At first glance, a cycle class can look a little intimidating. Rows of bikes. Blaring music. A room full of people pedaling like they’re in the Tour de France. But if you step into Cameron Smith’s class at Springville’s Clyde Recreation Center, you’ll find something a little different: a welcoming community; a low-impact but high-reward workout; and a surprisingly healing experience.
Smith isn’t your average fitness instructor. Her path to leading a cycle class didn’t start with a personal record or a competitive streak, but with her own struggle — both mental and physical.
“[I] just kind of stumbled upon it,” Smith said. “One class had me hooked and I was like, ‘Wow, this is really healing in both ways for me.’”
The belief that movement is medicine runs through every part of her class. While cycling offers all the cardio benefits you’d expect, Smith sees it as much more than a sweat session.
“Healing as a whole isn’t just physical,” she explained. “it’s also mental … and I try to mix in a good mental health message as well.”
The class itself is adaptable, fun, and surprisingly forgiving. Unlike high-impact workouts that can be rough on joints, Smith explained that cycling provides a solid cardio option without the wear and tear. She also said that the autonomy that cycling provides, allows for people to have more control over their workouts and even recovery.
“You can still get the same feeling as if you’re running, but your muscles and joints will love you a little more for not being so hard on them,” Smith said. “… “It’s great for somebody who’s maybe had injuries or pain with their knees or their lower back. Somebody who has had an injury and is trying to get back into working out can really benefit.”
Smith emphasized that cycling caters to all ages and abilities.
“We have a lot of older participants, just because it is easier on your joints, but that doesn’t take away from the young people who come as well,” Smith said. “You really can adjust it for your body and where you are at.”
Her participants agree. Serve Daily spoke to one of Smith’s students who described the class as “Your class,” that you “can do it at your own pace,” adding that “if you keep up, you’ll be exhausted by the end of the hour.”
You don’t have to be a seasoned cyclist or triathlete to get started. In fact, one of the biggest hurdles, Smith says, is just showing up.
“People build stuff up so much in their minds that they kind of hold themselves back,” she said. “If you just get there, any instructor will be able to help you feel comfortable on the bike.
What sets Cameron’s class apart, though, is the atmosphere she creates. She talks about her participants with real affection, describing how their presence is what makes teaching worthwhile.
“When I started, I was so nervous,” she said. “But I kept thinking, if I could just help one person, that’s all that matters. So, it really is the people that come that I love the most about it.”
Each class runs about an hour, which is enough time to get your heart pumping, sweat a little, and leave with a sense of accomplishment. And for many who attend, it’s more than just a workout; it’s a chance to connect, to push yourself in a safe space, and maybe even discover you’re stronger than you thought.
“When you have an instructor who’s helping you through, you kind of learn a lot about yourself,” Smith said. “You’re able to push yourself harder than you would just by yourself. And so, it is important to have that motivation and that person to help push you through.”
And Smith certainly does push her class. One of the participants, Misti Jones, jokingly requested somebody call 911 because of how hard Smith had pushed her during the class, although it was definitely the kind of work out she wanted.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Jones said. “This is what (my husband and I) do as a date night.”
Whether you’re an athlete looking to cross-train, someone recovering from injury, or if you’re just curious about trying something new, Cameron Smith’s cycle class at Springville’s Clyde Recreation Center might be the perfect place to start. Just show up, hop on a bike, and let the ride take you somewhere unexpected.
Contact Clyde Recreation Center in Springville for class times at 801-491-7881.
