JoyRide Instructor Reveals Addiction Secret to Help Others [VIDEO]

The world has followed along the love story of JoyRide Wilton spin instructors Adam Keller and Jared Marinelli, who fell in love as co-workers and became viral stars when their flash mob engagement proposal was filmed and viewed online by millions. Now, Keller has summoned courage to change the world with another video message–this time, it’s one of honesty, strength and recovery–in order to hopefully set an example for others who may be struggling with addiction.

The duo share a weekly, live video with audiences as part of their reality web series, “Joy Story” on HooplaHa.com which follows them as they plan their upcoming wedding. Typically, the series shows the couple in happy, uplifting scenes. Yesterday’s (Feb. 16) live video, however, went a little differently than originally planned, as Keller sat with Marinelli at his side on a couch at home, and told viewers that even though they are usually more upbeat, “life isn’t always roses,” and he wanted to share his secret about overcoming years of drug addiction.

“I have a backstory that I’d like to share, because if I can affect even one person from having to tell this [same] story, then so be it,” Keller says, as he explains his motivation to talk about his journey of overcoming addiction–something he says started as early as 14 years old.

Recounting his teen experiences with recreational drugs and alcohol, it was his later abuse of prescription medicine during his 20s that Keller says was devastating.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have prepared for the emotional roller coaster that would be the next 10 years of my life,” he tells the camera, adding that the epidemic of prescription medication addiction is so upsetting. Even more serious, he says he eventually moved on to using crystal meth, which “took me to places I never in my wildest dreams I could have imagined, and did some horrible, horrible things,” Keller says in the video, growing emotional. “I honestly thought I was going to die, I didn’t see a way out.”

Keller goes on to share that fitness and spin has been instrumental to breaking the cycle of addiction. He discovered spin classes one month into recovery from his addiction to crystal meth. Soon thereafter he became certified to be an instructor, began working at JoyRide, and met Marinelli.

“And everything changed,” Marinelli says, helping a tearful Keller finish the story.

Keller adds, “I have such a passion for life every single day that I wake up, that I’m able to be a responsible, productive, member of this society and live this healthy life, and help people, it’s incredible. I am beyond thankful and grateful to share this.”

Together both men say it’s important to show the complete, honest picture of what life is. “We invite people to reach out, don’t think you’re going through this journey alone,” Marinelli adds.

Keller also says he wants the video to be shared and seen. “I want everyone to know, I want the story to be heard,” and adds, “If there’s one person watching that I can tell that it’s achievable to overcome such a powerful addiction, please listen to me, it is possible. I did it, I’ve been there.”

Follow Keller and Marinelli’s web series, “Joy Story” on HooplaHa.com and to find out when you can be motivated by either one in the spin studio, check out JoyRide Wilton’s class schedule online.