Conversations with Kristie Stultz Shannon Cook

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristie Stultz Shannon Cook.

Hi Kristie Stultz, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The steps that lead us to open LifeCycle are nothing short of a miracle! We had been working at another indoor cycling studio that we thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately, that business never recovered from Covid, and closed. We were extremely close with the members and other instructors, so we asked if they would come with us if we opened in a new location. Luckily, they agreed!
Unfortunately, the tornado that struck Hendersonville in 2023 damaged a key building for us and prevented us from moving into the location we planned. God opened a door and we are now in the back of Gold’s Gym under the big LifeCycle sign. We give them a great product and they give us a great location!

Shannon and I dreamed of owning our own gym over 25 years ago, but certainly didn’t expect it to happen at this stage of life. We are so thankful for our team and our community. We are truly living our dream together as best friends.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road, but every step has been guided by God! We just continue to say, “yes,” and the doors keep opening!

As a nurse of 20 years, I had no idea how to run a small business! I have quickly learned what to do and what not do! It is a work in progress and we are thankful every day for the opportunity to continue to grow.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
We started as an indoor cycling studio and have expanded into group fitness. Currently, our schedule has over 42 classes weekly. We offer cycling, yoga, weightlifting, barre, HIIT, and hip-hop dance!

What motivates us each day is the amazing community of LifeCycle. Our instructors don’t just teach great classes, they are great friends to the members. The members support and encourage one another, which makes for an extremely positive environment. “Be the Light” is painted on the wall of the cycle studio and the group fitness room. We believe that is what we are called to do. Instructors show up to spread love, light and encouragement, and the members tend to do the same. It’s so much more than a gym.

We believe in a holistic approach to wellness. Physical fitness and good mental health are what we strive for. We have discussion groups on managing menopause, nutrition, etc. Shannon and I are strong Christians and we believe prayer changes things. We pray with and for our members frequently.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
We took a major risk, more like a leap of faith, by opening LifeCycle. We would rather fail than have regret, so we went for it. I think we all take risks every day. When you get in your car and drive to work, that’s a pretty big risk. Opening LifeCycle felt more like a calling than a business decision, so we weren’t afraid to jump in.

We are both grandmothers and knew nothing about owning a small business. However, the doors kept opening, so we kept walking. It has been an amazing journey and we have learned so much!!!

I think you have to decide if the risk is worth it in any endeavor. Weigh the risk against the regret of not trying, and decide which is worse.

Pricing:

• $79.00 unlimited rides, group fitness and full access to Gold’s Gym with no contract

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Lifecyclehendersonville.com
• Instagram: lifecycle.hville
• Facebook: lifecycletn