Q&A with Psycle’s Gemma Soul

Spinning seems to having a bit of a moment, with the emergence of lots of exciting new indoor cycling studios testament to its popularity, so we caught up with Psycle‘s Gemma Soul for a quick Q&A!

Q. How did you get into teaching spin?
A. This is kind of a funny story. I saw Psycle, thought it was a gym opening, and offered my services as a yoga teacher. I soon got a lovely phone call advising me that Psycle was not going to be a gym but an indoor cycling studio, and did I want to audition to be a Psycle instructor? I soon found myself among the greatest team, training with the best to become a Psycle instructor. Best mistake I ever made!

Q. Give us an idea of what a Psycle class involves…
A. Imagine a healthy rave on a bike, great banging music and choreography that works your body from head to toe. A 45-minute Psycle class will leave you feeling exhilarated and pumped for the rest of the day.

Q. What do you think makes a great workout? 
A. You have to find something that you love. When you find something you love, it stops being a chore. Also, the right combination of music, a great motivator (instructor or friend), an energising environment and strong intent turns your workout into a really fantastic day-changing (even life-changing) experience.

Q. Have you always been into health and fitness?
A. Yes. As a kid I was very active. I grew up on military bases and we had so much freedom to run around, play games and ride bikes. I’ve also always loved the feeling of freedom that moving your body and exercise gives you. I’m now a yoga and Psycle instructor; I live and breathe health and fitness.

Q. Teaching must keep you pretty fit, but what else do you do to stay in shape?  
A. I practise yoga every day, which is not only good for your body but for your mind too. I definitely view a person as a whole being – you are only healthy if your mind, body and spirit are all in shape. I’m also currently training for the 2015 London Marathon, so I’m running a lot as well as doing CrossFit sessions. I will be running to raise money for RNIB.

Q. What’s your top fitness tip?
A. You should work out to feel good and to live life to the full. As I said before, if you view yourself holistically, you will start to align yourself with the right intentions and begin to see and feel amazing transformations. Mix up your fitness routine and remember to be ‘fit’ is not just to look good but to feel good inside, outside and within your soul. Exercise because you love life.

Q. Who or what inspires you?  
A. My students always inspire me, in yoga and at Psycle; the transformations, the realisations and the amazing journeys of each and every person who comes to my class.

Q. What are your goals for 2015?
A. The London Marathon is probably one of the biggest goals this year. I love a challenge, and this will be one! I love constantly learning, so I will definitely be going on some more courses too.