SOUTHWICK – While many businesses have struggled during the pandemic, Fresh Cycle – an indoor cycling and fitness facility – has expanded.
Owner Jennifer Amy and her instructors had to close for several months, which gave them the opportunity to move to a larger space and plan for the future.
Now located at 320 College Highway, Fresh Cycle hosted outdoor classes at its former Westfield location because of the small space and COVID-19 guidelines.
“Fresh Cycle originally opened at the Mill at Crane Pond in Westfield three years ago, but we outgrew the space almost immediately,” said instructor Erica Soares. “When the pandemic hit, we had to shut down temporarily like all other fitness facilities, but as soon as the CDC said we could re-open we were holding classes outside.”
A group of members and instructors cycled outdoors through December.
“We have dedicated members, since they were willing to show up in 30-degree weather so we were 12 feet apart with outdoors heaters and dressed in layers,” said Soares.
Fresh Cycle started the new year in its new space, moving on Jan. 1, 2021.
The much bigger space allows for safe distancing for cycling indoors. “We also offer strength classes, TRX, yoga, and we are looking to add more as we expand,” said Soares. “Business is growing steadily — many members followed us to the new location – and we see new faces every week.”
Some of the new faces are not only new to Fresh Cycle, but they are new to fitness.
Fresh Cycle at 320 College Highway in Southwick offers daily classes for all fitness levels. (FRESH CYCLE PHOTO)
Soares explained that indoor cycling is a lower body strength and total body endurance and conditioning class for all levels of fitness.
“It’s great for fat burning and lean muscle building and best of all, it’s low impact on the joints,” she said.
Fresh Cycle can currently hold a class of 15 participants.
Soares credits the owner for working to continue offering members a way to stay fit and destress throughout the pandemic.
“While other studios and fitness facilities had to close as a casualty of COVID, Jenn put her heart and soul into making Fresh stay open, and safely, so our members could continue working on their fitness goals,” she said.
Classes run 7 days a week from as early as 5 a.m. for the early birds who like to get it in before work, and classes run well into the evening.
Soares said there is a class for everyone.
“All of the instructors are really talented and bring something different to the stage — different styles, different music,” she said. “For those new to indoor cycling we recommend arriving 15 minutes early so we can properly set you up on the bike and orientate you to the class. The lights go off, the ‘nightlights’ come on and the party starts!”
Fresh Cycle also offers one-on-one and group personal training and private parties for groups of friends and families, colleagues, dance and sports teams, girls night out, birthdays, etc.
“Just request your favorite instructor,” said Soares, adding “I personally love doing this, it’s so much fun. I’ve been teaching for 10 years. I enjoy the bonds I make with the people in my classes, we are a team we work on goals together, support each other and have so much fun.”
For a schedule of classes and cost of packages, log on to schedulicity.com and search Fresh Cycle. Classes are booked on the site, which allows people to sign up and cancel from home. There are no contracts or fees at Fresh Cycle.
Visit Fresh Cycle on Facebook for more information.
