Never an avid outdoor cyclist, Kristy Keus didn’t think she would one day own a cycling business, but last November that’s exactly what happened.
“I never thought I’d be in this position,” Keus said from the Kootenay Cycling studio.
A certified group, weight and personal fitness trainer, Keus started teaching indoor cycling (known as spinning) in 2007 through the Castlegar Community Complex.
Last spring, she began teaching at Kootenay Cycling for then-owner John Jenner. When Jenner wanted to give the business up in November, he first offered it to Keus before putting it on the market, and she jumped at the chance.
“I was already comfortable with the bikes,” Keus said, adding that the hardest part transitioning to owner is learning how to update the website.
Keus said she loves spinning because it’s low impact and can be a great workout for all ages. It’s true: step into any Kootenay Cycling spin class and there are participants in their late teens to those in their 60s or 70s.
“You are in charge of your own workout, no one knows what pace you’re going at,” Keus said. “Cycling is easy on your joints, too.”
She said although the workout does have a reputation for being intense, the best thing to do is keep drinking water and be aware of your own heart rate.
“It’s a great way to be pushed,” she said. “Even though we’re not doing the same drills that you would do outside it’s still a great workout.”
Since Christmas, Keus has had an influx of people that are just looking for a great cardio workout, whereas before the majority of the class was made up of people who wanted to keep cycling during the winter.
“The newer people that are coming are not triathletes,” she said.
For this reason, Keus will keep the studio open for classes this summer, but she hasn’t created a schedule yet as she’s waiting to see how much interest there is.
For people new to spinning or those who want a change of pace, Keus also offers CycleSculpt classes twice a week. The first half is on the bikes and the second half is either weight training or circuits.
Kootenay Cycling is located in Kinnaird Park Community Church (the old Kinnaird Middle School building). Classes are $8 for a drop-in or $75 for a 10-time punch pass. For more information on scheduling, email havefun@kootenaycycling.com or visit kootenaycycling.com.