(Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Kanowitz)

Stephanie Kanowitz shares her experience as a cycling instructor in the DMV

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Fitness is one of the main pillars of a healthy lifestyle, alongside balanced nutrition and 7 to 8 hours of sleep. According to Harvard Health, regular exercise lowers the risk of long-term health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer. Though we know exercise is important, many struggle to fit in  daily workouts due to physical or motivational barriers. 

However, some people’s jobs allow them to help others overcome barriers and make room for personal growth. One group fitness instructor has dedicated her career to doing just that for her cycling students.

Stephanie Kanowitz has been motivating students for 16 years. She shared that she was inspired by her own cycling instructor at a Gold’s Gym in Ballston. “One day, I just kind of said to myself, ‘I could probably do this’,” Kanowitz said with a chuckle. 

She asked her instructor about becoming certified, which turned out to be easier than she expected. Though the process requires continuous commitment with bi-annual recertification, she says she found the initial steps simple. After completing a few classes through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and getting her CPR and AED certifications, Kanowitz was ready to lead. 

Kanowitz started instructing in Arlington and D.C. for about two and a half years before joining to Mason in 2011.

Kanowitz wasn’t initially nervous about instructing, she shared, but stage fright crept in  on her as all eyes were focused on her at the front of the class. Instead of letting fear take over, she reminded herself that everyone in the gym experiences some level of self-consciousness. She explained that easing others’ fear of judgment helped put her own at rest.

A typical day of instruction for Kanowitz begins with class prep, which either occurs the day before or the day of. She builds her workout routine around a playlist, tailoring exercises to match the mood or theme of the ride. “If [the theme] is a little bit alternative, I’ll look for something with a little bit of anger in it to get somebody riled up and ready to sprint,” Kanowitz said. 

“I’ll try to find something that has a little bit of an inspirational message to it to encourage people to keep going,” she added. “Just things like that.”

Usually arriving 15 minutes early, Kanowitz sets up the class to make it comfortable and inviting. She turns on the fans to beat the inevitable workout heat, turns on some hyped-up tunes and plays with the LED lights to create an exciting vibe. With her cycling shoes on, water bottle filled, and microphone pack secured, she channels her passion for fitness to power through the workout. 

Kanowitz enjoys seeing new and returning students walk through the classroom doors. “I’m just happy to see when people are making a commitment to their fitness and being healthy, especially when trying something new,” she said. “I hope to pass along some of my own excitement about [cycling] to new people.”

Students have come into class not feeling their best but leave feeling refreshed once they’ve sweat out all their worries, Kanowitz shared. “It makes me feel really happy for them, and I feel a bit proud that I was able to make their day a little bit better.” 

Outside of class, Kanowitz remains committed to her own fitness and health journey by cycling in her own time, tuning into classes and routines through Peloton and passing on fitness techniques to her two kids. She describes exercise as her personal “therapy.”

Kanowitz said she learns a lot from taking other classes, such as how to choose the appropriate workout music or cueing participants. “I’ve tried to pick up on some of the things from Peloton that I personally enjoy or find inspiring…and I try to use that in class.”

Instructors like Kanowitz can help motivate others to move their body regardless of their skill set. For those who aspire to be fitness instructors, she advises relying on their charismatic personality and helpful nature–and having a good ear for music is a plus, too!

By day, Kanowitz is a freelance journalist. But in the gym, she shares her passion for fitness, proving that her dedication extends far beyond the newsroom.