New Jersey woman shares her journey of losing 80 pounds through indoor cycling

Amanda Hinds, a 31-year-old woman from New Jersey, has made headlines for her incredible weight loss journey, shedding a remarkable 80 pounds and achieving her dream of becoming an indoor cycling instructor. Her inspiring story of determination and perseverance serves as a beacon of hope for many struggling with their own fitness goals.

Hinds’ journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic when her gym closed, and she found herself lacking motivation to stay active. After a vacation where she struggled to walk due to weight gain, she decided to make a change. “I went to the doctor, and I saw that I had gained 100 pounds in a year. I couldn’t believe it. I was so frustrated and disgusted with myself,” she shared with Today.com.

In June 2021, Hinds got back on her Peloton bike, starting at 300 pounds and steadily dropping to 245 by August 2022. She documented her progress on TikTok, where she has amassed a following of 29,300 followers. Through her posts, she encouraged others to find an activity they love and stick with it.

According to Harvard University, vigorous stationary cycling can burn a significant amount of calories, with a 125-pound person burning 315 calories in just 30 minutes. Hinds took small steps, focusing on completing one song at a time until she built up the courage to audition to become a CycleBar instructor. In June 2023, she proudly announced that she had achieved her goal.

Now, Hinds teaches indoor cycling classes in Jersey City and Montclair, representing “plus-sized women of color” as an instructor. She shared with News 12 New Jersey, “I used to think riding here, people that don’t look like me, I maybe won’t fit in, I maybe can’t do the class well… so seeing people see that I am on the podium, so now they feel inspired that they can come to take a class and they feel motivated, less afraid.”

In addition to cycling, Hinds has taken up running and even signed up for a half marathon after being able to run 4 miles at a time. She expressed her pride in her improved fitness level, stating, “If you told me last year I was going to be jogging for an hour, I would not believe you.”

Hinds’ story serves as a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, significant transformations are possible. Her journey from struggling with weight gain to achieving her dream of becoming a fitness instructor is a testament to the power of setting goals and working towards them. As she continues to inspire others with her story, Hinds proves that it’s never too late to make a change and prioritize your health and well-being.