How Tabby Brock found her fit at Ignite Cycle. Instructor auditions happening Oct. 3
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If you know Ignite Cycle, you probably know Tabby Brock. She’s one of their fiery founding instructors known for her love of bass that’ll make your bones shake (don’t believe me? check her Spotify playlist.) and her press/tap move.
With Ignite Cycle instructor auditions being just around the corner, I wanted to get the scoop on the instructor experience from Tabby herself. So keep reading for our Q&A + alllll the deets about Ignite Instructor Auditions happening Oct. 3.
Meet Ignite Instructor: Tabby Brock
I saw your Ignite Cycle Training Program blog on the Ignite site where you touched on your lack of experience cycling and leading group fitness classes… Can you talk about your first introductions to Ignite Cycle, and the thing that most compelled you to get so far out of your comfort zone and become an instructor?
I have always loved a good cardio workout and could never find anything in Birmingham that really fit exactly what I wanted. So, I came across Ignite’s Instagram last summer by accident and immediately signed up for the newsletter.
I was so excited to try it out—I had never led any sort of group fitness, but had always said ‘maybe one day’. While I started stalking Ignite I found the instructor audition post where it said no previous experience required and decided to go for it—what’s the worst that could happen?!
I had no idea what I was doing, but the second I left auditions it was SO clear to me that this was exactly what I had been looking for and I wanted to be a part of Ignite so badly!
Back to the training: What was your biggest takeaway from training? Biggest challenges? Favorite parts?
There was absolutely nothing easy about training. It was incredibly challenging both physically and mentally, but so rewarding. My favorite part was being able to see just how far I have come, and to see the things that I was able to accomplish that I never thought were possible before.
The most challenging part was learning to bring the confidence I have in my everyday life onto the instructor podium with the spotlights and the microphone. For anyone that knows me it might be hard to believe, but it took a long time to get to where I am today!
From what I understand, a lot goes into prepping for a class. Can you go through that process a bit?
All of my prep for class is creating the perfect playlist. It could take me anywhere from 1-3 hours to make a playlist for one single class. I probably spend an average of 2 hours on every class—that includes finding new music, building my playlist, and listening to the playlist multiple times.
I might listen to one song a dozen times just to be certain that I can hear exactly where the beat changes. All of the practice makes me a much better instructor!
Do you feel like each instructor develops a certain style? How would you describe yours?
Absolutely—every class at Ignite is going to be the same at the core, but the riders will get completely different experiences with each instructor. I would say my style is very high energy, passionate, and uplifting, while also being intense with really heavy beats. I want every rider to bring their own 100%, whatever that might look like, to every class.
Now that I know your style, give us one word or phrase to describe a Tabby IC class.
This is a hard one. I would say a Tabby IC class will always be encouraging and high-spirited.
So, I know this isn’t your only hustle. What do you do other than instruct at Ignite Cycle?
I work full time as a campus recruiter for a large general contracting company!
And how do you find balance between work/social/Ignite Cycle life/etc.?
I truly feel like Ignite is just an extension of my family so it never feels like a separate thing that I have to balance. So many of my friends have become riders, and I have made close friendships with our riders as well!
Even in the midst of a crazy week for work, I never feel like teaching a class is a burden or just something that I have already committed to. Teaching makes me so happy and fulfilled no matter the day or the circumstances.
I’ve been around the Ignite crew before, and everyone just seems like family. How’s it been working at Ignite from day one?
It has been so wonderful. Since we started the very first instructor training almost exactly 1 year ago, Ignite really has become my family. It started with just Tiffany, Audra, Sara and me.
Now we have a whole crew of team members, and it still feels just like family. We are just a bunch of weirdos who feel very passionate about this community that we have built!
Any advice you would give to someone interested in becoming an IC instructor?
I would say two things: 1) be comfortable being 100% yourself all the time! We don’t take ourselves too seriously around here, and you will have way more fun learning to be the best instructor you can be if you just be yourself.
2) There is no such thing as too much practice—nothing will make you a better instructor than practice! I have spent countless hours over the last year practicing on the bike, practicing off the bike, practicing talking (alone in my car and on the mic) and practicing my playlists by listening to songs over and over and over. It will make you more confident in yourself, and in turn make you a better and more confident instructor!
Feeling Inspired? Ignite Instructor Auditions are Right Around the Corner!
Ignite Cycle Instructor Auditions are happening Oct. 3 at 7:30PM at the studio in Pepper Place. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. There’s NO experience needed to audition. Yep, you read that right. NONE. The only requirements include:
- A love for good music + a good time.
- Being able to ride to the beat + demonstrating it.
- Have at least taken 5 Ignite Cycle classes prior to the audition date.
- *Everything else you’ll learn during training.
2. Auditions will be open format:
- First everyone rides together to a couple songs.
- Then each rider will showcase two tracks + their choreography to the group.
- *So, that means you have 10 days to choose your music and make your moves. You. Got. This.
3. They are looking for 2-4 new instructors to join the Ignite Cycle crew.
- Specifically, they are looking for candidates with midday availability.
- But if you give an out-of-this-world audition, and have limited availability, you still have a good chance!
- *Just keep in mind, training lasts 6 weeks, and requires 8-10 hours per week of in-studio work.
Sign up for auditions HERE. And follow Ignite Cycle on Instagram for updates, but also for their A+ motivational posts…AKA just LIzzo lyrics.
Ready to ride? Book your bike here. Still have Q’s? Get all of your questions answered here. And keep that Ignite energy alllll day with their jams playlist.
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