starbucks run in between! Ha. She’s someone like I’m sure many others are that have made fitness and spinning a lifestyle and will continue to for years to come. :)”

When was your first ride?
February 2017

How many rides have You taken in total to date?
435!!!!

What made you search for an indoor cycling studio?
Honestly…I went overboard eating on a trip and needed to feel less bloated. Heard spinning was the way to go!

How did you hear about BESPOKE?
A friend suggested it actually. It was too hot to go hiking, so she brought me to BESPOKE instead.

Tell us of a specific accomplishment you’ve had with your active lifestyle.
I joined a weight loss challenge and through consistency in taking BESPOKE classes, I lost over 20 pounds.

How consistent are you with riding on a weekly basis?
6-10 rides a week. If I can, I double up. Everyone should try it at some point. Seems intimidating, and sometimes a bit crazy, but the second class almost always feels like it goes by faster! Body is already warm and loose and ready for the beating. Ha!

What would you tell new riders?
Don’t get discouraged. It does take about 4-5 rides to get used to spinning. Also, it doesn’t get easier, but you get better, and it does feel rewarding when you can start keeping up to the beat of the music!

RIDE WITH RACHEL

December 10, 2018

Meet Maya – December 2018 Rider of the Month

Maya was nominated by studio General Manager Maritzabell. “A corporate extraordinaire by day and spin queen by night. Maya is so inspiring, she can be found at BESPOKE on weekends, sharing her spunk, smiles and warm wishes for workout success from behind our front desk. Maya is part of the coveted BESPOKE family and we cherish her drive and consistency as a rider, family member and career woman!

Her weekdays are filled with the corporate minutiae that can drain anyone’s momentum .. NOT MAYA! She allows it to fuel her into focus and drive, investing in her transformation. She began as a rider and now we literally pay for her presence – she is such a delight.

Follow her journey below and stop by to say hi to her on weekends! Weekdays, she is right next to YOU, tapping it back and adding resistance on the front row. Join her, join us & share your success! “

When did you start riding?

I took my first cycling class in August 2016. My first class at Bespoke was in February 2017.

What made you search for an indoor cycling studio?

I used to be a runner when I was younger and I hurt my knees. I was bored with the same workouts and always working out on my own, so I tried indoor cycling for the first time with the hope of finding an intense but low-impact workout. I wanted to mix up the stale routine I had at that time. The competition of a class and the motivation of an instructor make cycling the perfect fitness destination for me.

Do you know how many rides you’ve taken?

I am somewhere around 100-120! I try to take class three or four times a week.

How did you hear about BESPOKE?

I used to live a block over from Bespoke and I walked by the studio after leaving Target. I was excited to try a studio so close to my home!

Had you even spun before BESPOKE before joining?

Yes, I spun before joining BESPOKE. However, I really liked the instructors I had at Bespoke. I believed they were the best and most challenging in February 2017 and I believe that today.

Who is your fitness role model, and why?

I know I am wiggling out of this question with this answer, but I truly view all of our instructors as role models. I am so impressed by the ability to lead a class of cyclists while really working hard on the bike yourself. I feel that I learn different approaches and pick up bits of knowledge that make me a better rider with each class. I know several of our instructors well, and they each have unique challenges in their lives that make their energy, dedication, and stamina admirable to me.

What is your favorite music to cycle too?

I enjoy a really wide range of music, but on the bike, I am all about a great beat! I am a big hip hop fan, but I also enjoy more dance/EDM mixes. Thanks to Hector, I really like cycling to Latin songs as well.

Tell us of a specific accomplishment you’ve had with your active lifestyle.

I specifically love the confidence I have gained from cycling. I feel comfortable wearing whatever I want to wear, and I never worry about not being able to fit any of my clothes. I used to be very self-conscious, but it is so great to be comfortable in a swimsuit any time in LA!

What keeps you motivated lately?

I truly have a great time in class, so most of the time just the idea of going to class is enough to keep me motivated. I am also a person who focuses on an event or occasion and I plan what I am going to wear, how I want to look, etc. My birthday is coming up at the end of January, so I will definitely be focused on exercising and eating well before then.

What changes have you made that are working for you?

I started a new medication in June that interacts with alcohol, so I haven’t had any since then! That has made a big change in my lifestyle, mood, energy, and overall well-being. I also cut back to one serving of caffeine a day. Both of these changes have helped me sleep better and then have more energy for cycling (and life in general).

Any other breakthroughs you’ve had that you want to share?

I had two major breakthroughs on the bike. The first one was the first time I made it through a whole class without missing any choreography and staying on beat. The second was making it through a class and having a great time. There’s another wall you cross where it just becomes much more fun and a lot more like dancing rather than hard work.

How consistent are you with riding on a weekly basis?

I strive for four classes a week, but realistically I attend three. I do skip a week here and there, for illness or travel. I recently started adding a mix of weights, yoga, and barre to the days I don’t cycle.

On a scale of 1 – 10 how healthy do you feel incorporating cycling into your lifestyle?

10 being the healthiest possible, I would give the addition of cycling to my lifestyle a true 10. There is not much better than the healthy feeling after a class – the feeling of giving it your all and leaving the room to take on whatever comes my way. The most challenging part of the day has been conquered and anything else is easy!

What would you tell new riders?

Cycling just keeps getting better! It is really challenging when you begin, and your first several classes will be very difficult. You will most likely experience soreness in muscles you did not know you had. However, it gets better! You will slowly master the choreography, and catch the faster beats on the bike. The best feeling is breaking through your old limits and accomplishing more on the bike than you did in your last class.

What has been your most memorable experience with BESPOKE?

The most memorable part of Bespoke is the community we have at the studio. I feel that we are one of the most open and welcoming studios. I know fellow riders from all walks of life, all ages, and all activity levels. I love that we can all come together in one room and cycle despite any differences we might have. I am so grateful for the friends I have made and the kindness, support, and encouragement of everyone at Bespoke.

How much weight did you lose from day one?

I am down 15lbs since I started the trade for service program in April!

How long did it take to see major changes?

I saw improvement in my first month, from April to May. I was moderately active at the time, so I definitely was not starting from scratch. I was able to burn a lot of the fat I wanted to lose fairly quickly!

Lose any inches from your waist?

Absolutely! Clothes that were almost too tight to wear are loose now, I have lost a size or two depending on brand.

(I didn’t take initial measurements so I can’t give a number here)

Where there any obstacles or challenges you faced in losing weight?

Yes, I have a demanding day job so I really had to prioritize working out. It is not always easy to commit to a schedule for working out so I had block out time for cycling. It is always difficult to eat healthy when you are busy, so I had to think about what I was eating and how each food made me feel. By making these two changes, I saw a lot of improvement.

RIDE WITH MAYA

October 8, 2018

Meet Sam – October 2018 Rider of the Month

Sam Spencer was nominated by Instructor Erica because of his spirit, drive, and consistency as a rider at BESPOKE!

Erica: “I selected Sam because of his spirit, drive, and consistency as a rider here at BESPOKE! When he first started riding here, he told me that BESPOKE instantly made him feel included, which wasn’t always his experience at other indoor cycling studios. His feeling of inclusion is extremely important to me because my goal as an instructor is for everyone to feel accepted in and out of class! Here are five questions that give an idea of his accomplishments these last six months.”

What made you search for an indoor cycling studio?

In March, my annual physical didn’t go well. I have done a dozen marathons and have always been active and athletic, but injury and just plain laziness were catching up with me at age 56. My weight and lab results led my doctor to recommend going on medications to mitigate my risk of future problems, but I suggested he give me a few weeks to attack the situation with modifications to my diet and exercise regimen, among them replacing all my ‘days off’ with spin classes at Bespoke. I bought an introductory pass and dove in.

How long did it take you to see major changes?

Ten weeks later, I had dropped 25 pounds, normalized my blood pressure and blood sugar, and shaved 70 points off my cholesterol. Even better, as I write this in October, I have kept the weight off – I’m down 30 pounds now – and the changes I made are now entrenched as habits. I turn 57 this month, and I have the weight and physique I had at 25.

What was the most important part of your transformation?

Becoming a BESPOKE regular was the most important part of my transformation. And the 100 classes I’ve taken have come with the added bonus of becoming a part of a community, not just with other riders but with the fantastic instructors and staff, who are unfailingly professional, helpful, and fun. I look forward to seeing them with every ride, and that’s an important part of what keeps me going. A huge thank you to everyone at BESPOKE for their help in making this one of the best years of my life.

What is your favorite music to cycle to?

My own musical taste is out of the mainstream I’m rarely familiar with what’s being played in class, but it’s okay! I leave those choices to the instructors, and part of their skill is making the music work for the kind of workout they want to lead that day, and they’re all great at it. So my part is just to lock in on the beat and find the right resistance to make staying on that beat a challenge.

What advice would you give a newer rider who may feel afraid to take the leap you took?

I had done some spinning prior to 2018, but for the true beginner, I’d say either a community ride or an intro package is an easy way of seeing how spinning works for you. From what I observe when there are new people in the room, the staff and instructors always take special care to help take the stress out of those first few classes.

#theBESPOKEeffect with SAM SPENCER!

Riding since: March 2018 | Number: of Rides: 111

Sam Spencer was nominated by Instructor Erica because of his spirit, drive, and consistency as a rider at BESPOKE! The studio instantly made him feel included, which wasn’t always his experience at other indoor cycling studios. His feelings of inclusion are extremely important to Erica because her goal as an instructor is for everyone to feel accepted in and out of class. Check out his captivating story!

September 9, 2018

Meet Scott – September 2018 Rider of the Month

How did you hear about BESPOKE?

I was part of a weight loss challenge in my office. We paired up in teams of 2 for the contest. My partner suggested we try to spin at BESPOKE as part of our winning strategy.

2. Had you ever spun before BESPOKE before joining?

I had never taken a spin class before. It was never on my radar and I probably never would have tried it had it not been for the office weight loss challenge.

3. Who is your fitness role model, and why?

I have been taking 5-10 classes at BESPOKE every week for about a year and a half now. My fitness role models are the students I ride with. I have seen positive physical changes with some of them and it keeps me coming back. The instructors and staff keep me engaged and give positive reinforcement every time I ride.

4. Tell us of a specific accomplishment you’ve had with your active lifestyle.

I am in the best shape of my life right now. I lost 20 pounds in the first 6 months I started riding. I joined a gym near my apartment this year and have been consistent with BESPOKE and the gym.

5. What keeps you motivated lately?

Looking good at pool parties and the beach this summer was a big motivator. As a recently single guy in LA, it doesn’t hurt to look good and be in shape.

6. What changes have you made that are working for you?

I pack a healthy lunch during the week for work. I used to go out to lunch every day with my team. This was costly and I didn’t make the most healthy choices when ordering. Fixing your diet is part of getting healthy. I have also reduced my drinking during the week. Spin class with a hangover sucks!! LOL

7. Any other breakthroughs you’ve had that you want to share?

I didn’t have a consistent fitness routine or diet prior to joining BESPOKE. I didn’t think I had time to squeeze fitness into my busy schedule. WRONG! We all can find an hour or two every day for self-care.

8. Where there any obstacles or challenges you faced in losing weight?

Too many to mention. The big ones would be talking myself out of taking a class or not going to the gym. I can also get easily talked into leaving my lunch in the refrigerator at work and going to lunch with my team. They almost shame me into going out to lunch. I think they are just jealous of the progress I have made… LOL

9. What would you tell new riders?

Commit to at least one month at BESPOKE. The first week or two can seem really hard keeping up with the constant peddling and choreography. You will improve quickly and get all the moves down. The results will follow.

10. What has been your most memorable experience with BESPOKE?

The first time I took a double class was a breakthrough for me. I had seen dramatic physical changes that I was not able to achieve at the gym on my own. I have made great friends as well. I now get text messages from students asking if I signed up for class the next day. I love that!! BESPOKE is my fitness family and I am grateful for all the support and encouragement I receive from the riders, instructors, and staff.

#theBESPOKEeffect with Scott Siegfreid
Riding Since: May 2017 | Number of Rides: 297Scott initially heard about BESPOKE from a co-worker that was doing a weightless challenge with him. He had never taken a spin class before had it not been for his office weight loss challenge. He would tell new riders: “Commit to at least tone month at BESPOKE. The first week or two can seem really hard keeping up with the constant peddling and choreography. You will improve quickly and get all the moves down. The results will follow!”

RIDE WITH SCOTT

June 21, 2018

GET TO KNOW CHRISTINA BETTER

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINA

Any upcoming travel plans?

Yes, taking a road trip to a secluded little town in Colorado and then going home to Texas to visit my new niece and celebrate my other niece’s 5th birthday.

When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time?

Love exploring California with little weekend trips to Big Bear, Ojai etc…

What’s the first concert you attended?

Britney Spears—My life was complete.

Where do you most hope to visit?

Iceland, Bali or the Amalfi Coast

What was your first job?

Camp Counselor/ Golf Coach at our local country club.

What is your most-used emoji?

If you could change your name, what would it be?

London or something with a little more edge, but I still love my name.

If you had to eat one thing for every meal going forward, what would you eat?

Chicken with Mexican Rice. I could eat them forever.

What’s one thing your mother/father taught you that completely changed your life?

My mom taught me to always choose love and kindness above all else. My dad taught me to live my life and not care about what others think.

What’s been on your mind lately?

My puppy has entered his terrible toddler phase so he has been testing my patients.

What’s one of your favorite memories?

My mom and I were at a Sonic type drive-thru. She pressed the button to order, but the person answered a car over and she thought they were talking to her. I was laughing so hard, I couldn’t get words out to tell her to stop yelling at the poor person for getting the order wrong. My mom always made me laugh.

What’s one thing about you that surprises people?

I was in a sorority in College. Go Alpha Delta Pi!!

What was something you’ve done that made you feel extreme happiness?

I finally got a puppy!

What does success mean to you?

That depends on how an individual defines success. For me, it isn’t about money or fancy things, success to me is being unapologetically true to yourself and just living a fulfilled life surrounded by lots of love and amazing people.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

When we leave this world we don’t take the superficial things with us, we take the relationships and the love we shared. So, love fiercely.

If you could invite 3 people, dead or alive, to a dinner party, who would they be, and why?

I would love to have dinner with my mom again and grandma. They would obviously have to cook because anything they made was filled with love and always reminds me of home.

How can someone win a gold star with you?

Flatter me, jk. A sense of humor, I love people that can laugh at themselves.

What energizes you and brings you excitement?

There is no better feeling than knowing something I did in class or said helped someone or made someone’s day. If I can brighten just a little part of your day and make you forget about the rest of the world for 45 minutes it excites me.

What qualities do you value in the people with whom you spend time?

How kind someone is and loyal is very important. The people I surround myself with would all show up if I needed them as I would for them.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

I have an obsession with Peanut Clusters. I mean it is out of CONTROL. Keep them AWAY!

Christina is a Texas-born firecracker who always has a smile on her face and is sure to add a “ya’ll” to every sentence. Christina attended the University of Texas at Austin before making her move out to Southern California. She is always up for an adventure and loves the hiking trails California offers.

After suffering a personal loss, indoor cycling became Christina’s outlet, as it became something to look forward to every day. Now, she uses her love for cycling and personal experience to impact the lives of others as an instructor. Her fun and energetic persona is the perfect formula for fun, yet challenging classes!

Favorite quote: “Live loud. Love louder.” Unknown

Fun fact: Christina doesn’t drink coffee.

Current music obsession: Electro pop

BOOK RIDE WITH CHRISTINA

September 25, 2016

What’s “The After Burn Effect”?

What’s “The After Burn Effect”?

Did you know that you could burn calories up to 14 hours AFTER your BESPOKE ride? It’s called the “afterburn effect” and it’s what happens when your body’s pushed through high-intensity cardio exercise for short periods of time. In some studies, riders who cycled for 45 minutes burned up to 190 calories AFTER working out! It’s truly incredible what a healthy body can do.

To learn more about “the after burn effect” click here.