Kat Zajac on Del Ray, Indoor Cycling, and the Ascend Family: "This is why I built this."
It feels a little odd to be introducing Kat Zajac, owner and instructor at Ascend Cycle, when it's clear from the sold-out classes and effusive praise from loyal riders that many (many!) of you are already familiar with her and her indoor cycling studio. With its near cult-like devotion, you can understand our excitement that Ascend Cycle has joined the Stylebook family. As we add Kat and her team to our roster of fitness and wellness experts, we thought we'd get to know a little more about Kat's background, why she loves indoor cycling, and how Del Ray is the perfect community for this fitness boutique. 
How long have you been open?
We opened in November of 2014, and I took over full ownership in the summer of 2016. That fall I re-branded the studio into what is now Ascend Cycle. It’s been a wild ride (literally!) for the past three years, and I have learned so much.In 2017 we opened our second studio, Ascend Underground. Underground is located in the same building, but in a new space specifically designed for these classes. Underground is dedicated to strength training through our interval HIIT classes that combine workouts on and off the bike.
How long have you been riding?
Forever! I took my first cycle class when I was in high school. I became certified to teach in 2004 while I pursued my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, and then taught classes at various gyms in D.C. It wasn’t until nearly 10 years later that I discovered the boutique fitness world. I was working as a healthcare consultant and was frequently traveling up to Boston, where my sister and I would take cycle classes at a local boutique, and I really fell in love with the specialized and community aspect of boutique fitness.
What’s your favorite kind of music to play?
It depends on what I’m doing – jamming out in my car? Definitely the POP2K or 90s on 9 playlist. If I’m cooking in the kitchen, it’s country or Americana playlists. When I’m working on the business, it’s acoustic folk playlists.A lot of time and effort goes into finding good music and building my playlists. In the studio, I’m playing remixes, EDM, hip-hop, and some rock. My playlists are all about high energy, big beat drops, and motivating lyrics. For me, music either makes or breaks a fitness class. If you can’t connect with the music, you’re missing a huge part of the experience.We post sample songs for all our instructors on our website – here’s mine!
What drew you to indoor cycling as opposed to other sports?
Indoor cycling makes me feel amazing. I don’t get the same mental clarity and sweat from anything else. When the lights go low and the music turns up, I am able to let go of whatever is weighing me down. By the end of class, I have a refreshed perspective, and I’m physically exhausted. It’s therapeutic for me.And also the results – I cycled throughout nearly my entire second pregnancy and was back on the bike quickly. I’m not a runner, and I run only a few times a year. Yet, I can go out and run 4-6 miles easily just from the endurance I’ve built at Ascend. 
For you, what's the best part of Ascend?
The community. My team. The testimonials. We are an exercise studio, but it’s so much more than that to me. Hearing that Ascend has been a safe place for people to achieve their fitness goals and a place to work through a challenging time in their life is why I built this. It’s why I call it our Ascend Family – because it truly feels like one.
Where are you from originally?
I grew up in a small town about 30 minutes from Boston. My mom and sister still live in Boston, so we still travel up there a few times a year.
What did you do before Ascend?
My Bachelor’s degree is in Exercise Science and I have a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, both from The George Washington University. I taught fitness classes and worked as a personal trainer while I pursued my Master’s degree. I spent eight years in healthcare consulting until we decided that I would focus on building a career in fitness. When we first opened the studio, my son was 6 months old. Then when I took over in 2016, my daughter was born. So it feels like I’ve had three “babies” in the past few years – Ascend being the third!
Why Del Ray?
Del Ray fits Ascend’s brand. While Alexandria is such a large city, the neighborhood of Del Ray is particularly community-oriented. I love partnering with other local small businesses, and Del Ray is the perfect location to do that. We love keeping our door open when the weather is nice and enjoying the foot traffic on The Avenue. All the Del Ray dogs know to stop in to Ascend for a treat on their walk!
What are your favorite Del Ray spots?
I’m typically at St. Elmo’s working in the afternoons on days that I am teaching at Ascend. Post-ride, you’ll find me next door at Cheesetique for some wine and cheese. When I need to treat myself, I’m at Pure Aesthetica for a massage with Kelly or facial with Jodey.
Any other hobbies?
I love cooking, getting out of the city and into the country for fresh air, a hike or wine tasting to spend quality time with my family. 
Photography by Sarah Marcella Creative