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Riding withStacey GriffithatSoulCyclecan be life-changing.
After her father passed away from leukemia, Darvas went to a dark place.
“It was the most challenging year of my life,” she says.
“I lost all motivation.”
Months later, on Thanksgiving morning, she took her first Stacey class.
“Stacey didn’t just solve my motivation problem.
She transformed my life forever.”
Not into therapeutic mantras?
There’s an instructor for everyone.
David Siik, creator of Equinox’sPrecision Runningclass, has turned the “dreadmill” into an endorphin machine.
This article originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of SELF.
Naturally, she checked Siik’s Twitter feed en route.
The better the instructor’s social media game, the more obsessive her fan base.
For acolytes, Griffith, a friend of Deepak Chopra, is a spiritual guru in Saint Laurent high-tops.
“In our urbanized society, there’s less opportunity to form social bonds,” she says.
“People work long hours and have no time to get to know people outside of work.
Fitness classes can be a way of finding a community.”
In the end, sculpting muscles and scorching calories are just a bonus.
I don’t get that level of inspiration from another instructor.
“Michelle Ruiz
Top model Grace Mahary (left), shown with Griffith, is a SoulCycle regular.
“Whatever youritis, I want you to get down on it!”
In a word, charisma.
It’s the feeling that Griffith believes in you, the rider.
And it’s those well-timed one-liners.
The fact that shedoesn’t even ride a bikeonly speaks to her power as a performer and motivator.
Griffith started her fitness career in West Hollywood as a trainer and Spin instructor.
“Back then, I taught more from my ego.
I would flash my abs.
“People cry in my class every day.
I make them feel like it’s safe to let their feelings out.
“Tatiana Boncompagni
Tap BackOn a stationary bike, stand on pedals with hands toward top of handlebars.
Engage abs and slowly curl hips back, tapping glutes to back of seat.
Release abs and pop back up to start.
Continue for 30 seconds to beat of music for duration of song, taking 30-second breaks.
Repeat on left side.
Continue for 30 seconds to beat for duration of song, taking 30-second breaks.
Continue for 30 seconds to beat for duration of song, taking 30-second breaks.
ClimbStanding or sitting on bike, add enough resistance to feel it in glutes and hamstrings.
Close eyes and set an intention (to let go of frustration, for example).
Pedal until end of song.
Model Caroline Lowe (left) channels her inner ballerina with Bowers.
Stepping into the sun-bathedBallet Beautifulstudio in New York City’s SoHo is like entering a fairy tale.
Satin-trimmed tutus dangle on wrought-iron ballet barres.
Bowers, who is pregnant with her second child, is quiet, elegant, calm.
In other words, decidedly untrainery.
“My approach is challenging yet supportive,” she says.
“Fitness is not just about how you look; it’s about how you feel.
“Tatiana Boncompagni
Marching AbsSit on a mat with feet on floor.
Lean back and position arms in front of you as if holding a beach ball.
Lift right knee and turn upper body toward it.
Lower arms without collapsing chest.
Bend left knee and extend right leg behind you, toes touching floor.
Drop arms as you deepen bend in front knee.
Straighten front knee for 1 rep. Do 2 sets of 8 reps on each side.
ArabesqueExtension Stand with feet together.
Extend right leg back and stretch arms out to sides.
Everything aboutAnna Kaiser’s New York City studio,AKT InMotion, is hot.
Red lightbulbs cast a dim glow over the spare industrial space.
Foxes’s “Body Talk” throbs over the sound system.
The students, a mix of actresses, models and high-octane professional women, glisten with sweat.
Kaiser specializes in helping women feel sexy in their own skin.
But wherever she is, Kaiser creates a vibe that’s about letting loose and feeling free.
“She encourages us to let go.”
The first time, “you think you might die,” jokes model and superfan Ashley Graham.
Because Kaiser is generous with encouraging howls, she’s not a big fan of breaks.
“You’re your best self.”
And for Wragge, her most confident self.
“Anna has gotten me in touch with my sensuality,” she says.
“She’s so empowered, it gives you permission to be the same.
“Michelle Ruiz
Hit ItStand with feet together.
Step right with right foot, bending knees and leaning forward to tap floor with left hand.
Pony HopStand on right foot, left leg crossed behind right, left arm extended overhead.
Kick and PlayStand on left foot.
Kick right foot forward, then jump out with legs wide, swinging hands at sides.
Land with knees bent, hands on thighs.
Shorts, 9 2 5 Fit, $58;9Two5Fit.com.
Briefs, $75;BeachRiot.com.
Hair band, $28;Jakimac.com.
Earrings, $250;AlyssaNorton.com.
Watch, $749;Apple.com.
Shoes, Shimano, $100;Bike.Shimano.com.
Socks, $14;Tracksmith.com.
Water bottle, $33;KleanKanteen.com.
On Griffith: Sports bra;SoulCycle.comfor similar styles.
Pants;Athleta.comfor similar styles.
Hoop earrings, $130;VenusByMariaTash.com.
Safety pin earrings, Bing Bang, $48;BingBangNYC.com.
Watch, $649;Apple.com.
Shirt, $58;TeesByTina.com.
Shorts, $80, leg warmers, $90, and shoes, $120;BalletBeautiful.com.
Pants, Human Performance Engineering, $125;Bandier.com.
Earring (on left), $175, and necklace, $425;MelissaJoyManning.com.
Watch, $349;Apple.com.
Gloves, $30 each;AKTInMotion.com.
Sneakers, $120;Adidas.com.
On Kaiser: Swim top, $52;AllSisters.com.
Shorts, 9 2 5 Fit, $83;9Two5Fit.com.
Blue bracelet, $78, and white bracelet (on top), $38;TheBraveCollection.com.
Sneakers, $110;Nike.com
Styled by Marina Munoz.
Photo Credit: Emiliano Granado; James Ryang (3)
