Mike Ryan

Tier 3+. I see his face on the bulletin board by the stairs. He and I have our sign just like those Baseball players do each time they pass each other in the dugout. Ours is the letter V.  Mike you see has that classic shape the women admire and the men wish for. I met Mike about 3 years ago. I like him. Shaved head makes me feel connected. We hairless men need that.  

Last week I watched him in between clients doing pushups effortlessly and then later explosion lift offs clearing a few inches off the black interlocking rubber composite floor and I think to myself I need that. Do I really need that at 62.5? No not really but Mike inspires me and as he moves through his routine I ask for pointers and he gladly gives me more than I bargained for. He talks about using that hard Styrofoam roller on the railing by the alcove. He tells me to get on that thing you need it being you’re always in spin class. I think to myself he’s right. I remember he’s Mike Ryan and did I tell you he’s Tier 3+? I don’t think there’s anything higher but if there is a Tier 4 Mike will find it.  Talk to Mike Ryan one of EQ’s best fitness trainers he has the brain of a kinesiologist and more.   If I wasn’t 62.5 maybe I might find myself in his adroit care.  Maybe there’s still time for me. 

Nancy Kaplan said: I thought you were going to write about Mike Ryan. I look reflectively at her and then she adds you’re way behind in your writing aren’t you? Yes I say I am way behind. So this is for you too Nancy Kaplan the piece about Mike Ryan. He’s Tier 3+. I think you know that by now.  Oh and by the way speaking of Nancy Kaplan I just found out she’s not Jewish. What the? She’s Italian. I am taken aback but don’t know why. I like Nancy Kaplan always have but now that she’s not Jewish…. Nancy may not be Jewish but she’s still the HBIC. Ask me what that is. Some of you already know. 

Howard Brumer: He's Even Taller in Person

Once in a while I like to spotlight one of our EQ members whom I think impacts so many of us simply by his nature. His height precedes him and when I look back in spin class its only a moment to find him in the 3rd or 4th row as big as life. I think he needs a custom Schwinn because the adjustments don’t seem to give him the accommodations most of us have when we clip in.  

I got a chance to get to know him this past summer when he and Ferne invited me to brunch. He is I can attest a gentle soul and you only need look into his eyes to know just how generous this man is.  He is so forthcoming and logical that you might overlook just how reasonable a man he is.  When he speaks his mind he is always direct and never engages in conversation in whispered tones. He is so matter of fact about life and people that cross his threshold you always know where you stand. Howard has only one face the one you see. 

He has a sense of order about his life and it’s easy to see how patient he is as well. He is a lot harder on himself than he is on those around him. When I see Ferne put her two hands on his forearm and gaze lovingly at him it makes me glad that I know him. Howard Brumer he is even taller in person.  

Mr. Cooper

 On Tuesday after a long hiatus I took David Cooper’s class. The last time I thought would be the only time but since I don’t hold resentments I saddled up for another session. David afforded me the one chance to write like a reporter rather than a press agent. I scribed about the plusses and what I didn’t like as much. Normally if I don’t have something pleasant to say I say nothing. 

David I can report possesses all the necessary skills to instruct but it feels more like a military drill than what I’m accustomed to. One of our members called spin class “entertrainment” when it’s with the likes of Kristen and Dana.  But if you come to David’s class it’s a workout plain and simple. There are no frills like shout outs and his charisma is muted even though he is a highly intelligent man. The jokes are almost an aside and not worth mentioning here. He will develop I am sure and he has his aficionados. I am happy to report he is a kinder gentler David.