Today we’d like to introduce you to S. Latrice Totsch.
S. Latrice, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I come from a close-knit family of four and grew up here in Dallas. My family struggled to make ends meet most of the time but we continued to press on. In high school, I felt as if I had a calling for caregiving. Because of this, I immediately started working on becoming a nurse as soon as I graduated. I followed through with that plan in the most cost-effective way I knew how because the expense of a university was not an option. I attended a local community college (El Centro College) to obtain my Associate degree in nursing. My main nursing background is in women’s health: high-risk pregnancies and labor and delivery. My education, however, did not stop there. I’ve continued to work several jobs while furthering my education. I obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Texas Women’s University. I currently work as a Family Nurse Practitioner at a clinic in Mesquite. Most recently, I completed my doctoral work at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. I have such a passion for helping people during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I have dedicated over 14 years of my life to healthcare and I’m excited to see what’s next.
Through this educational journey, however, I became unhealthy. I had high blood pressure and I was overweight. It was easy to ignore myself because I was focused on becoming the best nurse practitioner I could be. Approximately 4.5 years ago I walked into a boutique cycling studio, The Ride House, at the invitation of a friend that was an instructor there. I timidly clipped into a bike in the back corner hoping that I could just make it through. It was electrifying. I couldn’t believe the way it made me feel. Since that day, I’ve continued going back! It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve come out stronger on the other side and the journey has been the best part. In the process, I’ve lost 65 lbs and I am no longer overweight or have high blood pressure.
Almost three years ago, I transitioned to being the one who led the classes. The opportunity and challenge presented was a scary one. I questioned myself more than I’d like to admit! Was I good enough? Could I inspire others? How could I lead others to change and transformation? But I’ve found as long as I am open and genuine, the rest will come naturally. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to connect with riders, who I consider friends, each week to help them become a better version of themselves through indoor cycling.
Has it been a smooth road?
I always feel like anything really worth having hardly ever comes easy. That can be applied to so many aspects of life. I didn’t obtain a doctoral degree by taking the easy way out! It has not been a smooth road, and I’m okay with that. I’ve learned so much about myself through it all. Being a fitness instructor is a very vulnerable situation. You are always open to criticism, constructive or otherwise. It’s often hard for the rider to understand the preparation you put into class so a harsh review can be devastating. However, we should all strive to improve and learn at every turn. Trusting yourself, your intention, and your ability to process the critiques while still stay true to who you are is important and balancing this is something you learn over time.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a cycling instructor at The Ride House in University Park. We have been open for almost five years. We offer traditional and rhythm riding cycling classes, along with Cycle+Sculpt and TRX classes. What attracted me to The Ride House was the “come as you are” attitude I encountered in the very beginning. We try to cultivate a family feel. We appreciate our community and love to get to know our riders on a personal level. I am proud of our continued success and outreach to the community through charity rides. The owner, Parker Williams, continues to teach multiple times weekly. His authentic interactions with the riders set the tone for the entire studio.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the stories of the people who reside in Dallas. There are people here with such inspiring and moving journeys. In the way of culture, food, art, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone if you just seek to find your circle.
Pricing:
- $25.00 per class
- $120.00 for a 5 class pack
- $195.00 for a monthly unlimited membership
Contact Info:
- Address: 5600 W Lovers Lane Ste. #100
Dallas, TX 75209 - Website: www.theridehouse.com
- Phone: (214) 506-6002
- Email: parker@theridehouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theridehouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theridehouse/
Image Credit:
Justin Kendrick Barington
Beau Bumpas-Infante
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