Spin for the win! Cambria County spin studio provides high-energy classes

Carly Daugherty, owner, dreamed of being a fighter but fell in love with spin.

Carly Daugherty, the owner of Gear Force Elite Cycle and Fitness, has transformed her passion for combat sports and fitness into a thriving and profitable business. In a recent interview, Daugherty shared her journey of turning her love for kickboxing and spinning into a space where women can feel comfortable, empowered, and motivated to push their limits.

Daugherty’s story began a few years ago when she was at a crossroads. Feeling the need for change, she discovered kickboxing to channel her energy and strived to become a fighter. While using spin classes to condition for kickboxing, Daugherty found a new sense of purpose. “I love when people move,” she said. “Women need a space where we can feel comfortable, and my space offers that.” With this realization, she became a fitness instructor and personal trainer and launched Gear Force Elite Cycle and Fitness.

Working together with Startup Alleghenies Coach Blake Fleegle, she got the business coaching she needed to launch her business which was originally called Kickin’ It with Carly. “The support and sense of community in the area have fostered an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive,” she shared.  “Startup Alleghenies has been instrumental in helping me on my journey. Blake helped with everything, and he believed in me.”

Classes at Gear Force Elite Cycle and Fitness bring next-level energy and camaraderie to a fun environment.

“Carly brings next-level energy to her classes,” Fleegle said. “She applies that same level of energy to the business as well. She has been a fun entrepreneur to coach.”

Passion drives her. It pours out of every ounce of her being. “If you love something, you should do it,” she said. “My driving force is my dedication to helping others, especially women, find their strength and achieve their fitness goals. It gives me energy and motivation when I can help them.”

Daugherty’s confidence in her idea stemmed from observing successful businesses and recognizing ways she could put her spin on what she saw. With her infectious energy and excitement, she knew she had something special to offer. “My secret sauce is me… I have a people thing, and I just love people,” Daugherty explained. “In addition, I have built a strong team, and by surrounding myself with these individuals, I have found the key to success. Once someone believes in you, you can start to believe in yourself.”

Gear Force offers various classes, including spin, yoga and barre. All fitness levels are welcome!

Within six months, the studio outgrew its initial space, requiring the construction of an expansion to the existing facility. “Classes are consistently filled, and additional fitness options such as yoga, barre, and kickboxing have been added,” Daugherty said. “We are excited about the future. We will incorporate leaderboards and event classes to enhance the experience for our patrons.”

Daugherty’s advice is simple for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Just do it… Just try. Believe in what you know is true and go with it.”

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.