by: Simon MacKenzie
For most of my life I’ve had one happy place.
I was born and raised in Montana. When I was a kid I would visit a camp located on Flathead Lake in Lakeside. It was there, on a dock looking out onto the lake where my happy place was found. The views are gorgeous. I remembered being daunted by the sheer scenery that was all around. The massive sky, the picturesque mountains, and great people that were around the area always seemed to encourage me. Everything made you feel like you could do or be anything you wanted.
When my family moved to Minneapolis, I had to leave that place behind. After living in Minneapolis now for 8+ years I had yet to find a spot that could bring about those same feelings.
I feel like you already know where I’m going with this.
My first workout at Alchemy was filled with hesitation, but when my wife and I walked in the door to the Northeast location and saw all the coaches in the building in good spirits, welcoming in every athlete that came into the space, I couldn’t help but smile back. From the “3, 2, 1, go!” we were in. I had tried a myriad of classes around the city through ClassPass but never in an atmosphere as encouraging, excited, and challenging as this. The music, the movements, the people, all combined into the most fun I’d ever had in a hard workout. We quickly became Members.
When I heard there was a chance to learn more about Alchemy in the A101 course, I felt it could be a great opportunity to get better as an athlete and learn more about what makes this place so special. The A101 class is something I can’t recommend enough. Tyler Quinn is an amazing instructor for all things Alchemy, and being surrounded by a group of like-minded athletes makes the weekend all that more enjoyable. From the group workouts, to the in-depth instruction from Tyler, the history of the company, all blended into one truly awesome weekend.
From there I lept at any opportunity I got to geek out about my new happy place. The coaches are amazing and will always encourage you, the community is filled with determined and inspiring athletes. The workouts themselves challenge you and give you the best sense of accomplishment to help ready yourself to take on anything life throws at you.
I will always love that dock in Montana, but I know that I’ve found my new happy place.
Simon is a Coach at Alchemy Edina. He’s known and loved for his energy in class and the infamous Burpee Wave. If you don’t know what we’re talking about…get in on one of his classes. Sunday Brunch with Simon, anyone? He’s a legend-pursuer through and through, and can always be found in-studio hitting up an A10 or A20 with his wifey.
[The PYL Series highlights individuals that don’t just tolerate discomfort to purse their legend, they anticipate and embrace it. Knowing what you want, and knowing that you’ll do anything and overcome all obstacles to achieve it is not easy, but it is the only way to reach your own legend. Pursue it vigorously, and the universe will conspire to help you achieve yours too.]
