Interview: Cycling expert Melissa Power
Want to know how Melissa Power went from TV production to founding her own indoor cycling business, Cadence? We sat down with her to find out.
What did you do before indoor cycling?
“I started out in radio and then in TV, producing shows like This Morning. I moved into Quiz and Gameshow Development, and my last job before leaving was coming up with catchphrases for Catchphrase! I can still remember a four-hour meeting about Bananas in Pyjamas!”
What happened next?
“I was hit by a car while cycling to work, which left me with serious injuries and a very long rehab. Indoor cycling was recommended as part of my recovery, and it changed everything. I fell in love with how controlled and adaptable it could be when taught properly. Eventually, that curiosity pulled me out of TV and into fitness full time.”
You came up with the term ‘spin-timidation’. What does that mean?
“One of the most common things I hear when people find out I’m a spin instructor is, ‘I hate spin’. The thing is, I don’t necessarily disagree. There is, sadly, a lot of bad spin out there, and it has a reputation for being gimmicky, competitive, cliquey and, probably worst of all, dangerous. That’s why I coined ‘Spin-timidation’. I’m challenging this because when indoor cycling is taught correctly, with evidence-led programming, and empathy, it is one of the safest, most effective workouts there is.”
What needs to change?
“The attitude – less theatre, more coaching, without an instructor getting up in front of everyone and basically put on a show, regardless of who’s in the room. You wouldn’t get that in any other exercise class. Can you imagine if I went to my first ever boxing workout and spent the session watching the coach work the punchbag while a room full of people struggled to keep up? It has to change.”
What makes Cadence’s approach different?
“Our classes are designed for longevity. Every session balances rhythm and strength training, so riders leave feeling worked but not wrecked. We focus on safe ranges, joint health, and proper technique, and we build confidence first, then intensity second. We don’t jump on trends. We programme first and ensure the rider is at the heart of everything we do.”
What advice would you give someone walking into their first spin class?
“Don’t chase anyone else. Find your rhythm, focus on form, and remember resistance is your friend. You’re better off doing less but doing it well and building up gradually. You know you’re in a good class if you have an instructor that sets you up, clips you in, gives you options as a newbie, and tells you to go at your own pace.”
Do you think the fitness industry is doing enough to be inclusive?
“Too much still sells perfection, when most people just want to feel better and stay mobile. I’m very much over these ‘how to get abs’ tripe, and I’d like to think the public are, too. If you scroll though Instagram it would have you believe everyone is prepping for their next Body Building competition, whereas most of us just want to be healthier and have enough energy to run around the park with our kids.”
Who inspires you outside of the fitness world?
“Claudia Winkleman: she’s a fantastic broadcaster who makes everyone feel comfortable but does so while staying sharp and unpredictable. That’s a very rare mix. I’d also put Alison Hammond and Sue Perkins in that bracket. I’ve a lot of respect for people that are so good at their job it looks like they’re making it up as they go along, when the reality is they’re knowledgeable and meticulously well prepared. That’s what I look for in my instructors. It’s absolute gold dust.”
It’s the end of the day: how do you relax?
“We have an 18-month-old, so while peace isn’t on the menu I do totally switch off as my focus is entirely on her. Just regular toddler things like trying to stop her launching herself downstairs or licking plugs! When she’s in bed, I spend time relaxing with my partner. Nothing fancy, just the things that make life feel normal. When your job is loud and high-energy and you’re talking all day, sitting quietly with a book or watching something on TV I find is the best way to unwind.”
