When StarCycle was first started in 2013, we wanted to create a workout that was fun and effective, within a community that was supportive to everybody and for every body. Four years later, we have created an indoor cycling experience like no other: we call it a dance party on a bike, and everyone is invited.

But our dreams of creating our own company didn’t begin and end with just the workout. We wanted to build an entire business model that was refreshing and unique. A company that allowed us to work hard, but also understood that we are moms who play an active role in raising our children. A place where we could challenge ourselves to try new things, while supporting one another when they didn’t work out the way we had hoped.

Ultimately, we wanted to have fun with our jobs and to build something that would be fun for other people to be a part of as well. And we’re doing it: we’ve opened two studios of our own and have four franchise locations (our newest studio opened just weeks ago!), with more to come. Our studio owners, along with our team, bring so much insight and energy that I feel lucky to work with each of them. And we hear from our clients on a daily basis how they feel happier since coming to StarCycle.

Is all of this a walk in the park? Heck no! While our workout is super fun, it’s hard. You’ll sweat like never before. You’ll have classes where you simply can’t keep the beat, no matter how hard you try. Owning a StarCycle studio is the same: it’s incredible but it’s also a lot of work. But I’ve found that anything worthwhile is challenging and this journey with StarCycle continues to be the ride of my life. When my daughters have a soccer game, I can make the time to be there. When school is out of session, I either bring them to work with me (we have craft-based child care at all of our studios) or work from home. I’m working hard, but within my own terms, and I respect that of everyone who’s part of our team. And I have to say, any hiccup that comes with being a business owner is made so small when I see how vibrant our clients look after class, when our team shares how much they love being a part of this company, or when our studio owners tell me it’s the best job they’ve ever had.

We’re still growing and evolving StarCycle, but we always want to keep it real and keep it fun. If you’re thinking about joining this party, either as a client or as a studio owner, we’ll keep a bike open for you!

XO,

Dionne

To learn more about opening a studio in your community and be your own boss, click the franchise tab in the header. To ride with us, find a studio near you.

Check out our very own Kelly Mreen’s story that was featured in Women’s Health!

Successful weight loss typically starts with a personal revelation, followed by a commitment to exercising and eating right. For some, motivation is sparked by a doctor or family member advising them toward healthier habits. For me, all it took were a few unflattering pictures.

I hit a breaking point when I saw photos of myself and didn’t like what was staring back at me. In fact, I didn’t even like being in pictures. I was so self-conscious that I noticed myself hiding behind other people to mask my body in photos. I felt my confidence, happiness, and well-being quickly slipping away so I decided to make a change – for both my physical and mental health.

Growing up, I was always busy and actively involved in sports. I danced, swam, and played competitive tennis through high school and college. After college, I continued to stay active and run daily – I even added a marathon and a few mini-triathlons under my belt.

Going into my 30s I lost my love for it all. Limited by hip injuries and joint pain, I took some time off to recuperate and eventually fell into a pattern of inactivity. I became so enveloped in being a mom and raising kids that I stopped taking care of myself and consequently gained 35 pounds. A few eye-opening photos later, I was determined and motivated to reignite my passion for fitness, so I signed up for my first indoor cycling class at StarCycle.

I still remember my first heart-pounding StarCycle class, because I hid myself in the last row and could barely finish. However, instead of feeling defeated, it awoke something deeper in my heart and mind, and I couldn’t wait to come back for my next class. The music pumping, the energetic instructors, the friendly riders cheering beside me and bopping in unison to latest beats; it’s an environment that evokes grit and leaves you feeling sweaty, exhausted and accomplished—and I was hungry for more.

Since that first class I’ve lost 40 pounds and have gone from the nervous rider in the backrow to being a full-time instructor leading the charge for others. I even became a co-owner of a StarCycle franchise studio because I’m a firm believer in the StarCycle community and want others to have the same life-changing experience I did.

If you’re trying to jumpstart your fitness routine and become the best version of yourself, below are a few additional tips that helped me along the way:

Find a workout that’s your jam!

One of my biggest pieces of advice to women is to find a workout that speaks to you. If it doesn’t excite you and keep you coming back for more, move on and try something new. A workout shouldn’t be torture, it should be sustainable and effective – and fun!

Give yourself a break.

A huge key to my success was learning to give myself a break. Because I was so active before, it was frustrating trying to start over without hitting the same level of intensity I had before. I started being really hard on myself and would feel like a failure all over again. If you give yourself a break and be kind to yourself, you will be empowered to follow through on your goals.

Set small, attainable goals.

Start out by setting realistic and specific goals. For example, make a commitment to exercise two times a week and increase from there. Big commitments tend to be overwhelming and unsustainable, so be patient and celebrate the small milestones that lead to the bigger picture.

And of course, if you’re seeking a healthy outlet for self-love and inner strength, come ride with me at our StarCycle studio in Happy Valley! As a franchise owner and instructor I love being on the other side of the operation, helping others clip in, check out, and rock their ride the same way my StarFam did for me.