Hustl+Flow: Igniting the fire within
I was introduced to Hustl+Flow, a community-focused fitness and wellness collective in Uptown Waterloo, when starting at Exhale Therapy. I met the owner Courtney several weeks ago and loved her ideas around wellness and movement so I knew I had to try a class. With a busy schedule as a therapist in a new clinic, I am always looking for ways to enhance my own self-care regime while also finding group workouts that are body-positive for my clients.
From the moment I walked into the doors of Hustl+Flow this morning I felt like a member, a family member. I was greeted by a friendly receptionist who was just as excited as I was for my first experience at a spin class. All around there were clothing items for purchase with positive phrases encouraging movement and self-love. I was totally at home. Courtney greeted me with a huge hug and proceeded to greet two others who walked in after me, by name with hugs and words of encouragement while they headed to class. I was taken on a class and studio tour by another wonderful employee who made me feel so welcomed and encouraged. She helped me pick shoes for my ride and told me all about what I could expect in class.
Upon entering class I was asked by two of the other class members if I needed help adjusting my bike or clipping in. The employee followed me in and explained the bike to me with helping me adjust it in a way that was enthusiastic and discrete enough that I wasn’t embarrassed at all to be a first-time rider in the class. Everyone around had high levels of energy that was euphoric and put me in the mood for the class. The instructor Lilly introduced herself with confidence and explained the different hand positions on the bike for those of us that were newer to the class or needed a refresher. When the class started the lights dimmed and the music flowed intensely through the room. The other riders were cheering and encouraging through the whole first song and I was totally present in the room. For the next 45 minutes I sweat, laughed, drank lots of water and felt strong. Lilly praised all the riders in the room by name throughout the class and used language to encouraged everyone to do the best they can. Not once did Lilly make me feel ashamed for taking the breaks I needed for water or for listening to my body when it was being pushed to capacity in a moment. She showed high levels of energy throughout and often used the phrase “take what you need from this class.” I listened and did just that.
What I needed was 45-minutes of being present with my body, being out of my head and not thinking of all the to-do-list items I had for that day. I also needed to be around strong and positive people as a reminder that this was not about who spun the fastest or added the most resistance, rather it was about supporting each other in our movement. I was surrounded by total strangers but felt encouraged and motivated to take on my day. I needed this.
For anyone struggling with getting back into their movement of choice or doing something for themselves, the best suggestion I can give is to not think too much about it and to just try it. For those struggling with comparisons, know that at Hustl+Flow no one cares when you take a break or can’t do a particular movement. You showing up is what they care about and if you do, you’ll be a member of their Hustl community. Lastly, being that I work with eating disorders I think it is important to note the fear of getting involved in activity and movement in recovery. It can be a slippery slope for many. At Hustl+Flow, the instructor Lilly not once used language that shamed my body or anyone else’s body. She made everyone in the room feel powerful and strong with their fitness level. At the end of class I had the opportunity to connect with her. We shared our stories of both fitness and mental health.
My experience at Hustl+Flow was inspirational, uplifting and powerful. I booked my next class as soon as I got home and highly recommend this to anyone looking for a movement based self-care activity. Thank you, Courtney, Lilly and all others who made my first experience at Hustl a magical one. See you for Slow Flow!
Writer: Alyssa Durbin