Your LIFECYCLE Instructors
Alyssa Hudak |
Co-Owner, Cycling Instructor | Strength Instructor | Personal Trainer
Alyssa has been active since a child. She was a dancer, competitive majorette and cheerleader. In college she picked up a love for strength training and cycling which, 20+ years later, she’s still in love. “I’ve always been active, but I haven’t always treated my body with care. As a teen and young adult I struggled with insecurities and vicious eating disorders. Working out gave me an outlet where I could feel good about myself, do something positive for my body and made me feel confident. More importantly, it helped me find a healthy relationship with food and my body.”
“Today, life stresses are different–but working out has remained a constant and still makes me feel confident and powerful. It’s where I go to reset, focus on me, push myself, prove to myself what I can do, and it’s where I grow and get strength to navigate through life as a more poised person.”
Alyssa has an MBA and 20 years of financial and program management experience. Before LifeCYCLE, she worked for the the Department of Energy.
Alyssa is a certified indoor cycling and group fitness instructor. “I’ve been passionate about fitness for half my life and it’s helped me through so many phases of my life. When I teach, I feel connected because I get it, and I want to share it.” Outside the studio you can usually find her doing ALL THE THINGS with her with two young daughters, Polly and Ruby <3
“My goal for LifeCYCLE is to provide Frederick with an effective, achievable, fun workout in a place where you feel welcome, comfortable, supported, inspired and free to just be. The opportunity to provide this to Frederick is such an honor and I’m so excited to welcome everyone through our doors – likely with a big hug!"
Emily Harlow |
Co-Owner & Cycling Instructor
Unlike Alyssa, Emily hasn’t always been a lover of fitness...in fact, she couldn’t grasp how anyone could actually look forward to working out. “My whole life I’ve struggled with body image and all the insecurities that come with that. A clouded mindset made me believe I wasn’t ‘in shape enough’ to go to the gym”.
In March 2018, with encouragement from Alyssa, Emily took her first cycling class. “It was horrible and I hated it, but I committed to 3 classes. After my 3rd class, I felt a confidence I had never felt before. That feeling made me keep showing up to class over and over, and then spilled over into other areas of my life. My mindset and mood drastically changed along with my entire life. I know that if it weren’t for indoor cycling I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Before LifeCYCLE, Emily worked in Advertising Sales at iHeartMedia. Emily is a Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor, NASM Certified Nutrition Coach and has two boys, Jacob and Nicholas. She is married to Matt, who’s also found a love for indoor cycling!
“Indoor cycling has changed my life in so many ways and I know there are people who share my same struggles. I want to inspire them and give them courage to take that first step. My goal for LifeCYCLE is to provide a place where people can feel encouraged, comfortable and confident as they walk through our doors. We are honored to guide you through the process of becoming the best version of you!”
Bethany Lord | Cycling Instructor | Recovery Instructor
After playing sports her entire childhood, Bethany truly became committed to her health after the birth of her 3rd son, over 7 years ago. It was the early morning workouts where she realized that these were the habits that were going to help her achieve her goals, both personally and professionally.
In 2017, Bethany hit a bump when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After a major surgery left her immobile, the only physical activity she could do was walk; So that’s what she did! She started walking and then eventually running. In 2020, another road bump appeared when her son was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Her focus shifted to remain strong and healthy for so many other reasons.
Bethany is no stranger to obstacles and understands, more than most, that you must start where you are and when it feels overwhelming and impossible, just give one more. One more step. One more rep. Keep moving forward.
Bethany has found strength, solace and community in her health and wellness journey and loves to coach others to their desired levels.
Bethany is a certified Spinning instructor, holds a Group Fitness certification with ACE and is a former youth yoga instructor!
Shannon Byrd |
Cycling Instructor | Strength Instructor
Shannon was born and raised a California girl but has now found her forever home here in Frederick with her husband, four crazy circus animals/kids and their mini goldendoodle, Lucy!
After graduating from California State University of Monterey Bay, Shannon decided to take a huge leap and move across the country to the D.C. area with her best friends! While in DC, working at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, she met her soon to be husband while he was attending The U.S. Naval Academy. Right after graduation, they got married and she moved with him to flight school and jumped into the military spouse world!
In 2015, while living in Washington state, Shannon became a fitness instructor. She originally decided to start this new career to give herself something of her own and outside of her mom and military wife life. Little did she know, it would become something she would fall so deeply in love with.
Shannon has taught Les Mills Bodypump and Sprint, and holds a group fitness certification as well as Schwinn Cycling Certification.
Shannon has a huge passion for fitness and healthy living. She knows how important it is to take time to exercise; not only for your physical health but your mental health as well. Exercise is her escape from all life throws at her (and let’s be real, with four kids, a pup and a busy husband.. she has a lot thrown her way!). She knows that your workout is your escape too, and because of this, she strives to make sure every second of your time with her counts!
Jorge DeJesus |
Cycling Instructor
Originally from Puerto Rico, Jorge now lives in Frederick with his wife and son! Jorge is an avid triathlete, runner AND Ironman! Coming from Puerto Rico, where it’s summer year-round, indoor cycling became a training and conditioning staple during the cold weather months here in Maryland!
As an instructor, Jorge brings the flair and spice of Latin music to his classes and combines his passion for music and fitness to inspire others to work hard and have fun doing it.
“The emotion you feel when you hear that song you love, when you close your eyes and want to sing from the top of your lungs, that feeling that makes you burst out dancing; that is what I love to feel when I’m on the bike and that is what I want everyone in my class to feel. As a runner and Ironman triathlete, I’ve used music as part of my training to change my state of mind, getting over the humps and squeezing out that last bit of effort until the end of a track. I want to use music and cycling to motivate, uplift and empower others to be physically and mentally stronger and still have a great time.”
Natalie Glanden |
Cycling Instructor | Strength Instructor
Natalie is super passionate about group fitness! In fact, she left her career in the restaurant industry to pursue a full-time teaching career in the fitness world! She’s has YEARS experience teaching for pure barre, Zengo Cycle and [solidcore]. She enjoys teaching cycling because she is able to combine her love of dance with her passion for a great workout.
In addition to teaching classes, Natalie also works as a Realtor and member of The Nancy Allen Team with Real Estate Teams, LLC!
Natalie comes from a BIG family and is the middle of five siblings. She is originally from Hagerstown and has lived right outside DC for the past decade. “I moved to Frederick in December, 2018 to put down roots and be closer to family.” Her and her husband, Nick have have three children- Lillian, Lydia and Nicholas. “I have learned that I am a happier, more balanced mama when I get the chance to sneak out of the house and motivating the community through LifeCYCLE classes a few times a week”!
Jake Godlove | Cycling Instructor
Jake grew up in Middletown and graduated from Middletown High School in 2023. His true passion for fitness began in 2020 while (like a lot of us), he was bored being stuck at home. He first became an avid runner and soon after that, he found his love for strength training 💪🏼
Jake was introduced to cycling when his friend made him come to class at LifeCYCLE with him. When the lights went down and the music turned up, he fell in love instantly.
Jake is a Schwinn Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor. He is excited, passionate and elated to use his love of music, fitness, and cycling to encourage riders to become the best versions of themselves.
Erin Orr |
Cycling Instructor | Strength Instructor
With a passion for pedaling and a knack for making workouts as fun as they are effective, Erin brings a unique blend of energy and expertise to LifeCYCLE! Erin is a certified Wellness & Nutrition Coach, has certifications in Flexibility, Barre and specializes in prenatal and postnatal fitness programs for women.
Beginning at a young age, cheerleading has been a passion for Erin. She’s continued with cheer as a coach, spanning from the rec level to high school and competition level. When not on the bike, you can find Erin plotting new ways to turn sweat into smiles, often with a playlist that spans from southern classic rock to the latest hits.
Known for her Georgia accent or infectious enthusiasm and a sprinkle of humor, Erin believes that every spin class should be an adventure – one that leaves you stronger, happier, and maybe even laughing out loud.
Jamie Dorsey |
Cycling Instructor | Strength Instructor
Jamie is a Howard County native and now resides in Frederick. If she is not in the studio, you can find her spending time with her husband and two young daughters. After hanging up her competitive cheerleading & tumbling shoes at age 23; Jamie quickly realized that she needed to fill the void of no longer being active on a blue mat & missing that "family / team feeling". With wanting to stay active she joined a gym and tried several different classes & formats.
She recalls taking her first cycling class and thought during the working "Why would anyone do this for a workout?" "This is terrible!" "My ass hurts!" "I'm never coming back!" (sounds familiar, right?!) Her Motto is to try everything at least twice if not 3 times! By the 3rd cycling class she was hooked & became a regular. Wanting to help others, she made a goal of gaining a cycling certification and found her calling for staying active, "gym family" and gained many new friends!
Over the last 10+ years, Jamie has instructed cycling, strength, barre, hiit & has offered 1:1 personal training. Functional training & cycling has always been her passion and the cornerstone to maintaining & healthy lifestyle.
Her motto is: "Show up for yourself! No one else is gonna do it for you! When you're having fun, you're not working, you're investing in yourself!"
Dana Higgins |
Cycling Instructor
Dana is thrilled to have finally followed her dream of becoming a spin instructor! Ever since her first spin class in 2016 - she knew she wanted to be up on the podium teaching. Spin classes helped her find strength, courage and confidence during some huge life changes. She now hopes to inspire and empower others the way she was when joining the spin community. When diagnosed with Adult-Onset Asthma, she knew that she had to focus on self care and that meant finding a good exercise routine to build stronger lung endurance.
Outside of the studio, Dana is a full time REALTOR®. She is extremely passionate about and involved in the performing arts - aka aspiring Disney princess. Her proudest moment was when she had the honor of singing the National Anthem at Nationals Park Stadium. She loves animals and is a proud dog mom to her best friend, Yoshi who she adopted through Always Strong: Pitbull Rescue and Relocation. She also loves cooking and spending time with her husband, two kids, family and friends.
Julia Cipolla | Strength Instructor
Julia has gone from finding any excuse possible to not participate in middle school gym class to actively searching for any opportunity through the day to release some endorphins through exercise! After losing her mom to cancer, exercise was the outlet that kept her from sinking into very dark places. Julia is R.I.P.P.E.D certified and holds her Personal Training certification from ACE.
Julia graduated from West Virginia University with her bachelors in sport exercise psychology and a minor in human services. She has found a passion for mental health studies and is currently working towards her masters degree in school counseling at McDaniel College!
In her free time, she loves spending it with her nephews and 3 older sisters.
Molly Harris | Strength Instructor
Molly was born and raised in the small farm town of Lancaster, Wisconsin and went on to attend the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) where she majored in Dance and served as a member of the nationally recognized Alabama Crimson Tide dance team. Molly earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance with a concentration in Dance Education. After college, Molly moved to Marietta, Georgia where she lived for twelve years with her husband, Ashton, and two children.
Molly has always had a passion for fitness, and after becoming a mother started coaching Mommy and Me fitness classes and specialized in pre and postnatal fitness. Molly expanded her expertise in physical fitness by obtaining the ACE Personal Trainer Certification and has immersed herself completely in the fitness industry by working as a full time fitness coach. In June 2023, Molly’s family of four and two pets (dog and cat), relocated to the Linganore, Maryland area and have enjoyed their time here.
Molly brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and charisma to LifeCYCLE. Molly’s personality and motivating techniques of specializing on individuals’ goals and ambitions distinguishes her as a coach. Molly is excited to be a part of the LifeCYCLE team and is ready to help you on your journey!
Jen Blessing |
Cycling Instructor
Originally from Upstate NY, Jen moved to Maryland in 2015 to start her current full time job as a service dog trainer for our nation’s Veterans. She went to college in New Hampshire and California, earning a degree in Animal Science and then more specifically, Assistance Dogs. Dogs and fitness have always played a significant role in her life as she discovered what made her happiest both physically and mentally.
The biggest professional goal she set for herself was to find a way to help others while utilizing her passions. Once she walked through the doors at Lifecycle, she knew she found her new happy place. Inspired by the community and instructors, Jen became Schwinn Certified and then auditioned, embodying the “Yes you can” sentiment :)
Jen is determined to bring her all while she’s on the podium and contribute the energy the studio has given her day in and day out. If you ever want to talk dog (or show her the countless cute dog photos on your phone), she’s your gal!
Jessica Mercadante | Recovery Instructor
Jessica grew up on Long Island, NY and went to Molloy College where she earned her nursing degree. After becoming a nurse, Jessica realized just how important recovery is in day to day life.
After a shoulder injury and then later developing Dysautonomia, yoga became a significant part of Jessica’s recovery and life. “I learned how to work within my limitations and help my body become stronger again.”
In 2019 she relocated to Maryland where she now lives with her husband and fur baby 🐾
Jessica is a certified yoga teacher and enjoys teaching students how to nourish and move their bodies to become strong and confident.
Erin Denny |
Cycling Instructor
Erin was born and raised in Frederick, MD and after living along and in the Atlantic Ocean (Charleston, SC and Jamaica Peace Corps), she decided to settle her wild oats Frederick, MD with her cute husband + cute daughter.
She works as a school psychologist in Frederick County and finds her sanity as a cycle instructor.
Although she’s always been a lover of fitness, cycling brought her a newfound appreciation for movement, resistance, dark rooms, and heaps of sweat. For her, there’s nothing that a good playlist and 50 minutes can’t cure.
Erin is a Certified Schwinn Cycling Instructor and her goal is to make you feel comfortable while also trying to light a fire under your bum! When you come to class, you can expect big smiles, songs you’ve forgotten about, and lots of clapping. Leaving class, your head should be clear, your clothes should be wet, and your heart should be full.
Outside of the studio, you can find Erin doing anything to make her daughter smile, (cheating on) crossword puzzles, recycling, cheering on basketball games, and being outside!
Elisa Markoe | Strength Instructor
Elisa grew up in Maryland and after graduating from Middletown High School attended Virginia Tech. Her love for people, faith, health, and learning outside of the classroom lead her to years of foreign travel where she also found true joy in helping and serving others.
Elisa worked as a Social Worker in California for 5 years and then returned to Frederick. After working 12 years as a Financial Analyst, her and her husband, Mike decided she would stay home to spend more time with their daughter, Allie!
As someone who struggled with anxiety and panic episodes, she witnessed her own mental and physical health transform by committing to daily healthy fitness and nutrition decisions. This made her fall in love with fitness and sharing it with others.
Elisa has been a member of LifeCYCLE for almost 2 years! She holds a personal training certification from NASM and is in the process of completing a Women’s Fitness Specialist II certification.
When Elisa is not working out or training others you can find her with her family hiking, checking out local dog-friendly breweries, serving her Church, gardening, or walking her dog, Lincoln!
Rebekah Ley | Recovery Instructor
Rebekah is originally from Michigan and grew up being on the lakes, playing tennis and snowboarding. However, her passion for fitness evolved while starting her first couple of years of teaching in South Carolina. After a couple of years in South Carolina, Rebekah and her husband realized they needed the four seasons and moved to Frederick, Maryland. She is entering her 7th year of teaching and is now teaching 7th and 8th grade history here in Frederick County. Rebekah is also pursuing her Masters degree in Counseling and hopes to make a difference in people’s mental and physical well being!
Rebekah learned about LifeCYCLE from a friend and has never looked back! Strength training, cycling, and recovery classes have become an essential outlet and is part of her daily routine.
When Rebekah is not at school or LifeCYCLE, she loves going for hikes, getting pup cups with her dog Missy and hanging out in Downtown Frederick!