Rêve Rider Spotlight: Tricia Pirone

Nothing brightens these dark days like showing a little love to our community — because it’s the community here at Rêve that keeps us all going even on the darkest, coldest days!

Someone who consistently adds nothing but positive vibes and energy to our studio is Dr. Tricia Pirone. Tricia has been a loyal rider and student at Rêve since 2019. She’s a mom, a small business owner here in Portland and lives the kind of healthy, fulfilling life we love to see for our community members. As a special Valentine's Day treat, we got to ask Tricia about all things Rêve, Portland and self-care!

Tell us a little bit about yourself! 

I was born and raised in Ohio, so I am a midwestern girl at heart. I went to St. Marys College, Notre Dame for my undergraduate degree then moved to Philadelphia to attend Pennsylvania College Of Optometry.  I completed my residency in Boston, which is where I met my husband Mike! We moved back to Maine in 2005 and we live in the West End of Portland, a beautiful place to call home and raise a family. My husband, Mike, is also an optometrist and together we opened Eyes On Rosemont in 2009.  We have two locations, one on Brighton Ave and another office on Middle Street right downtown! Over the years, as our business grew, so did our family. We have three lovely daughters, Olivia, Luciana, Nola, and our four-legged family member, Ginger, who is a golden doodle. All together, our world is complete. 

What inspired you to start coming to Rêve and when did you start? 

In 2019, my daughters Olivia and Lucy started riding at Rêve.  Lucky for me, they asked me to go with them one night! In December 2019, I bought a monthly intro pass — you could say I’ve been hooked ever since.

You’re such a dedicated regular — what makes you keep coming back? 

When I first started riding it was definitely the instructors.  I was amazed at the positive instruction they gave and their constant positive affirmations.  After each class, I would go sit in my car and journal. “Don't change yourself, improve yourself!”  “Build from your foundation!”  “Open your heart to love and to be loved!” “Be a warrior today.”  However, over the past couple of years, in addition to the instructors, it's definitely the atmosphere and community feel that keeps me coming back.  The instructors, staff and other riders feel like family and honestly, if I was stranded on an island, I'd want this team with me!

As a local business owner yourself, it’s awesome that you support Rêve – another small, local business! What are some of your other favorite local spots? 

Scales and Pai Men Miyake are my favorite restaurants. My family makes homemade pizza and sauce at least once a week, so I'm also a regular at Miccuci’s on India Street, and I love Scratch bagels! I also love taking my clothes for alterations to Donatelli’s. For a night out, I love going to Elizabeth Moss Art Gallery for her art openings.

You attend both spin and mat classes, what do you like about the different classes offered here at Rêve? 

In a spin class I love the feeling of getting my heart rate up, the constant challenge of adding more tension on the bike, the intervals, and the feeling of sweat on my body.  After each ride,  I feel like my brain is coated in endorphins, those feel good neurotransmitters!  The mat classes are fairly new for me.  I love that the mat classes incorporate core, strength, balance and stretching. The weights that are incorporated with the yoga flows help me build strength.   Stretching is also so important and something I don't do enough. Downward dog? Yes, more please!

Okay, let’s face it –  winter can be a tough time of year for folks. As a long-time Mainer, any tips for making the most out of the winter? 

I won’t lie, the winter months can be tough. The nights are dark and days are short. Staying busy and active is something that helps me immensely, most especially with you, RÊVE! Having something to look forward to, whether it be yoga on Monday nights at 6pm with Lily, or spin with Meg at 6am on Tuesdays; I also try to get outdoors as much as possible. I ski with my husband on the weekends and love taking long walks around Portland. 

We’re coming up on Valentine's day! Do you have any plans? Most importantly, what are you doing to show yourself a little love and care?

I just spent the week in Arizona with my husband Mike, so we celebrated Valentine's Day a little early. We had the most magical time in Sedona, hiking the red rock canyons, caves and vortexes.  We also hiked below the rim of The Grand Canyon, which was pretty spectacular.  

Running a business while raising three daughters can be challenging at times in terms of self-care, so I've always used movement as my medicine. I try to incorporate a healthy diet and exercise into my routine. Living a healthy and active life is something I try to teach my daughters each day. Most recently, I started getting massages. They are the ultimate in terms of self-love and care!

Tricia hiking during a recent trip to Sedona, AZ!

How would you describe Rêve to someone who hasn’t been here before? 

It's a magical place that's inclusive.  The studio is filled with positive instructors, and great music with a community feel. It's my home away from home.