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Amplifying Voices: Megan H.

Megan is known for many things; owner of High Ride Cycle, mentor, friend, the ultimate hype girl and recently named Classpass Instructor of the Year.

Megan has created something so special in Denver, CO, (it’s truly remarkable!) and is all rooted in her dedication to inclusion and equality. It starts at the top with Megan and trickles down into every aspect of the High Ride community. She has an authentic way of making each person who steps into the studio, or onto the Stryde platform, feel stronger, more inspired and supported. Sharing her passion with our riders is something we are so grateful for.

We sat down with Megan to learn more about what it is like to be a leader in the fitness space, her motivations, what a class with her is like and so much more!

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Women’s History Month is a great time to reflect on all the accomplishments of women throughout history. A time to celebrate the women who lead the way for change. A time to step into our greatness and feel empowered to inspire change in ourselves and our communities. 

What / who is your biggest inspiration?

Our team inspires me each and every day. We have an amazing group of humans that keep our studios running. Our team constantly shows up for each other and for our customers day in and day out. It’s not always easy to work in a service business especially in the middle of a pandemic, and they do it with such authenticity, heart, and passion. Every time I ride an instructor’s class, I am so proud of the team we have built. I learn so much from all of them and it elevates me as a leader, instructor, and team member. I will say this until I’m blue in the face, but you can teach technique to almost anyone but you can’t teach passion and personality. It’s so important to me to hire team members who align with our core values and fit into our culture to build the best team around. 

What was your motivation behind opening High Ride Cycle?

Heath and fitness have always been a huge part of my life. My whole family is very active and we grew up going to the gym with my parents, rollerblading, or playing sports competitively or for fun with friends and family. I have always loved the energy and positive vibes from group fitness classes and have always been interested in instructing. I decided to explore my passion for fitness and got my indoor cycling certification. I started teaching at a local big box gym before and after my full-time job. Once I started leading classes, I fell in love. At the time, there were no studios in Denver that taught to the beat of the music and did movements on the bike in a fun club-like environment. My sister, Lindsay, who also instructs at High Ride and on Stryde put the idea in my head of opening a studio in Denver. Once she said something to me, I could not stop thinking about it. My husband was 100% on board so we started the process of starting our very own business. 

It was important to me that we developed a ride and designed our business around making people feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable. As a woman, we are constantly fed images through the media focusing on losing weight, burning calories, and being as thin as possible. We believe that working out is equally important for your mental health as it is for your physical health. In a world that is so focused on not being enough, we believe in honoring where your body is at, feeling good, and being strong. We all have different goals when we step into the studio room and we’re here to work through yours with you. High Ride is a competitive free zone. We have built such a strong community that cheers people on on and off the bike. It’s truly something special.      

How do you and the rest of your team take your in-person class energy and translate that virtually?

Our team has such a passion for instructing and indoor cycling which shows the second they step onto that podium. We all love teaching and it’s apparent riding in-studio or at home. Teaching to a camera and an empty room is not always easy, but we try to think about the people behind the camera and how to motivate them. If we bring low energy, that is what we’re going to get. We have to show up with extra energy on camera to connect with riders behind the screen and motivate them to push it a little harder. It also helps to connect with our online community so we can get to know the people behind the screen. It’s so amazing that we can share the High Ride and our passion for teaching with riders all over the country now.

What can riders expect from your classes?

I love pushing you to your limits, but I believe working out should be fun. I will challenge you physically and mentally, but I always encourage riders to listen to their bodies and show up where they’re at. As humans, we’re so hard on ourselves and expect perfection. Perfection does not exist. What is important is to show up, put in the work and take it one step and one day at a time. You will get stronger and start to notice a change in your strength and mindset!

What is the most important thing you learned as a studio owner and fitness instructor?

Nothing goes to plan. As a business owner, you are constantly learning, growing, and changing. Nothing can prepare you for owning your own business and you just figure it out as you go. I never thought we would go through a lawsuit with our landlords, have to move studio locations our first year of business, open a second studio right before a pandemic, and have a car run through our building, but we did and we’ve worked through every single challenge that has been thrown our way. Determination and grit is what will keep you going. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done but also the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

Share a little bit more about your awesomeness outside of the Stryde platform.

Most of my time is consumed at High Ride working front desk, teaching, riding or filming. When I’m not working, I love to travel, hang out with my husband and pup, go out to eat, explore Denver, and spend time with friends and family. 

Keep up with Megan on Instagram and ride with her on the Stryde app.