Michelle R. Lehrman
Schwinn-Certified Spin Instructor
Welcome!
If you asked high school Michelle if she would become passionate about fitness, she'd laugh and offer a resounding "absolutely not".
I hated gym class. I did everything I could to get out of it.
It wasn't until I began practicing yoga that I began to love anything physical. I needed the group for inspiration and accountability, and loved the freedom of my own mat. Several years after I began practicing yoga regularly, a colleague was talking about how much she loved spin class and I decided to give that a try. I had the same experience on the bike.
I find so much joy being in a group while simultaneously having the freedom to go at my own pace, either on my mat or on my bike. I encourage my students to challenge themselves and to take care of themselves in the same way.
In 2016, I completed my 200-hour yoga teacher training. I immediately began teaching at the Athleta Flatiron studio. A year later, I was hired at Crunch (where my fitness journey began!). I was able to obtain my Schwinn certification at Crunch and have been teaching spin as well since 2018.
My goal is for each of my students to feel supported and empowered in their own personal journey. I am not here to fix anyone - we are all always growing together.
I want to be held accountable.
I am not here to fix anyone. I am not here to make anyone better. I am not here to give you wisdom - I don't have it. I am not here to make money. I am not trying to become an influencer.
I trained as a teacher to connect to other human beings.
In the past week, the studio where I trained has been indirectly involved in a report that I am deeply upset by. I'm not upset because I am in defense of the studio - I'm upset because I believe the report and I have personally witnessed some of the behavior. If you would like to read the story, you can do so here.
As a white woman, I acknowledge that yoga is not my culture. My ancestors did not create it. It is not part of my lineage.
Why am I telling you this? It's important to me that you know that I'm aware. I teach a physical practice that feels good to me and that I hope feels good to others. I don't use a lot of Sanskrit and I don't delve too deeply into the spirituality because it does not belong to me. Yoga is a personal experience for each of us and I like to stay on the broad side of it to leave space for the student.
I want to publicly commit to the following:
I will be held accountable and remain open to feedback.
I will NEVER appropriate another culture.
I will stand for others.
I will stand with others.
I will NEVER weaponize my white privilege.
This is a topic I care about. Please reach out if you have thoughts and/or if you want to have a conversation. I believe silence is just as damaging as negative action, and so I will not be silent.
In solitude,
Michelle
News!
4/12/21: Group fitness is back! My first regular classes at Crunch are on Sundays at 10am (Ripped Ride) and 11am (Vinyasa Yoga), at the Union Square location. I have also joined the teaching team at Yoga Spa Lounge 1881 and will teach my first class at 6pm tonight. As always, my schedule will be in the Teaching Schedule story highlight on Instagram.
4/6/21: As of today, I am fully vaccinated! I will continue following all recommended safety protocol.
3/12/21: I am so excited to cover for my friend and mentor, Terri Barnett, on Tuesday 3/23 at 8am. Visit terribarnettlive.com for more info!
2/21/21: All contributions to today's class went to Feed the People Dallas Mutual Aid. Thank you for participating - we donated $90!
11/30/20: I worked in the theatre industry for 15 years before leaving in 2019 to spend more time teaching. Many of my friends are out of work for the foreseeable future. So, I am truly honored to have been part of creating the Artists SurTHRIVING Catalog - a catalog of theatre professionals who make art and/or have a side hustle. As you make your holiday gift purchases this year, please visit the catalog and consider supporting these incredible artists!
10/26/20: I was so pleased to teach for Columbia Medical's intern "retreat" last week.
10/2/20: I will be offering a FREE Zoom class at 7pm ET on Election Day. I hope I will be able to provide a healthy distraction before the polls close. The class will feature upbeat music, and you are welcome to bring your (non)alcoholic beverage of choice. I will have wine. The registration for this class is open.
I am very happy to be teaching socially-distanced outdoor yoga in Riverside Park. Check out my feature in I Love the Upper West Side and click HERE to register!
