My THIRD PLACe
I was trying to think of the best way to describe my JIBE experience,
and immediately, I thought of this concept called “third place.” A
third place refers to places where people can gather outside of their
home and work to socialize, build relationships, and have fun. For me,
JIBE has quickly become just this, my third place!
I joined JIBE in April 2024 after completing a year of learning how to
reprioritize myself through strength training and general wellness.
Like many, at some point between building a career and family, I had
lost track of myself. I was encouraged by many who knew me to try
JIBE! I must admit, I had never gotten on a spin bike, let alone a
bike, since I was 22. I was super intimidated, and it takes a lot to
scare me. Plus, I am 44, and your girl has curves. However, if I were
to practice what I preach to my kids and girlfriends, I wouldn’t let
my body or age hold me back. So, I put on my big girl leggings, a lot
of chafing cream, and got my butt down the road to JIBE.
My first class was with Adlin, the perfect blend of sweet, supportive,
and delightfully quirky. It made me want to call her mom and praise
her for her parenting. The room was filled with this intense energy I
hadn’t felt in a long time. I tripped my way through class laughing at
my attempts at choreography and finding the beat (I swear, that comes
to you eventually!), and I held in tears at the end when I realized I
hadn’t had this much fun moving my body since playing soccer and
lacrosse as a younger person. I was hooked.
Fast forward 9 months and 160+ classes later, I am the happiest and
most grounded I have felt in years. And, for once, it has nothing to
do with the scale. Finding joy in movement again has become everything
to me. It has also allowed me to do even more activities and set
higher goals. JIBE creates the space for you to show up as you are,
without judgment, and just let yourself free. It’s my third place, and
I hope it is also for some of you.
By Jibe Cycling Maine Member of the Month: Victoria Winters