Exercise is considered painful and off-putting for some people. In a city like Bangkok where stress can run high and traffic can eat away at your "me time", people find it hard to put a round in at the gym or are too tired at the end of the day. The cheap food all over the city doesn't help either. But Absolute Cycle is set to change your perspective on exercise with rhythm cycling, a fun and energising way to shed kilos. A special treat for Bangkokians is that Sunny Walters, a New York native who has instructed SoulCycle sessions in the US and has worked as a professional dancer for the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, as well as appearing in the musical film The Greatest Showman, is serving as guest instructor for six months at Absolute Cycle. Guru asked her a few questions on rhythm cycling and what she's looking forward during her time in the City of Angels.
What makes rhythm cycling such a fun and effective exercise?
It is always the music and the personality of the instructor! If the music doesn't make you want to move/dance/sing/have a good time, no matter how great the instructor is you'll find it difficult to get lost in the moment. Same thing if you don't connect or "vibe" with your instructor. The more electric the music and energy from the music and instructor, you can't help but to have a good time!
What are your go-to tunes during a session?
I don't really have "go-to" tunes. Some days I like rock, some days hip hop, some days classical. I tend to play a little bit of everything. The one thing all of my music has in common no matter the genre is big energy. I love to play music that makes my riders feel powerful and like they can do anything.
Some people say they don't have the time to exercise. What's your advice to them?
We all make time for things that are important to us. Even if it's only 30 minutes. As humans, if we want something bad enough we usually find a way. We only get one body. The most important thing in our day should be to take care of it!
You've danced on tour with divas like Britney, Christina and Queen B [Beyoncé] herself. How physically demanding was that experience?
Tour life can be very energy depleting. You're constantly packing up from one city to the next and travel in itself is exhausting. Then you're on stage for up to two hours dancing, being your biggest self if you're dancing in an arena and trying to connect with the audience. It's exhilarating and incredibly amazing but also taxing at the end of the day. The key to surviving in a healthy way is always to find time to rest and reset.
How does being a dancer affect the way you instruct rhythm cycling sessions?
Being a dancer makes it second nature to be in front of people leading/teaching them how to move to the beat of whatever music is playing.
What are you looking forward to as you take on being master instructor for six months at Absolute Cycle in Bangkok?
I'm looking forward to connecting with people I may have never met if I never left home and making a difference in their lives. If I can make just one person feel happier or smile, or feel like whatever challenges they might face in their life is going to be okay, my heart and soul feel genuinely fulfilled. That fulfilment is what I most look forward to.
Bangkok is known for its food. Do you find it hard to maintain a healthy diet? Do you follow a specific diet or food discipline?
I don't follow any particular sort of diet and I look forward to experiencing all that Bangkok has to offer! Being here is an opportunity of a lifetime and I intend to experience it to the fullest! If I gain a few pounds, meh. More of me to love!
