Vince

i have been riding since the year 2000 after being very afraid of the classes i had walked by for 5 years. i have always been a bicyclist having rode across europe in my teens but was primarily resistance training for the past ten years with 10 minute sessions on the life cycle.

after my 3rd class, i knew i had found my sport and feel it is almost the perfect work-out. i love the entire format; the length, the group dynamic, the motivational instruction and the music.

i learn something new every time, whether i do or teach.

Ed

I've been a competitive cyclist on and off for the last 10 years. Initially I was into mountain biking in a big way, but in the last 4 to 5 years I have been strictly racing road bikes. I find it truly addictive, humbling, and occasionally very rewarding.

During the racing season I will usually ride over 10,000 km and enter 30 to 40 races. I compete mostly in the local scene but will travel into the US and Quebec for some of the large races a few times each summer. I am currently riding for KHS Bicycles Canada, entering my second year on this team.

I began indoor cycling four years ago as a means to maintain some fitness through the long, cold Toronto winters. After my first winter of SPINNING I was able to start the season with better fitness than ever before, and already at my optimal race weight. The program works, and it was a great way to stay motivated and meet like-minded people. I will be leaving quad in a few weeks to head south and kick off the season with a training camp in South Carolina, but will return to Quad in October for some intense winter sessions.

Rae

physical activity has always been an important part of my life. having two active parents as role models only fueled my passion and it seemed only natural that i would fall into teaching. however my initial experiences were less than positive as i felt rushed and pressured. my first classes were too big, too impersonal and unfriendly and so i decided that this was not for me. in 2003 i felt the need to add a bit of an edge to my work outs and stumbled onto quad in Toronto and decided to give it another try. the gym was cozy and intimate and the teachers were warm yet demanding. i was immediately hooked and when the opportunity came about to start teaching in 2006 i gladly accepted. I hope that I may perhaps rekindle your love of riding or introduce you to an exercise that I am so passionate about.

Marsha

i am new to spinning and from the moment i contacted quad east i was treated in the best manner. from the 60 min endurance classes to the wickedly awesome theme classes, for the first time i can say that i can't wait to feel better so that i can get back to my exercise.

kudos for offering a consistent customer experience no matter who is teaching the class. every instructor i have experienced so far has been so encouraging and positive, even to me a beginner who decided to walk into the 60 minute endurance class after only 2 rides.

as someone in the business of marketing and coaching awesome customer experience, i am rarely blown away but quad east has made a serious impression on me. what a great, consistent customer experience. keep up the great work.

Elise

In my life I have three passions: yoga, house music and indoor cycling.

My first spin class was at a summer training camp for varsity cross country. Believing I was in the best shape of my life, I was dumbfounded at how a 45 minute class could beat me to the ground as much as it did. From a combination of the music and the energy of everyone around me, I couldn't help but push myself to my absolute limit, I couldn't help but see how far my body could really go. And as the saying goes: from then on, I was hooked.

After a few years of taking classes, every time I would get a new album I could only think of how it would work in a cycling class. I took a schwinn training and let my love of music and spin marry.

I believe that the time we put into a class is truly for us, and in the lives we lead- that time is rare. When we come to a class, it doesn't matter what happened before. It doesn't matter what will happen after. For the time we're there we can forget everything that is happening in our lives; get lost in the ride, the music, the energy... And come out feeling -every time- like a new person.

Amy

as a physical activity junkie, i have always maintained a rigorous fitness schedule through sports, ballet, pilates, and running, but after a knee injury, a friend suggested i give quad a try. its low-impact nature was gentle on my knee while the challenging interval training gave me the endorphin rush i was longing for.

two months after an invasive knee surgery i was back on a bike, raring to go. my surgeon credited my quick recovery to the shape i was in before surgery, and was thoroughly impressed with my progress afterword. i am forever in debt to the challenging, encouraging, and inspirational instructors who helped me through my recovery - only to motivate me to teach myself!

i have been an active and somewhat overly enthusiastic member of quad since 2006 and am very proud to join the team of highly talented instructors. i hope my classes will inspire and motivate you to push your limits and achieve the goals you once thought were out of reach.

Braeden

when i finished my first class i was convinced that it was not for me, i was adamant and openly so that, when asked about the experience, my answer was always, "never again!" within a matter of 2 months from being daily exposed to the indoor cycling environment of quad i was strongly inclined to take a shot at another class. to my surprise i dismounted the stationary bike with a supple amount of energy and a deep sense of accomplishment, needless to say i continued to ride and soon became intrigued with the idea of becoming a teacher.

after rigorous training with micheline and a couple of classes i knew that i was going to be quite content teaching. while i still have a ways to go, my belief is that i can bring a different angle to each class. with a long musical history i feel that i can shock not only the body but the ears and mind into a great workout. my approach is to use some new music to keep the ears and body from growing stagnant. if the ear cannot decipher what is coming next neither can the body and this forces us into the moment in a workout.

i have also participated in a great deal of boxing, in group and individual training, which i feel is a great asset.

with a great set of gyms, an unbelievable group of instructors and an amazing clientele, it is going to be a phenomenal journey into this new phase of my life. my hope is to see you all in class working hard and working together.

Todd

I have always had a passion for fitness and been heavily involved in athletic sports since a young age. I started riding motocross bikes at 7 years old and have won multiple amateur and professional championships before retiring from the sport at 24 years of age. I have since competed in multiple triathlon series, the 24 hours of adrenaline mountain bike series, and have been one of the pioneer spin instructors teaching for top level fitness clubs since 1993.

I bring a lot of drive and passion to my teaching style in addition to great music and most importantly ... fun. There is no cardiovascular training program that is as efficient and productive as an intense 45 minute class at Quad. Quad has taken this niche form of training and perfected it. I pride myself on teaching rockstar classes to my rockstar students.

Kat

as a former competitive gymnast and cheerleader, i have always been into intense training. always looking for new ways to stay fit and in top shape, i began competitive running. the more i ran, the more i enjoyed it and fell in love with the sport. i ran almost every day, until past injuries began to surface. i was soon diagnosed with 2 stress fractures that put a stop to my joy of running.

after taking some time off, a friend suggested i try indoor cycling. she told me it was a high intensity, low impact workout that would not be so hard on my knees. i tried it, and fell in love instantly. the energy of the class and the enthusiasm from the teacher made me feel great! after that, i found myself spinning 5 days a week and one of the regulars at the studio. it was not long before i came across quad and became an addicted member ever since.

now, as a certified fitness instructor, i love to share my passion of training and fitness with others. i love to teach high intensity classes while pushing my clients to reach their full potential and get more from their workout. whether it is pilates, yoga, running, or indoor cycling, i always encourage my students to do what they can. this is your workout, i am just here to help you get there.

i am extremely excited to be part of the quad team and look forward to sharing my experience and love of indoor riding with you all. hope to see you!

Matt

Having spent the summer of 2005 training for four triathlons, I was eager to find a new outlet in my hectic training schedule. A good friend woke me up one morning to ask me to go to a class. Having never gone, I accepted the challenge and the rest is apparently history! From the very beginning I was drawn to the power of both the music as well as being one with the bike. Being lucky enough to be taken under the wing of both Micheline and Martin early on - my tour of madness began. It truly allows freedom of the mind and body and taking the role of instructor, I want to pass on this truly paralyzing and indredible addiction Ð its for people of all walks of life - so rock on and lets ride!

Edgar

I began cycling as a means to connect with my friends growing up in the rural area north of Toronto. When moving into the core of the city during high school, I found that two wheels got me around faster than any other means. I spent some post high school seasons shuttling packages as a messenger both here in Toronto and Manhattan, a true test of agility and street-smarts on a bike. A few courier competitions and I caught the racing-on-a-bike bug, and began to explore ways to get a solid base for training.

Living in the east end of the city, I took a few spin classes and got hooked on the camaraderie that is a group class when led by a solid guide. It became clear to me that I just wanted to share the rush that I experience from a really good ride, and consequently started to guide as an instructor in 2006. Since then I have really enjoyed the journey I can share with each class, and constantly narrowing my own quest for perfect positioning while guiding my students through that development. I am excited to transfer the same energy Quad East has to the roadways of my next racing season.

Bruce

i am personal chef, a professional personal trainer, and an indoor cycling instructor.

i have been teaching in the toronto area over the past decade and having known miche and martin over the years it is with great enthusiasm that we have finally jumped on the opportunity to join forces.

intensity, rhythm, and flow, matched to dynamic music is how i structure each class.

we will try to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones, hear some great tunes and feel stronger and fitter at the end of the class.

Ashley

exercise is an important part of any healthy/balanced lifestyle. today where we spend most of our time running from one activity to the next (may it be occupational, social or recreational) it is hard to find a moment to fit in physical activity.

indoor cycling offers a perfect solution to a busy schedule while trying to fit a challenging workout into a set amount of time. within 45 minutes to an hour of an indoor ride, i am rejuvenated, energized and i have taken one more step toward bettering my fitness and myself.

i have been an active member of quad since november 2006, and i am both proud and elated to now be a part of the quad instructing team. each and every instructor has something different to offer, so your mind nor your body will ever adapt or tire of the classes.

i look forward to leading you toward your fitness and lifestyle goals, may it be riding beside you in a class or in front of you during my own.

Liesl

My slightly older sister, Micheline, can once again be held responsible for my introduction to something new. One visit to her SPINNING® studio in California and I returned as one of the converted. Back in Toronto, I continued to SPIN® (forever seeking out the perfect studio) and rushed out and got certified to teach. I have been physically active and somewhat fit my entire life, however SPINNING® proved to be the missing link.

My first attraction was the fact that this intensive workout for both the body and mind, fit so nicely into my busy and hectic lifestyle. After 9 years of working in film and television, I needed a program to suit the long work days. I've often started the 12 to 14 hour day with a SPIN® and have even been crazy enough to break up the day with a SPIN® and then returned to work re-focused and rejuvenated.

At quad with my sister and partners, we have tried to create the type of atmosphere that will inspire others to enjoy SPINNING® and ultimately change their lives.

Micheline

quad owner , mother of three (Aidan, Sawyer & Mannix) and Auntie to Joachim and Wren.

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. First I became a school teacher like my mom, then an art teacher, then a film tutor. I moved to California where, enticed by a first free class, I stumbled into riding. I pedaled miserably and puffed my way through the most intense 45 minutes.

Tired of dieting and living with 30 pounds that didn't feel like me, I made up my mind to conquer this sport. I lost the 30 pounds in 4 months and was asked to start teaching. This led me to opening a gym in the San Fernando Valley in California. And now there is quad, a business I share with people I love.

I hope my classes radiate with the joy I feel when I am sharing the experience as it changed my life.

Anouk

I have always been an active individual with lots of energy. My mom MADE me take a class one day! It was a tough and painful ride but I was determined to get better and make this sport my own. I got certified six months later and have been teaching since then. I have been teaching for five years in a variety of gyms. My passion for cycling and my swimming background pushed me towards triathlons. I do a few during the summer. I find that having a goal makes it easier to attain intensity and stimulation when training.

Although I train at all times of the day, I am a morning girl. I shine when the sun comes up! Spinning is a healthy escape in my manic workday. I manage to take my rides wherever I want and try to help my students do the same. We can go from Bora Bora to southern France all in one morning. A temporary escape in which you let imagination dominate your thoughts is always a healthy way to start off our day.

I felt at home after the first class I taught at Quad. It is a community that comes together to get healthier. I am excited to be a part of their team.

Maxine
I began in 1997, at a gym where my membership was paid for by my employer. I fell in love with it right away, and was diligent in going 3-4 times/week. Unfortunately, about two years later, my employer stopped paying the membership dues, and since it wasn't worth the cost to use only the bikes, I sadly stopped. Then, in 2003, at a Running Room Marathon Clinic, Miche and Mike showed up with a bike to do a demo, and talk about Quad. Well, I almost burst at the seams with excitement watching Miche instruct while Mike broke into a sweat after only about five minutes, and the thought of an indoor cycling only gym was unbelievable! About a week later I showed up for a morning class, and the rest is history! Since I began at Quad/Quad West, I have done many marathons, triathlons, duathlons, and have become an avid long distance cyclist. It is now a huge part of my workout regime, and Quad & Quad West are like an extension of my family. I am proud to be a part of such a great place, and of an amazing team of instructors!

Jacopo

I have been active in sports since I was 6 years old, and since then I have never stopped moving! I stared my athletic career with running. But, around the age of 20 I left it and found my true passion: rowing. Since 2002 I have been involved with the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club and other rowing clubs in and around Southern Ontario. In the winter of 2009 I will be heading out west to Victoria in an attempt to make a boat for the 2009 Canadian National Rowing Team.

Rowing is where my true passion lies, but when I discovered spinning I was pleased to have an excellent cross training tool for those long winter months. I found spinning to be an excellent medium to develop one's aerobic base which is essential for my sport. In addition to the cardiovascular benefits of spinning, it is also great because in a class setting we are all working together. Because every individual has full control over their resistance setting, an entire range of fitness levels can be accommodated in one class. In essence, spinning allows you to achieve your individual goals, while working in a group setting. Nothing can be more motivating!

As an instructor I do my best to model each class on my personal training. My focus is on consistency, mental awareness, and providing a fitness base for sustainable growth. To facilitate this I tend to choose from a wide variety of music: instrumental, classic and modern rock, rap, world, classical, pop, R&B, movie themes, trance, dance, and house. I am always open to suggestions from participants.

Yak

Lauren

the benefits of exercise go far beyond the physical aspect of health and well being. spinning is a wonderful exercise that can challenge and motivate anyone! the incredible high that comes from pushing your limits can provide a sense of calm and mental clarity that can transcend many of our everyday stresses. i would recommend this sport to anyone of any age and fitness level due to its low impact nature plus the potential to get one of the best workouts out there. quad is an incredibly positive environment that provides advanced teaching techniques. our instructors absolutely have their students' best interests at heart and always guarantee the opportunity to work hard! i am so proud to be a part of this team and look forward to helping others achieve their fitness goals!

Magz

I came to Quad at a crossroads in my life. Full of anxiety and stress, my first Spin class offered an escape. Here I could focus on what really mattered, my breathing, my health and my strength. Quad also offered a warm and comfortable social atmosphere and awesome music.

Getting work at the desk, I felt inspired to spin consistently. I felt my body changing and my mind clearing. I was eating and sleeping better had more energy during the day. I suddenly became more conscientious of my overall health and realized the benefits were reaching far beyond the one hour class.

This enthusiasm and the exposure to all the talented instructors made me eager to teach. I wanted to share this experience with others, to help others feel the enormous benefit and fun of a spinning routine. I have always been active, playing sports, running and climbing, but spinning stuck as a consistent workout because it is always new. Different instructors bring different styles and different music. There is no better motivator than good music and this intrinsic link with the exercise makes spinning challenging and demanding yet FUN!

I am very excited to share this experience with others and hope to see you for a ride.

George

i have been a personal fitness trainer for more than a decade having owned gyms on college and spadina. over the past 5 years i have taken my love of music to the clubs and have dj'ed in montreal, new york and various places around king street in toronto. it is a perfect time for me to bring my music infused workouts to quad whether as a dj for one of the quad teachers at special dj improv spin events or as an quad instructor.

Jacob

When I first moved to Toronto, I often found myself walking along King Street West, curious of the sights and sounds emanating from Quad. I was looking for a new and exciting form of exercise to keep me fit, having grown tired with the uninspiring treadmill in my apartment complex. At first, the energy and intensity I?d witnessed during my frequent Quad walk-bys seemed daunting, but at last, one day, I was finally compelled to overcome my initial anxieties, and try my first indoor cycling class. It simply snowballed from there. I found myself taking several classes a week, noticing vast and steady improvements, and eventually made a natural progression into instruction.

Quad offers a type of exercise that never gets boring, constantly presenting fresh challenges to both new and experienced riders. During classes everyone is free to develop at their own pace, while simultaneously feeling part of the overall group experience. As an instructor, I pride myself on offering students a stimulating, dynamic ride. Hope to see you soon.

Quintin

i came to quad primarily to find a way to maintain my endurance fitness level and muscle memory in my downhill cycling off-season. being an avid mountain biker, it was very important to expose myself to physical challenges that related to my sport and found spinning to be the perfect thing. using resistance and speed the quad instructors provided me a challenging workout that kept me fit leading into my next riding season. then i came to a work-shop offered at quad west and after going over all of the basics of form and shown what goes into designing a great spinning class, i considered teaching. i am constantly surprised by all of the diversities and challenges that spinning provides and i hope to share those with you.

Martin

I have been spinning since the year 2000 after being very afraid of the SPINNING® classes I have walked by for 5 years. I have always been a bicyclist having rode across Europe in my teens but was primarily resistance training for the past ten years with 10 minute sessions on the life cycle.

After my 3rd SPIN®, I knew I had found my sport and feel it is almost the perfect work-out. I love the entire format; the length, the group dynamic, the motivational instruction and the music.

I learn something new every SPIN® I do or teach.

Rob

Hi Everyone,

Why Quad:

I came to Quad first as a rider looking for some extra seat time during the winter months. As an avid Triathlete and Half Ironman racer I was looking for a great place to stay in shape during those tough winter months. It only took 30 min in my first class to realize that Quad was different from any other place I had worked out. The instructor got off the bike because I had a calf cramp and instructed me how to get rid of the pain and at the same time I had my water bottle filled up for. This was all in the effort to keep me on the bike and riding. This again was the reason I came to the class.

Why Teach:

This kind of experience was so interesting that when my wife, Charlotte, suggested I get my instructors, I agreed. It was a natural extension of my philosophy of sport and working with others to achieve their best. Martin and Miche gave me a call to try out a new 75 min endurance class Saturday mornings early fall 2003. We knew the potential was there for a great class and since its inception 1.5 years ago the class has grown to be almost full every Saturday morning. Friday evenings was a very similar experience and both of the classes are now my babies.

To my group (regular or new):

Most parents say they think their kids are the best, but really I have say that my two classes have really created an extended family of the best Spinners. I enjoy every class and seeing everyone come out, work hard on the bike and keep improving week over week. As new people have entered the group the atmosphere is always inviting and encouraging of others to do their best and rivalries amongst some of the guys makes for good fun in the final minutes of our last hill climb or sprint to the end.

Thanks so much for a great first year and supporting the classes I teach. This year will be even better than last.

Sara

While athletics has always been a big part of my life, I first turned to indoor cycling to recover from a running injury. I wasn't so sure about working out on a stationary bike ? it reminded me too much of the 80's, step-class and legwarmers! However, after my first few 'rides', I became aware of the depth of this sport. The unique combination of music and coaching really brought focus to my strength and cardio training. What appealed to me most was the opportunity to work at my own pace in a group setting.

Not only did I heal my running injury through regular training sessions on the bike, but I found a new and addictive passion. I also found the perfect environment at Quad. After checking out a few places, none of them matched the quality of instruction, the awesome tunes, and the warmth of Quad ? not to mention the beautiful environment that Mich and Martin have strived to create. The focus on form and fundamentals has ensured that every time I ride, I always find something to improve on. After four years in the saddle, I am truly humbled to now be leading rides. As a road cyclist, I have learned how indoor cycling can complement my outdoor pursuits, and vice versa. I'm excited to share my passion for the virtual road with beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Michael

Sports and Fitness have been a huge part of my life for so many years. In high school I joined the rowing team without realizing that the sport would ignite a passion that would last for the next 18 years comprising of High School, University, Provincial and National Competition. It was "My" sport for such a long time. However, cycling came into my life in such an unexpected way. In university a crew mate dragged me out to the local Mt. Bike races and said "It's a great second workout try it"- I loved it. For the next couple years I continued my high performance training with Rowing and Mt. Bike racing at the forefront.

Fast Forward... After university I moved to Toronto to start my career. The days of high performance training were over and the competitive rowing took a back seat. However, not giving up on my love for the sport I moved from athlete to coach and I have been coaching ever since. I love sharing my enthusiasm, energy and drive so that athletes around me can reach their maximum potential. I get a huge high from teaching and pushing others to be the best they can. I love to work hard and I love to see those around me doing just the same.

Although the coaching was quite fulfilling to me, it didn't take long to recognize that there was a void and lack of passion when it came to my own fitness level. Little did I know the answer was only 2 blocks away from where I lived: QUAD. After dropping in on one of the classes to give it a try I knew this was the answer. No matter how many classes I've done, every ride is always a challenge. I've been indoor cycling for a couple of years and decided to get certified as an instructor so i could combine my coaching skills with my passion for indoor riding.

What I love most about each class is using the music as a training partner. It can be a driving force to draw out our best. I have quite a diverse taste in music but I find that I will often incorporate vocal remixes, pop, and always something that resonates high energy. Every once and a while I'll throw in some world music or one of those favorite 80's tunes!!

See U on the Bike

Amanda

Indoor cycling is the perfect staple to any fitness routine. Whether your goals is weight loss, muscle conditioning, strengthening your heart, building endurance, improving your overall health, or all of the above, cycling is the way to do it.

I love the high intensity/low impact nature of the sport and every ride is another chance to challenge your body & mind.

I'm very proud to be a part of the quad team and look forward to helping you reach your goals.

The results you can achieve when you believe there truly are no limits are amazing.