Mytime Active Stories - Brian
Brian’s Cycling Ascent!
At 58 years old, Brian is living proof that you can compete with the rest of the world from a Mytime Active studio in Beckenham. By pushing his limits in our indoor cycling classes, he has transformed his local workouts into an elite performance, climbing the ranks to claim an impressive spot on the global stage.
Brian, who moved back to Beckenham from East Sussex in 2021, participates in our indoor cycling classes at The Spa to counterbalance a desk-based career. Today, his international standing on the Spivi fitness tracking system serves as a serious motivator for both himself and fellow members, proving that your local leisure centre can be a launchpad for world-class achievements. Just check out his Spivi Avatar!
Brian says: “I’ve always been a cyclist; it’s my go to exercise. I used to cycle to work in the City, and now that I mainly work from home, it’s important for me to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Brian’s fitness success is built on a routine; he attends The Spa cycle classes at least three times a week. While he originally preferred hiding at the back of the indoor cycling class, the combination of the Spivi tracking system and a supportive group of fellow riders has encouraged him to move to the front. He credits the Spivi system, which tracks his power and effort, with being transformational to his workouts.
“I was always looking at The Spa’s top 10 cyclists, but I wasn't even aware that there was a Global Top 50 of Spivi cyclists too,” Brian admits. “Since finding out I’m in the Global Top 50, and currently ranked 3rd in the world this month, it has become a key motivator. It’s quite cool that you can be pedalling away in Beckenham, competing with different people all over the world. I now feel that I’ve got to maintain that position so I’m going to even more classes.”
“I love the competitive element of cycling, which keeps me pushing myself, however the enthusiasm of the other members at The Spa and the expertise of instructors including Sharon, Rob, and Hannah keeps the classes unique. It’s a lovely social group and it’s a great place to meet new people and make friends.”
In addition to indoor cycling, Brian also participates in regular Les Mills Body Pump classes at The Spa, and even Epée fencing each week. “I’m over 50 and want to make sure that I stay as fit as I can, for as long as I can,” he explains. “Physical activity is key to ageing well – I’m a firm believer in the mantra, 'use it or lose it.' I do my aerobic exercise with the bike, then Body Pump helps me to build strength and muscle. I must admit I’m not keen on lunging in Body Pump, but it’s good for the cycling and fencing, so I’ve got to do it!”
“What’s great about indoor cycling, and group exercise classes in general, is they’re really inclusive. You don’t have to be at the front leading the charge, or even join in the studio races if you don’t want to. The instructors create a safe space and bring their own motivation to everyone, irrelevant of your speed or ability.”
“Now that my children are young adults, and there are less demands of my time, coming to The Spa in Beckenham helps to keep me connected to my local community and helps create a healthy routine and social life.”