EXSS major promotes ‘mental fortitude’ in cycling class

TJ Maske’s cycle class is not your average bike ride.

Maske, a senior exercise and sport science major from Monroe, teaches indoor cycling as a group fitness instructor with UNC Campus Recreation. After welcoming each of his 28 cyclists — including all his frequent riders by name — into the studio, he turns the LED lights on and the music up.

“I want you to just lose yourself into that bike, into that room, into the music and not worry about anything else,” he tells his class.

Along with fast-paced peddling, he incorporates rhythm-based choreography and movement into the 45-minute cycle session for a full-body workout.

He also incorporates key principles from his exercise and sport science classes to help encourage his cyclists and promote proper movement.

“There’s a strong correlation between EXSS and group fitness, and I think that’s helped me become a better instructor,” said Maske.

Emergency medicine has helped him feel prepared in case of a crisis. Introduction to Sport Administration with teaching assistant professor Wayne McDonnell Jr. helped him build a brand around his cycle class. But exploring sport psychology and the connections between exercise, motivation and wellness have helped Maske draw the most parallels between his classroom time and studio time, he said.

In Sport and Exercise Psychology, with teaching associate professor J.D. DeFreese, Maske studied the psychological aspects of participating in sports and fitness activities. While leading his cycling class, he now applies some of those same topics, like visualization, goal-setting and positive reinforcement, to help his class.

“As somebody starts struggling, as the workout gets harder, I’ll say, ‘You have the mental fortitude, the strength, to get through this, but you have to push,’” said Maske.

There have been times during college where Maske has found himself tapping into his own mental fortitude, too.

The summer before his first year was a difficult one; he was grieving the loss of his aunt. To look after his mental health and try something new, he signed up for power yoga, taught by fellow group fitness instructor and senior Camden Whitlock.

“She made it such a thrilling experience that I kept going back weekly,” he said. It was the encouragement of Whitlock and others that gave him the confidence to eventually get certified as a cycle instructor.

As he begins his senior year and second year as an instructor, Maske is looking forward to welcoming new and returning Tar Heels into the studio to de-stress, recharge and move to the beat.

“You’ll feel like you’re dancing on that bike,” said Maske, who received Campus Recreation’s 2024 Employee of the Summer award. “You’ll get lost in the music.”

And, more importantly, he hopes his cyclists feel encouraged to make a few friends along the way.

“There’s a whole community aspect of it, too,” he said. “You can feel like you belong here. You’re going to feel that sense of camaraderie.”