Matt LaPierre

WHY DID YOU BECOME A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR?

You’re telling me I can dance, sing and bounce around while inspiring a room full of people every day? On top of all of that, I can be a DJ AND be the hype guy? Sign me up!

FAVORITE SPIN SONG OF ALL TIME?

This seriously changes by the week. There’s an endless amount of remixes out there and I’m determined to hear them all. I’ll give you my top 2 right now but in a week they will definitely change: “David Pietras & Fred Issue – Wanted (Original Remix)” and “Beyonce – Upgrade U (Gushi Remix)”

FIVE THINGS IN YOUR FRIDGE RIGHT NOW?

Yogurt, apples and tupperware containers of prepared foods (chicken, pasta with alfredo sauce, pasta with red tomato sauce, carrots and broccoli, rice pilaf). There’s not much else I eat (besides bananas and burritos).

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD?

Every now and then I’ll take a nice stroll to a nearby CVS and buy myself a couple bags of Doritos (cool ranch and nacho cheese). Two big bags will take me approximately two days to eat 🙂

FAVORITE BOSTON RESTAURANT?

The Gallows in the South End. I’m in love with the darker vibe they set along with the Ouija board on the wall, the wooden chandeliers and light fixtures. Plus you can’t get a better burger (with fries, give me the fries!) in all of Boston.

LAST BOOK YOU READ?

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. For those of you who aren’t aware of my life when I’m outside of the Handle Bar, I work for a biotech company and can exhibit some crazy dork-esque traits. Hence, this book. I won’t get too much into it, but the book allows the reader to question his/her own moral ethics regarding science, race and social class. A beautifully constructed novel. Read! Read!

WON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

MY MAC! I search for new music any chance I get. Ubers, the T, waiting for my yogurt, granola and fruit cup at Pavement. I’m lost without my laptop.

HAVE TOO MUCH OF?

Energy! Before these days of running around screaming inside a studio, I had very few outlets to relieve the enormous amount of energy I feel every day. I’m happy to report that I feel very balanced and in control these days 🙂

FAVORITE WORKOUT GEAR?

My fluorescent green cycling shoes! Nothing has made me feel more myself than crazy footwear shining in the HB blue light.

FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN YOU WAK UP IN THE MORNING?

I wake up with the smooth tones of a peaceful, amazing song. The song changes periodically; this month I have Adele – Sweetest Devotion. The song is played from beginning to end and I lay on my bed beginning my morning with a moment of peace and serenity. For about 5 months before this it was Ariana Grande – Into You (OK…but it starts out peaceful!).

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Burritos. El Triunfo is a burrito place across the street from my apartment. I eat a ton to balance out the crazy amount of cardio I do so I eat burritos as snacks around five times a week (yes, it’s true).

IN TEN YEARS I WILL BE _____?

Happily married where I can dance, sing and bounce around while inspiring my husband and child (or two…hello surrogate) every day.

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ON A SATURDAY NIGHT?

Weekends are never fully planned or thought out. I am strict with my schedule during the weekdays so weekends I let loose. I can be at an extended dinner with friends (The Gallows, Cinquecento), dancing in the theatre district (Emerald Lounge, Tunnel), or in my apartment downloading music until 2am. Saturday nights are always unexpected.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE CELEBRITY RIDE FRONT ROW IN YOUR CLASS WHO WOULD IT BE?

Chloe Grace Moretz. I was in a class with her one day in NYC and watching her ride was unbelievable. I’ve been a tad obsessed with her ever since. She hit every beat and had an unbelievable style about her. I’m inspired by riders in class who give a little extra personality in their riding. And she…oh man…it’s like I knew everything about her just from her ride and style on the bike.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I grew up in a town of 3,000 people in northern New Hampshire (near Mt. Washington) with what seemed like zero diversity. I wore baggy jeans and graphic tees to school (NOOOO!).

FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT THE HANDLE BAR?

Jess Bashelor, the owner and CEO of the Handle Bar, has given her instructors and myself the freedom to be ourselves on the stage. I’m given the ability to push boundaries and access creative components of myself I never knew existed. I feel challenged every day to become more and more of …myself. It’s an unbelievable feeling to be so trusted. Jess is an amazing leader and I’m proud to be a part of her team, inspiring Boston every day.