Member Spotlight: Sara Goodson
Meet Sara Goodson, known as "Sara Spins" on the Echelon leaderboard, a dedicated member who found her fitness home with Echelon. What started as a practical solution to Minnesota winters evolved into a transformative journey of self-discovery, community connection, and remarkable achievements. Sara's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the support of a thriving community, and the joy of embracing new challenges.
Leaderboard Name: Sara Spins
Q&A with Sara
Q: Who is your favorite instructor?
A: Considering I help run the Garden of Good and Eden fan page on Facebook, I definitely need to shout out my girl, Eden! But one of the best parts of Echelon is the variety of instructors we have access to. Every instructor brings something unique to the platform and love them all!
Q: How did you get started with Echelon?
A: I’d been riding bike outdoors, and wanted a way to continue exercising once the Minnesota winter set in. So my husband (Nova Spins) bought us a bike from Costco. We waited months for it to arrive. Took my first spin September of 2020. I’ll admit, it wasn’t love at first ride. I kept trying new classes and instructors, and by the end of November I was riding every day.
Q: What is your favorite part about the Echelon Community?
A: From instructors to members, there is always someone there to support you. We all start somewhere, and seeing the encouragement for those just starting out all the way to those competing in races is amazing! So many community members have inspired me to try new things, branch out from my comfort zones, and I just hope I can do the same.
Q: How has Echelon impacted your life?
A: I’ve learned to push my abilities and to not limit myself. I’m more comfortable and confident in my own skin. I’ve lost weight, gained muscle and regained my flexibility. It is so empowering being able to pick up those heavier weights and just move more freely! I started running for the first time, at the age of 40. Now, 2 years later, I’m training for a half marathon. I am so proud to model these goal setting and achieving behaviors to my 2 children. As a family, we are all more active.
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: 1) My tribe - the friends I’ve made all across the globe. Some, I’ve even been lucky enough to meet in person. 2) The instructors that are there for you, cheering you on and offering advice to reach your goals. 3) Watching community members do amazing things, and cheering them on!
Q: What tips do you want to share with other members to achieve their fitness goals?
A: Get involved! Don’t let the screen between us hold you back from connecting with other riders/rowers/striders. Post your wins and setbacks in the community pages or join in on step/activity challenges. If you need ideas, reach out to the community! While most of us focus on sharing our successes, there will be setbacks. There will be days you don’t want to make those health deposits, but those are the most important days. Keep with it, find your way back, share your struggles, cry on the bike, find a way to use exercise for healing. That’s what has kept me going for 3 years. Also, set goals for yourself. I’ll never forget the row class where one of the instructors asked us what we were working towards. At that point I was down to my goal weight and on auto-pilot, just going through the motions. I’d also been listening to Eden’s race-recaps in class and it was in that moment I decided I wanted that feeling and that I wanted to start running.
Q: What makes Echelon different than our competitors?
A: Echelon is that big company that feels approachable. They listen to feedback and truly care about their members. Echelon is the first (and only) fitness community I’ve been a part of, and it’s always felt like home. I’ve visited the Chattanooga studio twice and everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming and genuinely excited to meet home riders. You won’t find that elsewhere.
Sara's Echelon journey exemplifies dedication and community's power. From hesitant rides to half marathon training and inspiring her kids, she embodies continuous growth. Her story shows fitness transforms body and builds connections, embracing challenges, and revealing inner strength. As Sara pursues new goals, she proves the possibilities when you find your fitness home.
