Get to know our CARSA instructors: Q&A with Andrea Lainchbury

April 28, 2023

How long have you been working as a fitness trainer/instructor? How long have you been an instructor at CARSA?

I have been working as a fitness trainer since 1994. I started teaching aerobics and step classes at Fitness World and Vancouver Island Fitness in Victoria. After I had my kids my family moved to Ottawa for my husbands job and I took some time off. In 2008 I joined GoodLife Fitness and became a spin and yoga instructor. I found my passion and I have been teaching spin classes now for 13 years. I have received various awards in my spinning career. I received top instructor at GoodLife Fitness in Ottawa and I was awarded Top 500 spin instructor at Goodlife Fitness in Canada. During Covid my family moved back home to the island, and I have been teaching spin classes and fitness classes at CARSA for seven months.

What is your favourite type of class to teach and why?

My favourite class to teach is spin. I love the energy that you get from cycling to the music. It is a great cardio workout, and it is low impact on your joints. I can connect to my members and give a workout that is tailored to their individual needs and fitness level.

What do you like most about your job?

I love my job because I help my members reach their fitness goals. It gives me joy seeing that they are reaching their goals when they come back to my classes’ week after week. I have members come up to me in my class and tell me how my cycling classes have changed their life. Whether it has helped them loose weight, lower their blood pressure or live a healthier lifestyle.

What would you tell someone who is nervous to come try a class?

I want my members to come to my class and feel that they are in a safe space. I want them to feel comfortable and not intimated. I tailor my classes to fit everyone’s fitness level. Whether you are a beginner and have never done a cycling class or you are an athlete, you will be able to enjoy my class at your own level. If it is your first time, I will help you set up your bike and explain the resistance dial.

I want my members to go at their own pace and have fun.

What’s your favourite workout/hype song?

My favourite workout music is high energy. I like top 40 music that my members will recognize and relate to and can even sing along to. I find if you like the music, you will have fun and enjoy your cycling experience.

If you could choose just one type of exercise to do for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I would choose cycling because it is low impact on your joints. It will give you a full body workout. It works your core because you brace your belly in the saddle. It also works your upper body and legs. It is a great cardiovascular workout for your heart and anyone and any fitness level can do it.

What’s your favourite quote?

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling but in rising every time we fall. It means. When life gets tough it is easy to give up. Instead of giving up we need to push through and live life to its fullest.” – Nelson Mandela