Resistance, Resilience, Release

After a devastating loss, Bevin Prince is pushing forward with resilience.

Resistance is a word you’ll often hear in a cycle class. Resistance is set by the rider, a turn of the knob to the right ups the resistance, whereas a turn to the left allows the pedals to flow more freely. Instructors refer to resistance like quicksand, your legs heavily pushing against a force that wants you to stop. For Prince, resistance plays a critical role while instructing her riders at her open-air cycle studio, Recess by Bevin.

The motion and method to keep pushing through – even when all forces align to prevent just that – causes one to look within, to find resilience, and believe in themselves for just a bit. Prince knows a thing or two about resilience.

"We lost a (Recess) tent in a tropical storm and obviously the biggest hit to our (Recess) family was losing my husband last summer. I can't even explain to you the way everyone rallied around us," Prince says. "The first thing I learned was that you don't have to do it alone, and that's one of the greatest things. Wilmington and Recess were there holding my hand, and it made it easier to get up and move."

In July of 2022, Prince's husband, WILLIAM FRIEND, was tragically struck by lightning while boating off of Masonboro Island.

Alongside that jarring tragedy, gyms had steadily reopened and COVID regulations relaxed; Recess seemed destined for a new chapter away from its foundation of open-air tents and bikes dutifully placed 6 feet apart during the pandemic. It might have seemed easier to continue Recess in its current form or to shelter from the world amid a great loss. Yet, she chose to pedal against the resistance, carrying her into a season of resilience.

In her journey through grief, Prince credits the strength of community alongside her parents and Recess Community Directors, CALLAN BUSH and EMILY LAWLER. "I’m surrounded by an incredible group of humans," Prince says. "My parents are amazing and live half a mile down the road. My employees, Emily and Callan, were the ones who slept in bed with me for three-four months. They made sure I ate something and took care of myself. It made it really easy for me to show back up and teach again because I needed Recess more than Recess will ever need me."

Through her healing journey, which she says will be a lifelong process, she has learned fundamental tools she now brings to each class. Movement and breathwork played a vital role, alongside community.

"I’ve tried to stretch in my own right and learned new skills to grow this business even more than what it is," Prince says. "Knowing there's a place where people can heal and celebrate is a lot of motivation to me."

Community is a word Prince commonly comes back to. During the pandemic, Recess was started by Prince and Friend as a source of togetherness.

Prince, who graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and starred in four seasons of locally filmed One Tree Hill, had returned to Wilmington from New York at the start of the pandemic for a "short trip," but Friend fell in love with the town and atmosphere. Both flexed their creative muscles to create an open-air cycle studio with bikes and speakers in tow.

Recess became a place of community amid a world of isolation. Riders were encouraged to share special details, to form friendships within and outside of class. All levels of athleticism and skill were comfortable in a Recess class. Prince notes attendees continued to show up because they craved and enjoyed their newfound community focused on health and wellness.

"I can promise you no matter what your fitness or cycling experience is, we got you. It's such an intimidating thing, especially cycling, that's very niche," she says. "We will get you set up and comfortable. Our method and thought process is we want you to do what you need today. We don't have gauges or numbers or ask you to compete. We just ask you to push yourself to breathe and release tension and celebrate all the things; it's a really special thing that we’ve built."

Prince is now riding into a new chapter of Recess and relocating to an indoor studio by late summer.

She's looking forward to expanded class offerings, ten additional bikes, and hiring a few new instructors. She has coined it the "anti-gym" flush with color and exposed wood beams, a place of peace that is inviting to all. As she continues to plant stronger roots in Wilmington, she can't imagine being anywhere else.

"I’m never leaving," she says.

The past year for Prince has lent direct opportunities for resistance. Yet, she continues to choose resilience, a lesson one learns intrinsically from cycling, and for Prince, from her late husband. "The thing about my husband, he was an incredibly resilient man and understood that every failure, every adversity is there to guide you forward and help you grow in some way," she says. "Knowing that and really starting to understand that gave me no other option but to get up and move forward and do what I can to learn and be vulnerable in all aspects."

Indoor cycling

Let's just get one thing straight: In an indoor cycling class your sweat will be flowing like the Kenan Memorial Fountain so choose your gear wisely. First and foremost, you NEED a padded short. And yes, even if you feel you are "naturally padded" in that area, this is a must. These specialized shorts have a thin chamois built-in to cushion your sitz bones and help reduce the dreaded chafing.

You can wear whatever workout top you feel most comfortable in, as long as it is moisture-wicking and breathable. (Note that cotton can get itchy and damp very quickly, two things you don't want to deal with during your ride.)

If you’re really going Peloton pro, a pair of indoor cycling shoes may be a worthy investment. These shoes have a stiff sole and "clip-in" to the pedals for more control.

Long line energy SPORTS BRA in true navy by Lululemon, LEGGINGS in true navy by Lululemon, and Simply Layer PULLOVER by Free People Movement, all available from THRIVE Activewear

Yoga gear

Like any other workout gear, the keys to a good yoga outfit are breathability and stretch. Starting with your basic yoga bottoms, look for a snug pant or short with a foldable or high-rise waist. This will help avoid any riding up or rolling down during your asanas. (And make sure to check the see-through factor before you buy!)

For tops, steer clear of anything too billowy, especially if your practice involves a lot of inversions. Consider a form-fitting tank or top with a built-in bra. You can even sport a sports bra solo and layer it with a light shirt, which comes in handy during warmups and cooldowns.

If you like to get extra cozy during your savasana, bring along a pair of thick socks to complete your final moments of Zen.

SPORTS BRA and bike SHORTS in violet dust and outdoor trainer SHELL by Vuori Clothing, both available from THRIVE Activewear; SUNGLASSES, available from Pipton

Athleisure wear

Athleisure wear is no longer a trend – it is a way of life. The good news is, anything goes here as long as you are comfy and confident. You can easily go from the gym to running a few errands in a great pair of drawstring shorts and a cool quarter-zip.

Perfectly oversized cropped CREW by Lululemon and Clementine SHORTS by Vuori Clothing, both available from THRIVE Activewear

HAIR & MAKEUP: Pipton

WARDROBE: THRIVE Activewear

LOCATIONS: Wrightsville Beach Carleigh Sion mural; Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar, 32 North Lumina Avenue

STYLING: Drewe and Kate Branding Co.

STYLING TIPS: Nina Bays

To view more of photographer Daria Amato's work, go to dariaphoto.com

To view more of photographer and stylists Drewe & Kate's work, go to dreweandkate.com

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