#FitGirlMagic: Tina J
Vibrant. Bold.
Compassion.
That’s how Soulcycle instructor Tina J. would describe her brand and what she brings to that podium every class.
When it comes to SoulCycle, we stan a little bit. Not just for the workout, but for the brand and what it represents. We believe SoulCycle is at the forefront of diversity and inclusion. It is a company that truly walks the walk when it comes to having a diverse roster of instructors, showing diverse faces in its campaigns and the causes it supports.
This month, we talked with Soulcycle instructor, Tina Jackson of Los Angeles. If her face looks familiar, it is because Tina was recently featured in the advertising campaign for SoulCycle’s capsule collection with Lululemon.
Yup! You see that right. Tina was one of the background dancers for Beyonce’s ICONIC Coachella performance.
What led you to audition for that instructor podium? How long have you been an instructor?
When I moved to Los Angeles, I started to see how much fitness was apart of the lifestyle. I was working as a front desk girl at SoulCycle, and I would hear the sounds of Kendrick Lamar, St.Lucia , and Prince. I was suddenly so inspired to want to be an instructor. I felt like I could do it too! I’ve been teaching now for about 4.5 years
What motivates you live a healthy lifestyle?
The African American community suffers a lot from diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, which also runs in my family. My family has been amazing at explaining ways to avoid these diseases. It has motivated me to be healthy now to create a better future for myself.
What is your favorite workout?
BOXING! It has been a really good cross train to my current routine, which consists of spin, dance and yoga.
What aspect of health, fitness or wellness do you feel is your biggest challenge?
Creating time for rest. As much as I love to workout everyday, I still want my body to be a well-oiled machine, which means choosing days to simply rest instead of picking up another workout. Recovery is key.
You were recently featured in Soulcycle’s campaign for their newest lululemon capsule collection. How did that feel?
It STILL feels surreal! I always remember walking into lululemon, and thinking I could never see myself up there. At the same time, I would think about how it would be so amazing to represent black women because we are part of this fitness community too. I’m beyond humbled and still very grateful to God for getting me here to this point.
Can you give us a behind-the-scenes scoop on how auditioning for national campaigns go?
I am currently an ambassador with lululemon, so I’ve been connecting with people in the company for the past year. When lulu decided they wanted to do a major collaboration with SoulCycle they reached out to me. From there I went through a private casting, and then I was chosen.
From an insider’s perspective, how does it feel to work for a company that truly pushes diversity and inclusion? What insider’s perspective do you have that you feel others should know?
I remember when I first started working for the company in 2012, and standing at the desk and thinking, “Wow! It feels so colorless, genderless, and sexual orientation free here.“ Not in naïve way at all, but that everyone mattered, everyone had a voice, every walk of life was not only accepted, but also CELEBRATED. It’s an amazing thing to witness. As we continue to press forward in life, it’s important for us to be apart of organizations that recognize all people. We can become a more conscious community when we connect with other humans from different walks of life to forge true diversity for those after us.
When people walk out of the door after your class, what is one thing you hope they take with them?
Joy. Freedom of Self. And, feeling like a BADASS!