Power and Flow, Scottsdale
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Kristina at Power and Flow
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This brings us to our interaction with a high-profile spin instructor known as Kristina Girod, who owns a spin studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, called Power and Flow. Kristina did not name it “Power Trip,” but that might have been too obvious.
Kristina’s spin studio does not appear to have even one male instructor. Imagine if a man owned a spin studio and employed only male instructors. There could be protests and public criticism. Any honest person should be willing to consider whether the same standards are being applied equally.
Secondly, a few years ago, we noticed her publicly supporting an individual whose conduct we considered sexually inappropriate. We brought the matter to her attention and sent her a video showing the behaviour that concerned us. Instead of responding to our concerns, Kristina blocked us, which was very disheartening.
Here is the video involving the individual known online as “Zax Fit.” Viewers can examine the footage and form their own conclusions about whether this type of behaviour is appropriate in an indoor cycling environment, particularly one that may include younger participants.
As seen in the video, Zax Fit appears to assume that everyone in the studio is comfortable with his sexualized actions. Even if some participants enjoyed it, what about anyone who did not? Would every parent be comfortable with this behaviour taking place in front of their daughter?
As mentioned, when we contacted Kristina Girod about our concerns, she blocked us. This raised questions for us about whether the concerns were being taken seriously and whether this represented a good example for younger participants.
In the following video, Kristina uses the phrase “fuck it up” during a class that appears to include young women. Some people may consider this normal motivational language in a fitness class, while others may find it inappropriate. Viewers can assess the context themselves.
Many people may not want younger participants hearing language such as “fuck it up” during a fitness class. Others may not object. We believe it is reasonable for customers and parents to know what type of environment they can expect.
Continuing with the subjects of influence and physical boundaries, the next video appears to show Kristina Girod slapping the buttocks of a male dancer. Please watch the footage and consider the context.
In my opinion, the video raises questions about professional influence and physical boundaries. If a male instructor slapped a female dancer’s buttocks and asked her for a kiss, the incident might provoke significant criticism. Viewers can decide whether the same professional standards should apply regardless of gender.
Lastly, we want to share what some people who say they attended Power and Flow in Scottsdale have written publicly. These statements are their opinions and allegations, not independently verified findings by Indoor Cycling Channel. The following excerpts were taken from publicly posted Google reviews:
“Despite the fans/acolytes that the owner has, if you aren’t a devoted follower and blow up her ego like everyone else does, you will not be welcome at this studio. You’ll be welcome (because, of course, they will take your money), but you’ll be relegated to the back row despite being a seasoned rider. If you’re new—and therefore can’t be trusted—prepare to have your bike moved with no notice. If you aren’t a perfect rider and they think you’re going to mess up the ‘perfection’ of the marketing videos they are always shooting, you will never be able to ride in the front row.”
“I’ve ridden in studios all over the world with the most amazing instructors, and this studio and this self-aggrandizing social media star represent the absolute worst of what ego and putting on a show are doing to the spin community. If she thinks you have stepped out of line in some way, she will ridicule you in front of the whole class or, worse, pull you out of class and have a ‘word’ with you. I’ve never in my life written a bad review about a studio or published something negative about an instructor, but Kristina was so absolutely god-awful that I felt compelled to finally write this review.”
“You’ll like it—maybe—if you shut up and take whatever bike they give you, or if you are striving to make that coveted front row and aspire to be one of the backup dancers to the star of the show. But if you’re looking for an amazing, supportive, friendly, nonjudgmental and welcoming community, look elsewhere.”
Here is another review:
“I have been hesitant to leave this review for a while, but recently saw people starting to speak up and felt obligated to do the same. Despite being popular on Instagram and TikTok, the owner of this studio, Kristina, sadly doesn’t live up to the ‘love’ and ‘community’ she preaches online. In fact, she is very much a bully. She has ridiculed me in front of the class multiple times. Once, she did so because I switched bikes when something wasn’t working. It was so uncomfortable that the girl next to me apologized to me.”
“Another time, I watched her physically grab two girls’ legs and aggressively shove them into the pedals while telling them to sit down because they were going to make the class late. It is unacceptable and cruel behaviour, especially when many people travel from different cities to take her classes and support her. It is wild to treat paying customers this way.”
“This wasn’t just one incident. I watched her behave like this in every class until I decided not to go back. The other instructors and staff are lovely, but I cannot support a business owner who treats people this way, especially with so many other supportive and kind studios available. I have attended many studios for years and have never experienced anything like this. I cannot imagine someone taking a spin class for the first time and having this experience, because this is not normal or what this community represents.”
“A professional instructor was also absolutely right about the nonsensical choreography. Please go anywhere but here. This is not it.”
A closer look at Kristina Girod
