Meet Lauren Duff, GritCycle Team Leader
What kind of classes do you teach?
A 45 minute high-intensity, full-body cycling class, during which clients follow choreography set to music.
Where were you raised and where do you currently live? Age, if ok.
I was raised in Southern California (in the San Fernando Valley) and currently live in Irvine, CA. I am 36 years young.
What motivates you to get up in the morning?
My passion for helping people in any capacity whether it be through indoor cycling classes at Grit Cycle or though my role as a Community Manager for SRG Residential at The Royce Apartments motivates me to get up in the morning. The opportunity to overcome obstacles or challenges that lie within my path to success serves as a driving force to get me out of bed in the morning and take on my day.
And - of course, a beautiful sunrise while enjoying a perfect cup of coffee (well latte) with my hubby and fur child also motivates me to get up in the morning.
Is there a book you’re reading right now?
I’m actually reading a couple of books right now. 1\. “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World” by Gary Vaynerchuk and 2\. “You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” by Jen Sincero.
If you could only do two workouts a week, what would it be?
Indoor Cycling at GritCycle and Group Training at The 12.
Is there a teacher that you love learning from?
There are many teachers that I love learning from; however one teacher, Lisa Mikelson, is especially inspiring to me. From the first time I took one of her indoor cycling classes at GritCycle until the present day, she continues to move me inside and outside of the Saddle Room. She has a strong brand and stands behind her WHY!
What is your favorite way to spend a day outdoors?
Either a nice long walk along the beach with my hubby or a good friend and good conversation, or, a hike somewhere with breathtaking views! One of my absolute favorite days spent outdoors was with my hubby when we traveled to Maui and watched the sun rise from the top of Haleakala Crater. It is a day I will never forget!
Are there any charities you support?
I regularly support the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) - bringing courage, strength, and grit to the fight against cancer. The JWCF funds programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes and save life’s through research, education, awareness and support. GritCycle hosts an annual “Gritty Up” auction & cocktail party as well as 3-hour rides (at each GritCycle studio) to benefit the JFCF.
I also invest in today’s champions and tomorrow’s leaders through the Trojan Athletic Fund (TAF). The TAF was founded in 1923 to provide the funding necessary to sustain the excellence of USC athletics’ varsity sports. Since then, the Fund has grown to support 21 NCAA sports and more than 650 student-athletes annually. The members of the TAF form a global group of more than 6,000 alumni, parents, former student-athletes, and friends who directly contribute to the success of student-athletes.
Where can we find you teaching classes?
You can find me teaching classes at GritCycle in Anaheim Hills and in Costa Mesa. In Anaheim Hills you can find me on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 5:45 a.m. and Sunday mornings at 8:15 a.m. In Costa Mesa you can find me on Sunday afternoons at 4:15 p.m. I also sub regularly at both studios as well.
Last, what is in your gym bag?
In my gym bag...
1\. Spin shoes
2\. Wireless mic
3\. Puffies
4\. Bottle of water
5\. Laptop
6\. GritCycle promo cards
7\. Extra pair of socks
8\. Extra outfit (for the gym)
9\. Extra outfit (for outside of the gym)
10\. Hair brush
11\. Bag of accessories (mints, fragrances, throat spray, ponytail holders, etc.)
And on occasion you will find other things in there too...