Spritely and spirited, you don’t need to spend a long time to know that Kamae De Jesus’ spinning classes are a blast
By Eric Nicole Salta | Photos by RG Medestomas | Makeup by Hannah Patriarca | Hair by Koi Castillo
“I started here with zero background in spinning. Almost two years teaching now and I still love the activity just as much, if not even more than when I fell in love with it. I have a full-time day job as a business development manager for a Filipino IT consultancy firm focused on digital transformation. Did I lose you there? Okay let’s go back to spinning.”
If Kamae De Jesus’ energy doesn’t wake you up, then I don’t know what will. Not that ‘woke’ is the goal of her spinning classes but you get the impression that anyone who takes her classes comes out of the studio in excellent spirits.
It was my first time meeting De Jesus at the shoot and even then, we’d already made a friendly connection. That kind of attitude surely sets up people wanting to embrace fitness into a place that’s even more accepting. Does this make De Jesus the de facto spinning instructor archetype? Maybe, maybe not. It really doesn’t matter. As long as she doesn’t stop being her gloriously effervescent, bubbly self.
You know signing up for her classes isn’t a dull waste of time.
When and how did your fitness journey begin?
It began around three years ago when I felt like my metabolism was slowing down (aka aging). I promised myself to make an effort to take care of my body to be able to do what I want to do for the next years. I’ve lived a more active lifestyle since then. I’m not at my fittest yet I know, but I’m on my way there.
What is it about indoor cycling that makes it a great workout?
You see, the challenge in spinning comes a lot from how much effort the person exerts. That’s what makes it special. The rider pushes the difficulty level while we (the instructors) just frame the pacing and state of mind. If one allows the workout to consume them, spinning really becomes a full body experience as it mixes cardio with weights (due to resistance) and activates not just the legs but the core as well. You have thos plus an awesome studio with fancy lights and solid sound system. What else will you look for really?
What’s so unique about your class?
You have to go ride to know! At Ride Revolution, we always talk about giving an experience instead of just leading a workout so every instructor brings their riders to a level that goes beyond just a physical activity. I personally take pride in my playlist and how I ensure the movements are in sync with my song choices. Even if it’s not a themed ride, I make it a point there’s flow or at least an overarching mood in the session. And oh, did I tell you our studios have strobe lights?
What’s the toughest part of your job?
I honestly cannot think of anything. Maybe not teaching when you want to? (laughs). If I have to list one, it would be having 200 percent energy all the time since you’re not always on top of your game, right?
Do you still find time to exercise outside Ride Revolution? If so, what else do you do?
Very much so! I’m enrolled in a gym that I visit right before I go to work in the morning. Then I attend yoga at Urban Ashram sometimes and I keep myself busy with diving and football.
What advice would you give to someone struggling to meet their fitness goals?
You are stronger than your strongest excuse. Get up and go.
Share a specific tip or trick to be able to finish a spinning class
It’s all in the breathing. It paces you and gives you energy for the whole ride. Don’t be afraid to breathe when spinning, your body needs oxygen (for faster metabolism too!) and it will help you hold the strides. Take full breaths, many half breaths, noisy breaths, shy breaths. You do you booboo!