New Veloburn Coaches Spotlight: Livia & Michelle

by Laura – May 19 2021

New Veloburn Coach: Livia

Tell us a bit about you

I am from Zurich and I’m studying philosophy at UZH. I love all kinds of fitness from running on beautiful trails, body-weight HIIT sessions, yoga, or going to Velocity for a great ride. My goal is to awaken my riders so they can overcome their personal challenges.

How did you first discover Velocity?

Actually, through social media. Someone I followed on Instagram always posted stories about those crazy party-like rides at a cycling studio called Velocity. This got me curious so I tried it myself and immediately fell in love. 

Why Velocity? What do you think you’ll find here that’s unlike anywhere else?

Oh, there are so many reasons to go to Velocity! The rides are more than just a workout, they’re a whole experience, where you get pushed to go beyond your self-limiting beliefs to grow physically as well as mentally. And the community here is just unique. You’re welcomed just the way YOU are and you will make real friendships there. You will quickly feel at home when at Velocity.

What was the most challenging part of the Veloburn auditions?

Stepping out of my comfort zone and going on stage. For me, it was the very first experience I had with a mic and teaching in general. I’ve never done something similar before. It took a lot of courage to just do it and try my best. 

Every coach has something unique in their workouts. What makes your Veloburn rides unique?

I think, what makes my rides unique is that I really LOVE my music and I share that with the riders. I am a very energetic and passionate person and when you ride with me you will feel all my emotions as well. I truly believe, that there’s no better way to release all that energy, than with some heavy beats and a good burn! There will be a lot of fast-paced and dynamic tracks on my playlists. So, get ready to sweat it all out on that bike.

What music will you play in your workouts?

I love a good beat! Lots of electro, techno, and house. I love great remixes of old favorites too.

Catch Livia’s rides at Zug on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings starting on May 25.

New Veloburn Coach: Michelle

Tell us a bit about you

I’m from the Zurich highlands. Almost every weekend in the winter I’m skiing and ski mountaineering. I’ve been in track and field for more than 10 years and for the past five years I’ve been teaching TRX. 

I always tell my clients that training is physical, yes, but in the end, it’s all about the mindset. You really can do anything if you set your mind to it. 

How did you discover Velocity?

I went to classic cycling classes in gyms for many years but I discovered Velocity and went to my first Velobeat ride in 2019. My cycling instructor invited me to go to the city to try it out and it was the experience, the lights, the music, that was unlike anything I had been to before. Later that year I took a trip to the United States and I went to other indoor cycling classes with similar concepts and became hooked. When I saw there were Veloburn auditions open I immediately applied. Velobeat is great, but I’m a Veloburn girl. I’m very competitive so I love the leaderboard and inspiring clients to push their limits. 

Why Velocity? What do you think you’ll find here that’s unlike anywhere else?

The community. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. As someone who comes from the countryside we have a perspective of city-people as always in a rush and not as open or friendly but in Velocity there’s nothing but positivity, openness and no judgement. You’re not just a number, you’re a person who they really care about. 

I also think Velocity did such a good job during Corona. It’s been a hard year but they always stayed positive and made the best out of the situation. 

What was the most challenging part of the Veloburn auditions?

I put so much energy and effort into the auditions because you want to give them the best experience of their day, not just a random cycling class. It was exhausting and incredible at the same time. 

I’m used to doing classes and standing in front of people, but at Velocity, it’s so much more. It means a lot to me to be part of the academy to learn and grow and then share that experience on the stage with the clients. I can’t wait to get started and make the most out of it.

Every coach has something unique in their workouts. What makes your Veloburn ride unique?

In the academy the coaches have said to me that I’m really good at motivating people, that’s probably a highlight of my rides. I love to push people because I know they can do more. So many people just get comfortable with being comfortable. But I’ll push you and make you work so you’ll always feel that satisfaction after my rides.

What music will you play in your workouts?

In terms of music, it’s not so much about the genre for me but more about the rhythm and what gives me energy. It could be a rock, electro hip-hop, or a mainstream track, it has to be motivational and get everyone’s vibes and energy high. 

Ride with Michelle at West every Friday at 7am from May 28.

INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: MONIKA