Meet Melody Coburn of Coach Marley Mel in East Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melody Coburn – Coach Marley Mel.

Melody, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 2012, after I started my small social media managing company Melo’s Media, LLC. I started to go through some internal changes and I wanted to find a way to release myself. I wanted to get rid of some bad habits that had no purpose in my life anymore. I was trying different health & wellness activities to assist with my changes and nothing really kept me to be consistent. Then in 2014, a friend invited me to go to an indoor cycle class. I was so nervous because I never tried it before, I had not been on a bike for years, and I did not want to get into something that I would not stay consistent in. I went to my first 45 minutes indoor cycle class and came out a different person. The music, the drills, and the room was dark with flashing lights. I was hooked! In 2015, I became a member of The Vibe Ride indoor cycling studio. I started out in the back of the class then eventually to the front. In 2016, I got certified as an indoor cycling coach. Coach Marley Mel was formed after I got certified. In 2017, The Vibe Ride had accepted a contract at Clark Atlanta University to bring a program that would guide the students into health & wellness. Currently, I lead that program for The Vibe Ride. I also currently teach at Village Fitness in East Atlanta.

Since 2014, indoor cycling has made me a consistent person, it has helped me get through some rough times, and it has also guided me into helping others. As I started to get consistent with my workouts, it also helped me to get back in tune with my faith. Most important I lost over 30 pounds because of indoor cycling. Now, I am coaching all ages of people to not give up on any goals they may be trying to meet. Cycling has helped me gain confidence, educated me in the cycle culture, and also have the strength to inspire others with my journey.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It is never an easy journey when you are wanting to make internal changes with yourself. Many days I had to fight the old self with the new self. I was distracted from not going to class or not wanting to do it anymore. I had times when I started to question myself of was all the time, energy, and changes really worth it.

I always had to find the inner reasons of why I started the journey. I also had to realize that it takes work in order for the results to come. I was motivated to see the results and when others started seeing my results. I also was able to gain some great mentors that understood my journey and really guided me along the way. I started to remind myself daily “Never Give Up on Myself!” to get me through.

Coach Marley Mel – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Coach Marley Mel is a fun, loving, caring, inspiring, and carefree coach. I teach/inspire indoor cycling classes to all ages. All my classes are 45 Minutes of cardio on the bike. During my class, I am known to always give an inspirational word of the day and after class, I end my class with a self-love care moment. When people come to my class, I want them to always leave with a different energy then when they came in. I am size curvy, I want to let others know that size does not matter as long as you step outside your comfort zone you can do anything you set your mind too. I also travel to other cities to share the Coach Marley Mel energy.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X

I live by this quote everyday. Success for me is to prepare and get ready for the things that will come my way. Taking the time to still be a student to help guide me to be a better teacher.

Pricing:

• Village Fitness-East Atlanta Location $5 drop-in classes

Contact Info:

• Email: melosmedia2012@gmail.com
• Instagram: @coachmarleymel
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarleyMelJourney/

Image Credit:
Cat Harper – Cat Harper Photography @catharperphotography, Amadi – Photoculture@yahoo.com, Dennis G – @dgimagez, Mike Hanson – Mike Hanson Images @mikehanson_images.

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