After moving to NYC to work in fashion for major brands like G-Star, Tommy Hilfiger, and Juicy Couture, Amina Daniels came back to her Detroit roots and founded Live Cycle Delight, the first and only cycle and licensed TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise) studio in the 7.2.
EXP: What brought you back to Detroit?
AD: My family convinced me to move back in 2013 and be a part of the “New Detroit.” Initially, I felt like an outsider, but having fallen in love with cycling in NYC, I learned the city from the seat of a bicycle.
EXP: Why fitness over fashion?
AD: Sometimes good things happen from something bad. My a-ha moment was when I was hit by a car while biking in Midtown. I spent 2 ½ years in physical therapy and realized that cycling was not only a great recovery method, but also an amazing workout that everyone, regardless of their ability, could engage in. People were craving a fun and new way to sweat, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this new cycle revolution. I love pushing people’s boundaries and there’s nothing more fun than partying on a bike in the dark by candlelight. My regulars love being tricked into exercising!
EXP: What are your favorite spots in the D?
AD: Before a workout I usually hit Germack, the most amazing espresso bar in the heart of the Eastern Market, and post workout I always crave the vegan brownies at Sister Pie. While they’re not available every day, I love that their menu is constantly changing to honor the local agriculture of Michigan. All the Sister Pie ladies work out at LCD, so it’s always fun to pop in and visit. I love supporting women entrepreneurs and I’m obsessed with Drought raw cold-pressed juice and sell it at the studio. Founded and run by four sisters, Drought makes the best pick-me-up juices I’ve ever had — try the Green #1 (chard, cabbage, apple, celery, kale, lemon), the ALG or Beet. My West Village neighbor Melissa Butler makes the most incredible line of vegan and cruelty-free lipsticks at The Lip Bar. Her colors transform your look and stay strong through the most rigorous workouts! These days it’s all about Savage, the perfect everyday shade with the right amount of punch and just enough nude. For a night out, I love Bawse Lady — the best red that looks amazing on everyone. I also can’t live without the Aphrodite face oil from Detroit Rose.
EXP: What’s your favorite cheat restaurant and place to relax?
AD: I’m all about a good potato. The classic waffle fries from Slows BarBq with their signature spicy sauce is everything: oh.so.good. I also love La Feria’s patatas bravas — fried potatoes with sea salt. Since I’m vegan, I hold the delicious garlic aioli but I love the spicy red sauce they drizzle on top. Most weeks my muscles are tied up in knots and I head straight to Meta Physica Wellness Center for their Get-Deep Massage and a cupping session. It hurts so good.
EXP: LCD celebrated its one-year anniversary this April, what’s in store for year two?
AD: We’re adding hot yoga, Pilates, and a new yoga studio later this spring at The COE at West Village. We’ll also be starting a digital content subscription fitness service. You can also catch me co-hosting Nameless, a new podcast with Melissa Butler.