This Former Wrestler Found His Passion and Purpose as an Indoor Cycling Instructor
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Name: Dwight Coulter
Age: 34
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Occupation: Owner, CycleBar West Omaha
Time Cycling: Almost 6 years
Reason for Cycling: I cycle because it gives me an outlet to get a great cardio workout while also de-stressing and clearing my mind.
I started cycling in early 2018 after a series of shoulder injuries, sustained through professional wrestling, sidelined me from doing upper-body workouts. After doing some research, I discovered CycleBar. I actually reached out to CycleBar about being an instructor before ever even taking a class with them. From what I could tell, the high-energy classes and inspiring instructors had a similar dynamic to professional wrestling.
I decided I wanted to become an instructor, and was challenged to take 20 classes in a month by the studio owner to really see how I liked it. Never one to back down from a challenge, I made sure to make it to at least 20 classes that month. During those classes, I discovered the great cardio workout I was getting but also it was allowing me to work through the stresses of my day. As an added bonus: I met my wife Emily during my very first cycling class (she was the instructor).
I grew up the youngest of four boys and always had a knack for trying to entertain everyone around me. Growing up with three brothers, we always watched pro wrestling—it was the perfect combo of athleticism and entertainment, the two things I specialized in as a youngster.
Unfortunately, during my wrestling career, I suffered two torn shoulder labrums (the cartilage that lines the shoulder socket) and underwent shoulder surgery. After these injuries, it hindered my opportunity to eventually make it pro with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).
However, instructing indoor cycling and working as a professional wrestler are more similar than many would initially think. To simplify it, the spotlight is on you and your job is to entertain, captivate, and inspire. I was put on this earth to make others laugh and make them smile. In pro wrestling, I got to do that and now as a cycling instructor and owner I get to do just that, too. That’s where the passion comes from.
When I first started cycling, I was going five times per week during my first month, followed by two to three times per week once I was training to be an instructor. I didn’t use any training apps, just followed the daily instructor-led classes, so every class was different. I did not compete in any races but CycleBar has technology that keeps track of performance during every ride. I was able to compare my stats ride over ride and also because of the ranking in class, I could see how I compared to other riders. Those two things helped motivate me, so I wouldn’t slack off in class.
Not only did I become an instructor, I now own CycleBar in West Omaha, Nebraska with my amazing wife. COVID also happened five months after we opened, so that was a nice feather in the cap that we made it through.
I instruct four classes a week and I also am in the studio daily. Cycling indoors or outside is good for the body and mind. For the classes I teach, I have to prepare by creating unique playlists for every class and then programming them to be unique, creative, and challenging to make sure I can push 36 people in class for the ride.
Overall, cycling has changed my life in a lot of ways. I was working for Anheuser-Busch for 10 years, and in the span of six months I met my wife, opened a cycling studio and moved 700 miles from Louisville, Kentucky to Omaha, Nebraska. It makes me feel amazing. With cycling, I am free.
Toward the end of my Anheuser-Busch days, I was in a position that became very robotic and monotonous. Now, with owning a cycling studio and instructing, I have something that allows me to thrive and provide positivity and happiness to everyone I interact with at the studio.
These three tips have made my cycling journey a success:
1. Focus on proper nutrition
Whether you’re working out for better mental health, physical health, or both, a bad diet will bog you down in both departments. Treat your body right and in return, it’ll help you feel right.
2. Make sure you have proper form/bike setup
Too often, I see newer riders who are set up entirely wrong on their bike. They also have poor form when riding. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
3. Have fun
Don’t take your rides too seriously. Cycling should be fun! If a song comes on that you know the words to, don’t be afraid to sing to yourself and vibe with the music. Don’t be afraid to talk to other riders or the instructor. This isn’t a doctor’s office where you keep to yourself! Have fun interacting with other riders. Have fun like a kid who hears their favorite song come on and wants to sing/dance to it!
Dwight’s Must-Have Gear
→ Celsius Energy Drink: I like that this is a “clean” energy drink. It gives me extra energy for classes.
→ Fabletics Tank: I love these Fabletics sleeveless T-shirts. They are comfortable and affordable.
→ Lululemon Fast and Free Running Hat: I like to wear a hat during class. This one from Lululemon fits well and keeps the sweat out of my eyes.
We want to hear how cycling changed you! Send your story and submit your photos to us via this web form. We’ll pick one each week to highlight on the site.
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