Conversations with the Inspiring Caylynn Lewis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caylynn Lewis.

Caylynn, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a Colorado native and have proudly lived in Colorado for my whole life. Growing up, the only thing I ever wanted to do was become a teacher. I dreamed of teaching, leading and inspiring others. I went to the University of Northern Colorado to pursue an Elementary Education degree. While at UNC, I furthered my passion for education and fell in love with fitness while working at the Campus Recreation Center.

After graduating from college, I spent nine years as an Elementary Educator. I was a classroom teacher, teacher coach, and administrator. During this time, I got a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction for K-12 Mathematics and continued to create a community in the Denver fitness world. Fitness and movement became an outlet for me and an escape from daily stressors.

About 3 and 1/2 years ago, I found Shift Cycle + Fitness. Shift Cycle is a female-founded, boutique cycling studio in Denver. Shift has two locations – one in Stapleton and one in Sunnyside. I started riding there and fell in love with the environment, community and mission of the studio. I started teaching at Shift shortly after I started riding there and have been an instructor ever since. Finding Shift and joining the squad allowed me to fill both my teaching and fitness buckets.

For years, I had been ignoring my inner voice telling me to make a change. My passion for fitness was constantly growing and I began dreaming about creating a life centered around this. I knew I needed to step away from what was safe, comfortable and known – being an educator – and do something that I truly loved, which is fitness and I was terrified. With the support of my husband, family and friends, I made the leap of faith and I transitioned away from the education world almost two years ago. I took a risk to make not only a career change but also a major lifestyle change. I wanted to increase my presence and impact in the fitness world because of the positivity, power, and release I experience from movement. I wanted to expand my reach at Shift because I truly love the Shift community and believe in the studio.

So, I finally did it. I transitioned away from education almost two years ago. This transition has allowed me to increase my role and responsibilities at Shift. In addition to my fitness role, I work for a boutique investment firm and am learning all about the financial world. The past two years have taught me that change and transformation are hard but worth it. Taking a risk and following your dreams is scary but rewarding and changing the path of your life is possible.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road! I ignored the feeling I had to make career change for years because I was scared and insecure. I doubted myself and my ability to switch directions. I was terrified to not be a teacher. Being an educator was my identity. I didn’t believe I had any other options or skills. I believed I had to be an educator because my college degrees were in education and it’s what I had always dreamed of doing. I was getting in my own way and limiting myself.

The best piece of advice I can give is to take the risk, make the change and listen to yourself rather than limiting yourself. Obstacles and challenges are a critical part of everyone’s story. Without them, we may not know how much we are capable of achieving and we may never strive for more. I’ve realized there isn’t one clear, straight path for everyone. It’s okay to change directions and pursue something that wasn’t always present in your life. It’s okay to be vulnerable and struggle. It’s okay to accomplish your childhood goal and start chasing another one. And, most importantly, it’s okay to believe in yourself, push yourself and always strive for more.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m an instructor at Shift Cycle + Fitness. Shift was founded by Whitney Herman. The first studio opened in March of 2016 in Stapleton and the Sunnyside location opened in July of 2018. Shift is an indoor cycling studio focused on making the shift to everything positive and inspiring. Our studio strives to empower and encourage our riders to crush their workout while finding their inner strength and fortitude to overcome daily stressors. Every ride is an opportunity to face physical and mental challenges with grit, struggle, and success. We ride as a team and believe in the power of lasting relationships and community.

Every class I teach gives me an opportunity to use my love of movement and cycling to motivate and inspire riders to strive for more, own their goals, acknowledge their struggles and overcome obstacles in order to become both physically and mentally stronger on and off the bike. I love meeting new riders, so come check out a class!

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I work from home when I’m not at the studio, so I’m always listening to a podcast, book on tape or scrolling through a blog. Here are some of my favorites:

Books:
– Atomic Habits, James Clear
– High Performance Habits, by Brendon Burchard
– Grit, Angela Duckworth
– School of Greatness, Lewis Howes

Podcasts:
– Do The Things, Melissa Urban
– Rock Your Bliss, Jacki Carr and Mary Beth LaRue
– American Innovations, Wondery

Blogs:
– The Sheina Show, Sheina Lopes (www.thesheinashow.com)
– Kristin Meaux Fitness, Kristin Meaux (www.kristinmeauxfitness.com)

Pricing:

• First Week Free for Colorado Residents
• Use code CAYLEW20 for 20% off class packages

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shift-cycle.com
• Instagram: @caylew_ @shiftcycle

Image Credit:
Shift Cycle + Fitness

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