There is an expression that says that the more things change, the more they stay the same. At amp studios, our name may have changed, but our core values remain the same. Specifically, our community’s commitment to community, inclusion, and diversity.
In fact, that commitment is where the idea for our new name originated. Owner Becky Cerroni wanted to create a fitness environment where every single person feels seen and heard. A place where everyone feels included and part of something bigger. That’s how All My People was born, and we can’t think of a better time than PRIDE month to amplify that message! Our rainbow flags are flying high at both studios, and the theme rides are going strong because we are PROUD of our community and who we are, what we stand for, where we’ve been, and where we are going together.
“To me, Pride Month is all about celebrating love,” says Cerroni. “At amp studio, we celebrate love for all humans. We celebrate community for all. We celebrate all my people.”
Community is a big word in the fitness industry, and for good reason. The closures of gyms and fitness studios during the pandemic created a surge in virtual training options. But what people soon discovered is that while these virtual workouts filled one void, they created another. Now that pandemic restrictions have lifted, a recent Well and Good article found that people are steadily returning to gyms and fitness studios for more than a workout. They are coming for that community vibe that simply cannot be duplicated through a screen. According to the article, “Folks are looking for opportunities to reconnect after two years of relative isolation and social distancing.”
People need connection; a place where they can feel like part of something bigger. A place where they can feel proud of who they are and a place where they are celebrated. At amp studios, we encourage our members to feel that internal pride all year—not just for 30 days in June. Through breakout groups like our amp runners, in-studio competitions like March Madness, and social activities like our Pedal for Pours, we encourage inclusion and provide plenty of opportunities for connection. We celebrate 100-ride milestones with the same enthusiasm as we celebrate 1000-ride achievements. We take pride in watching new friendships form and in watching members show up for each other, hold each other accountable, and support and cheer one another along every step of their fitness journeys.
Our job at amp studios is not to simply build strong bodies. Our job is to build strong communities and strong connections. That’s where our power lives. We know that we are always stronger together and we look for ways to make sure every single member feels valued and respected for what they bring to our studios. We encourage feedback and two-way communication because we want to know what is important to our members, and help them amplify their voices within our community. We want to know what they take pride in because we know that every single one of our members has a unique story to tell.
Recently we stumbled across a quote that says, “Pride is about showing up as your authentic self.” That’s what we ask of our members and that’s what we demand of our instructors, staff, and leadership. Be authentic. Be fearless. Be brave. Be PROUD of who you are and know that we at amp studios are proud to have you on our team, not just during PRIDE month, but all year long.
“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” –George Takei
