Introducing Emily Butson!
This week, Emily Butson takes over the instructor's podium for the very first time for her Community Ride on Wednesday at 6:00 am. After struggling to find her workout niche, Emily came to Rêve and immediately found both classes and a community that inspired her. As one who is admittedly obsessed with music, she is excited to blend two of her favorite things while taking her classes on a high intensity ride that you will not want to miss! She chatted with us about what we may expect from her classes (hint: you may find that it feels just like your favorite dance party).
I ride at Rêve because…
There is honestly nothing like the energy that flies around that room in every single class. I had tried for a long time to find my “thing” in terms of fitness, and couldn’t ever settle on one activity in particular until I walked into Rêve. While fitness is the framework and what initially drives people to the studio, the thing that keeps them coming is so much bigger than a workout; it’s the fact that everyone in that room has actively chosen to give their energy to each other for 50 minutes and committed to being part of something bigger. The heart in this community runs so deep and the love everyone has for Rêve is amazing to witness every day! Rêve is so important to me and I am so excited to be a part of it in this expanded capacity.
Teaching’s a big job! About what are you most excited? What makes your class unique?
There are so many things I’m excited for! From a mechanical perspective, it’s definitely a new challenge physically, which is always an exciting undertaking. From an emotional perspective, I know how important the instructors have been for me in my own time at Rêve, so the prospect of being able to facilitate that for other riders is extremely motivating. I think what will make my class unique is that I am a super fan of music, probably to a comedic level, so it’ll be tough but is really just going to be a singing/dancing party 24/7. I can’t wait to ride with you!
My favorite moment in class is when…
I'm definitely a fan of speed so anytime we get to bust out a quick pace I am having a great time. However, the best thing I can hear in class is when we’re working through a sprint and the instructor yells "take it out to three.” If I’ve been losing energy for any reason that immediately reactivates my brain and I click back into motion.
The most challenging part about becoming an instructor has been…
Definitely translating the thoughts zipping around my head while I ride into something that is universally motivating. Not everyone feels inspired by the same rhetoric, so unpacking how I have kept myself riding and translating it to something that will resonate with others has been the most difficult aspect.
Some songs you’ll definitely find on my first few playlists will be…
If it was in a John Hughes movie, I’m probably going to play it. I love 80’s pop music, anything with a solid beat, and anything that we can run to. I’ve got some Jefferson Starship, Imagine Dragons, new Taylor Swift, and some Michael Jackson to keep us dancing/singing in the next couple of weeks.
When I’m not at the studio, you can find me…
Outside anywhere! I love the mountains more than anything, so I’m just about always hiking up them or skiing down them. I also love exploring Portland so if I’m not at work or the studio I’m usually taking very long walks through the city and coffee-shop hopping.
Didn't get a bike in time for Emily's Community Ride, don't fret! She will be subbing for Erin on Saturday, 12/16. Make your reservation today!