Get to Know… Susanna

We are putting a spotlight on our amazing Echelon Fit instructors in our exclusive ‘Get to Know…’ blogs. Keep reading to find out more about Susanna.

Instructor: Susanna Barrett

Language: English

Teaches On: Connect Bike

Studio:  London

Instagram: @susannabfit

Meet Susanna

Susanna is part of the Echelon UK team, with her Echelon connect bike classes being popular with members across the UK and the rest of the world.

For Susanna, people who refuse to give up are her biggest inspiration – and she herself has done her fair share of inspiring others in this same way. As a “previvor” of ovarian and breast cancer, Susanna uses her platforms to tell her story, support others, and raise BRCA1 awareness.

Being able to help others in all different situations to lead healthier lives is something she loves. However, Susanna also likes to remind members that rest days are crucial — she spends her rest days pampering herself. When Susanna isn’t leading Echelon classes, she enjoys spending her time with her three children and their cat, Patchy.

Susanna’s Fitness Journey

Having been a fitness instructor since 2007, Susanna has always had a passion for health and fitness. But as a wife and a mum of three, Susanna is aware of how challenging it is to keep fitness as a priority, and so efficient and purposeful training is paramount to balancing a good work, life balance!

When she learned that she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, which means her risk of developing ovarian cancer was around 60% and breast cancer around 85%, Susanna decided to take control of her health and have a double mastectomy and oophorectomy. Being a professional in the fitness industry helped Susanna to heal post-mastectomy and post-oophorectomy.

Susanna was concerned she would never get her full range of movement back, but in time she did, and she now celebrates being active again. She urges others who are undergoing the same surgery to start doing light daily exercises as soon as possible, but to be patient vigilantly and kind to yourself! 

What Brought Susanna to Echelon 

Susanna has led cycling classes for over 15 years, and when Echelon’s London studio opened, she knew it would be the perfect fit for her. She immediately clicked with the Echelon community and thoroughly enjoyed encouraging a wider audience to reach their fitness goals. 

She also loves dressing up for Echelon’s themed rides, with the Echelon zombie ride being one of her favourite memories as an Echelon instructor.

Susanna’s Advice for New Members

Susanna’s advice for new members is to start slowly and have fun with it. It is challenging to develop a habit around something you simply don’t enjoy. So, make sure you find a workout class or equipment that you enjoy! And if you are looking for a challenge, be sure try a class with Susanna — if you are speaking more than one sentence during it, then she says you are doing something wrong!

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New to Echelon? You can join Susanna on the Connect Bike. Her classes are available on-demand and live for Echelon Premier members in the London studio and on the Echelon Fit® app.