RIP to Flywheel Sports.
I’ve been dreading this day for a long time, but I knew it could happen with the closing of group fitness classes for so long due to the pandemic.
In January 2017, my close friend Julie suggested I go with her to a spin class that she really liked called Flywheel Sports. I was instantly hooked.
Not only did I get in shape and lose weight, but I made amazing friends as well. Flywheel changed my life for the better in so many ways.
The Flywheel community made my days brighter no matter what was going on in my life personally and professionally.
Many of my fellow riders and instructors became among my closest friends – and still are (Theresa, Roland and Alison, I could not have made it through the past year without you).
I am so sad that Flywheel has come to an end. It’s another business that was not able to survive the pandemic and did not quickly pivot itself to adjust to the new normal.
I am thankful to every instructor for all they did for us (especially to Alison, Chase, Kara, Natalie, Chelsea and John) and to every rider and friend I made along the way.
Covid has unfortunately wrecked havoc on the fitness industry – especially those businesses that were not able to quickly pivot to an online format.
So what do you do to support someone who is going through a loss of their business? Have a strong support network. Surrounding yourself with friends, family and mentors that can be supportive during hard times can prevent feelings of isolation. Having people around to make you feel loved and important outside of work can keep spirits high. These people can also be great outlets for advice or processing important decisions.
- Also, offer to help—and really mean it.
- Tap into your own network to help your friend.
- Be patient.
- Most importantly, show some compassion through listening to your friend.
I hope this is not goodbye for good. I know I will see many of my Flywheel friends riding along on our Pelotons (you can follow me at @StefanieMarrone on the Peloton app).