Rich Downing

WHY DID YOU BECOME A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR?

As a way to get a free employee membership to the Boston University Fitness & Recreation center. A good pool is hard to find in Boston, and that place had the best pool in town. I started as a sub, then picked up two classes per week.

FAVORITE GO-TO PUMP UP SONG?

The Journey, by Seven Lions

FIRST GROUP FITNESS CLASS?

Random spin class with my Mom at her local fitness center, back when I was home from college for winter break. Must have been the late 90s then… Sh*t, I’m old!

FAVORITE MOVIE?

The Corporation

HOMETOWN?

Stow, MA

FIRST JOB?

Landscaping the three cemeteries for my hometown. Sounds morbid, and objectively, I suppose it is, but it was very peaceful and allowed me to be outside a lot. 99% of the job was cutting grass and picking up leaves, sticks, and old gift baskets. The other 1%? Sheer terror.

FAVORITE JUNK FOOD?

Cadbury Cream Eggs. Unstoppable.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

Orinoco, hands down.

GO-TO WEEKDAY MEAL?

Depends! Recently I’ve been into Blue Apron, which sends you ingredients and cooking instructions every week; so whatever they send, I generally eat and love.

PERFECT SUNDAY AFTERNOON?

Tons of intense laying around, movie/series binge-watching, napping, and food eating. Might also read books, if I’m feeling very ambitious.

FAVORITE WORKOUT GEAR?

Nude.

WON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT?

Earbuds. Backpack. Pants.

GUILTY PLEASURE?

Dark chocolate + anything.

FAVORITE PLACE TO SWEAT WHEN YOU AREN’T TEACHING?

The outdoor gym on the Charles River on a day that is 70 degrees or warmer.

IN TEN YEARS I WILL BE _____?

Traveling around the world.

TIMES A DAY YOU CHECK SOCIAL MEDIA?

Too many times – need to cut back.

HAVE TOO MUCH OF?

Chinchilla droppings.

MORE ESSENTIAL: WATER OR COFFEE?

Water. No, coffee. Water… final answer.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT?

British Virgin Islands.

IF YOU COULD BE ANYONE IN THE WORLD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Me?

CELEBRITY YOU’D MOST LIKE TO MEET?

Bernie Sanders.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My girlfriend. She’s a Public Defender in Boston. Look it up.

 

FOLLOW RICH:

Instagram: @turndowning
Twitter: @Rich_Downing
Facebook: @rich.downing
Website: turnstylecycle.com