Gabby brings athleticism and community into each ride with a contagious smile. Many clients describe Gabby as a ball of energy that motivates and empowers you. Gabby spent much of her young life as an athlete participating in track, lacrosse, and soccer. She continued to play club soccer while attending Virginia Tech and she brings the camaraderie, intensity of competition, and discipline to never give up on your life to all of her clients at REV.
What many REV tribe members don’t know about Gabby is that by day she is a physical therapist at ATI, an outpatient orthopedic clinic, where she pours her heart and soul into her clients to help them overcome injuries and get back to doing what they love. Gabby is also heavily involved in charity work to help raise money for physical therapy research. Back in March, Gabby hosted a charity ride to raise funds for the ATI Foundation which funds medical expenses and medical equipment for children and teens with physical impairments. More specifically, the money from this charity ride went to “Klimb4kids” and was earmarked for a child named Conner with Triplegic Cerebral Palsy living in Belair, MD. The money went directly to helping fund therapeutic horseback riding lessons which help build core strength, balance, and self-confidence.
Gabby discovered her passion to become a PT partially from watching her parents devote their lives as nurses and later from admiring her older sister, Adrienne, who became a pharmacist. Gabby’s drive and love for sports naturally led her onto the path of becoming a kickass physical therapist.
Whether it's helping a patient overcome a knee injury or pushing YOU to take your gear to the next level. This is her life. Her passion. Gabby makes a powerful impact on our community so we asked her advice on how to stay injury free and take care of our bodies on and off the podium.
1. Streeeeeetch it out!
Sure, you may be rushing into class—you snoozed your alarm once too many or traffic just blew— You still have time! Gabby can’t stress enough that you need to do your body a favor and stretch before and after class! So give a little TLC to your muscles so they can remain powerful for tomorrow’s class.
2. Just Keep Moving
Okay, you may be thinking, Hellooooo I’m in spin class, I’m moving, what more do you want from me? Well, when you’re cycling you’re moving in one plane of motion, and our bodies need to move all about— warm up your body with dynamic stretches which help prevent knee injuries or lower back pain.
3. Work Those Glutes
Another crucial tip is to warm up those glutes! So maybe take some lunges or fire hydrants before or after class to get those muscles active. Gabby also recommends giving those buns a little extra squeeze while you put the pedal to the metal, just to get that extra booty burn and to prevent lower back injury.
4. Take Care of Those Knees
Okay, now let’s talk seat height. Set it up right! Gabby stresses to not be afraid to ask her for help! Sit too low, and your knees will be screaming what the hell are you doing to me? So take Gabby’s advice, don’t put that stress on your knees.
5. Listen Up!
Yes, to her epic playlists, but also listen to her cues! Gabby takes her knowledge from work to help YOU in the studio! She’s on that podium to ensure you have the best and safest 45-min of your day!
If you haven’t had the chance to dance, climb, and sprint in one of her classes, don’t miss out! And, don’t be afraid to chat with her after class to learn more about how to take care of your body.