Having worked for almost a nearly in the healthcare system, Heather Chilcot knows the importance of taking care of your body. Which is why after months of research she opened Core Cycle Studios in Lutherville-Timonium to share the gift of health through fitness classes. We talked to Chilcot about her inspiration, benefits of cycling, and her favorite fitness trends.

What is Core Cycle Studios and where did you get your inspiration?
It’s a boutique fitness studio in its simplest form. I would say right now we’re very lucky that we’re the only dedicated cycle, barre, yoga, and HIIT studio in the area. As far as inspiration, I just love fitness and the feeling of working out. Being a mom and a role model, I wanted to create that healthy balance where you can be a business woman and you can also live this very healthy balanced lifestyle. I wanted to not just focus on how many times you work out a day, but also on nutrition, good relationships, and building a beautiful community.

What are the benefits of Core Cycle Studios?
The benefits of cycling are that it’s low impact and it’s an extremely high calorie burn. It also definitely increases your overall endurance. I used to run and do all of those different aerobic step and body classes. But, over time, those types of activities are just challenging on your joints. Another benefit I think is the ability to detach and unplug, which makes it more of spiritual process than a workout.

What are some tips for people just starting out their fitness journey?
People get overwhelmed with what you could or should look like. My suggestion is to just start moving. Find a buddy. If you find a buddy and you just start out to walking and getting some fresh air, that’s great. You will want to be creative in what you do and keep trying new things so that you don’t get bored. And then make sure to also track your progress. If we’re not tracking that progress, then it can very easily derail us from our goals.

How is a Core Cycle Studio class different from your typical cycling class at other studios?
We are all different shapes, sizes, genders, and ages. We try our best to customize our workouts for each person to track their performance and assist them in hitting their goals. There is an energy in our studio and you can feel it no matter what class you are taking.

What would you tell someone who is hesitant about taking a Core Cycle Studios class?
Every one of our classes is designed by incredible instructors to allow for modifications, changes, and enhancements, so whether you’re looking for something with less intensity or with more intensity, we can help you feel comfortable.

What is your favorite fitness trend currently?
I love interval training. I think we are seeing a rise in classes that focus on that style of training. It doesn’t plateau the body, and there is a lot of variety in it so you won’t get bored.

If you weren’t a fitness instructor what would you be?
I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. If I wasn’t doing that, I think I would find ways to give back to the community.

Looking for a good workout with an even better playlist? Then you might want to head over to REV Cycle Studio for one of Sean Sanders’ classes. This high energy instructor will make you work hard while trying to restrain your body from all out dancing in his fun 45 minute class offered at both the Brewers Hill and Locust point locations. We caught up with Sanders to discuss his time at REV, how he creates his dynamite playlists, and what he would be doing if he wasn’t a spin instructor.

When do you start teaching spin and how did you get involved with REV?
I’m originally from Knoxville, TN, and I moved here about four years ago, and decided to do an internship with FX Studios, which is how I met the Rick who is a co-owner of REV and it just kind of went from there. I started working at the front desk of the studio in Locust Point, but I have always been very passionate about fitness. I had been working there close to a year and I only took maybe three classes, just because I didn’t feel like spin was for me. But I saw how it impacted a lot of different people and our customers daily and that made me want to be part of it. After that, I decided to become an instructor. 

How has spin has impacted your life?  
Physically, I feel that I have gotten a lot stronger, faster, and my endurance has definitely gone up. I’ve always been a people person, but ever since I started spin the way I talk to others has changed and I feel like I am more engaging. It’s also impacted me by being very rewarding. I love that I’m helping people. I had a lady come up to me the other day and tell me about all the weight she lost taking the class and it made me feel good. The classes can also benefit your mental health by taking 45 minutes to really focus on yourself. 

How many classes do you teach a week?
I teach 8-10 classes a week and I teach at both studios. I was actually the first full-time instructor at REV.

What do you think makes REV stand out from other gyms?
Oh man, a lot! It’s the way we impact the community. There is always an outreach program and charity rides for people in need. It’s also very personal. If it’s your birthday, we acknowledge that and might put something on your bike.

How do you go about picking music for your classes?
I have to admit, it’s a lot of work. I work with Soundcloud and Spotify to put it into a 45-minute mix. There are some instructors that play strictly hip-hip or some that just play pop. I feel like I’m in between. Sometime I’ll go from an EDM song to a hip-hop song to rock and roll. 

What’s your favorite song to spin to?
It’s probably ‘Take It All Back’ by Judah and the Lion. It’s a mix between country and alternative and then it picks up at the end. It’s just one of those songs I had on my very first playlist I ever made and I still play and see everyone go nuts.

What would you say is your favorite fitness trend?
I’m currently training for an Ironman triathlon on May 20. So I’d have to say racing.

If you were not a fitness instructor what would you be?
Honestly, it probably would be something to do with fitness, like personal training. I am also a year away from my degree in information systems, so maybe even doing something with cyber security.

What would you tell people that haven’t been to REV before, that might be a little intimidated to take a class? 
I would tell them not to be scared. It can be intimidating to try something new. I have clients that never want to sit in the front row because they feel like people are looking at them or judging them if they aren’t doing the right thing. I always tell my clients the same thing and that is to do what you can. The minute you step through the door, it’s a judgement-free zone.