Today we’d like to introduce you to Tayl’e Hubbard.
Tayl’e, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started working at Neon Cycle & Strength after leaving an internship at SMU. At SMU, I interned with the Human Performance team as a strength and conditioning coach with football and women’s cross country, as well as a little bit of nutrition. I loved my internship, however, there were some mental health things I needed to prioritize so I decided to step away. I now work at Neon as a group fitness instructor. The atmosphere and vibe are polar opposite, but it’s so exciting! Working here has allowed me to experience what the strength and conditioning profession is like outside of D1 athletics and helped me to expand some of my coaching skills. The persona and the atmosphere may be different, however, the outcome goals are pretty same.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely not. In 2019, I graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Kinesiology, but even that was a tough time for me! I dropped out of Baylor twice due to financial hardship (my family paid for Baylor out of pocket sometimes), switched my major three times, and worked full time as a server just to make money to sustain life out there away from my family. There was a point in my last semester where it seemed as if everything happening in my life was just too much to bare, so I was ready to end my life. Luckily I did not and ended up graduating (FINALLY) last May. It was a surreal feeling to finally obtain a goal I worked so hard to achieve, yet also very frustrating to have to step away. As stated previously, I really loved my time at SMU but I could sense my mental health deteriorating so I made the decision to leave. The crazy hours, dreaming and yelling in the weight room, surrounded by massive collegiate football players seem insane to the average person, however, it was like euphoria for me. I miss it; I’ll be back to football one day. I’m too much of an ambitious person to not return.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
SO, Neon is a cool place because not only is a strength-based gym, but we also offer rhythm-based cycling. What that means is you ride the bike to the bpm of the song. It’s intense! Really intense! Not your average cycle class. The instructors are great and very energetic which makes taking a class fun. On my side of the gym, the strength side, I conduct group fitness classes. I design my own workouts and make sure you perform them correctly. Since I come from an athletic background, my classes are designed the same way. You really get your butt kicked and I believe that’s what draws people Ito wanting to take my classes.
One of the best parts of Neon is the lighting & sound system. It’s designed like a nightclub so there’s flashing neon (get it? lol) lights everywhere and the sound system makes you really think you’re in a club; it’s awesome. I encourage everyone to come try us out and take a class! For first-timers, your first class is totally free and our membership rates are a steal! DEFINITELY COME CHECK US OUT!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was so shy. SO painfully timid. I was a little nerdy kid with giant bottle cap glasses with the string that you attach around your head and two pigtails with little berets dangling from them. The only way I made any friends was through sports/activities. I was crazy athletic; id like to think I still kinda am. Volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, track and field, cross country, karate, piano, saxophone, ballet (which I hated), gymnastics, etc. you name it I probably did it as a kid. I was very involved in everything. Science fair, Math competitions, Spelling bees, school plays/musicals, etc. I don’t know why I loved being involved so much but I did.
Junior high, I did basketball, volleyball for a year, cross country, and track. I was very good at basketball but dropped it when transitioning to high school for cheerleading, however, I still ran hurdles in high school. Cheerleading was fun and brought some good memories. We won both NCA AND ACA my last year! Track enjoyed, however, hurdles in my opinion are for sure one of the hardest events, especially the long-distance! Kept me in shape for sure!
I didn’t participate in any sports at Baylor; just a regular student.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5580 TX-121 #200, Plano, TX 75024
- Website: www.neonstrong.com
- Phone: 4693625505
- Instagram: @neon_strong
- Facebook: Neon Cycle + Strength
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
