Addison Axe. Damn now THAT'S a name. Singer, songwriter, musician and illustrator, our latest recruit is creative to the max!
Let's get to know Addison…
Congratulations on becoming a Ride instructor! How does it feel being on the other side of the room?
Super fun! It’s a hell intense training regime to become a Ride instructor, and the LA Fit posse have invested a great deal of time and energy into me, for which I’m supremely grateful, so it’s immensely rewarding to have made it through that process, and to finally be getting stuck in!
Tell us a bit about your fitness journey. Have you always wanted to be a fitness instructor?
As a kid I wanted to be a pro soccer player. It was all consuming and I did literally nothing else, I loved it. When I was 16 I was diagnosed with arthritis and that completely shattered my chances of being an elite level athlete. The disappointment was overwhelming at the time. Eventually I snapped out of it, and totally threw myself into music instead. Music has pretty much been my life over the last 15 years, playing in bands and writing songs.
Earlier this year after a particularly intensive tour with my band, I hit a wall and came to the realisation that I didn’t want to spend so much time away from home, and needed a change…
I’ve always adored group fitness, and taken my own health and fitness very seriously, but never thought I could do it as a profession, because my confidence had been crushed so long ago, and I didn’t want to go through that kind of disappointment again. But finally I put all my fears and doubts behind me and decided to pursue a new career in fitness, and it’s been the best decision I ever made.
We love having a musician as part of the team. What’s your favourite music to ride to?
Oooh I love big fat dirty beats. And sub bass! At home I listen mostly to indi, folk, hip hop and rock… but recently I’ve been discovering and getting into some really sick dance music.
You’re in two bands so you’re comfortable performing. How does performing help you teach Ride?
I guess being in front of a room of people isn’t new or intimidating to me, which certainly helps. As instructors, an element of what we do is to keep the momentum and vibe in the room by being an entertainer, which is definitely something I enjoy.
And the reverse. How has Ride/fitness helped you with your music?
I’ve always found singing and dancing at the same time challenging… especially over the duration of a whole gig… but training my fitness to a level where I can talk and ride at the same time has increased my stamina as a singer immensely.
Before becoming an instructor, what attracted you to Ride and kept you coming back?
Community. When you ride, you feel like you’re part of a tribe, and that’s exciting. Also working out to a beat is totally my jam. I love it.
Seeing as we’re nearing the end of 2019. Any plans for 2020?
In 2020 I hope to grow and build my Ride classes, and be the best most inspiring teacher I can be. I want to build by personal training business; Addi Axe Fitness, and keep pushing myself through my own training to be in the best shape of my life.
