Sunday Soul: Challenge Your Body, Center Your Mind and Spirit with Echelon Fitness
By Maribel Maignan
Sundays have always held a special place in the rhythm of the week. They mark the transition between rest and renewal, between reflection and preparation. That’s the heart behind Soul Sundays — a class designed not only to challenge your body but also to center your mind and spirit before stepping into a brand-new week.
Unlike other rides that might focus purely on endurance or speed, Soul Sundays invite you to slow down mentally while still working hard physically. It’s about creating space on the bike where sweat meets stillness, effort meets gratitude, and strength goes deeper than the physical.
For me, that grounding comes through faith. Every week is a gift, and I believe that how we begin matters. Scripture reminds us that “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). When we carry that truth into our ride, the workout becomes more than a physical challenge — it becomes a reset. It’s an opportunity to release last week’s stress, refocus your thoughts, and step into Monday with clarity and purpose.
Setting Intentions that Stick
In each Soul Sundays class, I encourage riders to set an intention for the week ahead. Think of it as a word, value, or mindset that you carry with you beyond the studio. Some examples include:
• Peace: When challenges come, choose calm over chaos.
• Gratitude: Recognize God’s blessings, big and small, in each day.
• Perseverance: Push forward with strength, knowing you’re never alone.
• Joy: Look for moments of light, even in the ordinary.
Holding onto your intention during class transforms every sprint, climb, and recovery into a reminder of how you want to walk into the week. By the time you unclip, you’re not just leaving stronger physically — you’re stepping into the week with clarity and direction.
Practical Ways to Carry Soul Sundays into Your Week
The benefits of Soul Sundays don’t have to end when class does. Here are a few simple, faith-centered practices to carry that same energy and focus into the week:
1. Start with Prayer: Begin your mornings with a short prayer, inviting God into your day and asking Him to strengthen your intention.
2. Journal Your Intention: After class, take a moment to write down the word or value you chose. Journaling helps you remember it throughout the week.
3. Practice Daily Gratitude: Each day, thank God for at least one blessing. Gratitude shifts your heart and keeps your focus on Him.
A Purposeful Reset
Soul Sundays remind us that how we start matters. When you begin your week with faith, gratitude, and intention, you’re better equipped to handle whatever comes your way. The ride isn’t just about breaking a sweat — it’s about resetting your body, mind, and spirit so you can step into Monday with strength and peace.
So as you clip in this Sunday, ask yourself: What intention will guide me this week? Maybe it’s peace, gratitude, perseverance, or something God has placed on your heart. Hold onto it through every climb and sprint, and let it guide you long after class ends.
Soul Sundays are more than a workout. They’re an opportunity to realign, reset, and start your week with purpose.
