by Stacy Dykman
For many athletes, an injury can be life-changing. One moment you’re playing the sport you love; the next, you’re unsure if you’ll ever play again. When I tore my ACL, the injury disrupted the start of my collegiate soccer career and forced me to redshirt my freshman year. The inactive period to attend rehab and recover opened the door to a new purpose and inspired my decision to pursue my passion for health and wellness.
I had been an athlete my entire life, with fitness at the core of my success. My dedication earned me a full Division I soccer scholarship, and I eagerly signed my letter of intent only to suffer the ACL injury shortly after. While continuing my college education, I committed myself to rehabilitation, balancing recovery with academics. During my senior year, I transferred schools and changed my major to exercise science. Less than two years later, I graduated in the top 1% of my class and launched a career dedicated to helping others become the healthiest and happiest versions of themselves.
Walking In My Purpose
I began my career at WTS International, where I supported its growth into one of the first full-service gyms in the D.C. area. The experience deepened my knowledge of health and wellness and allowed me to play a meaningful role in expanding access to gyms, trainers, and wellness resources within my community. That work strengthened my desire to help others and ultimately led me to Fitness Together.
My path to business ownership began with Fitness Together in 2005. I was driven by a clear purpose of reaching as many people as possible and supporting them through life’s transitions by providing the space and resources to achieve what matters most to them. I started working at the Bethesda location, where I trained clients, built strong community connections, and formed lasting relationships. After six and a half years in the role, I had the opportunity to purchase the brand’s Georgetown studio, and I couldn’t pass it up. I never imagined that the work we would do there would eventually make it the top revenue-producing location in the system nationwide.
Fitness Together was a natural fit for my goals and values. The brand’s mission is to create a welcoming environment where anyone can succeed, regardless of their goals, limitations, or injuries. Each studio is staffed with experienced personal trainers who design fully personalized one-on-one programs for weight loss, weight management, muscle building, and injury recovery. As a former injured athlete, I strongly aligned with Fitness Together’s approach and believed more people deserved access to this level of personalized care and community.
When I took ownership of the Georgetown location, I saw an opportunity to elevate the studio and create even greater value for our members and our teams.
Building Community Through Strength
Owning my first Fitness Together franchise taught me the power of community, and the franchise system provided me with a strong business model to follow, as well as the creativity and independence to enhance the studio for both members and staff. My priority was meeting members where they were. I took time to understand their experiences, strengthen relationships, and develop programs that truly supported their individual needs.
By listening closely, I learned that many members, especially those new to exercise or struggling with their weight, felt uncomfortable being seen while working out. That insight inspired me to use our private training studios, which allowed members to train in a more comfortable, supportive environment and reshaped their outlook on both fitness and our studio. The improvement of the base model’s one-on-one system and recruitment of like-minded team members inspired new members to begin their wellness journeys with our studios.
Throughout my ownership journey, I’ve remained focused on the belief that the studio’s success is only possible due to the work of our team. As a leader, I prioritize creating an environment where my team can grow professionally, provide for their families, and feel empowered to share ideas and take ownership of their work.
I worked to ensure our trainers had access to healthcare and benefits, full-time salaries, and opportunities to plan for retirement. These investments created a stronger, more loyal, and committed team and the trust we built together ultimately inspired me to pursue multi-unit ownership.
The relationships I built with two long-term employees led them to deepen their investment by becoming minority partners in the Tysons and McLean locations, while continuing in leadership roles at the Georgetown studio. McLean became my third location, which I opened in partnership with one of those team members and a long-term client.
Strengthening People, Teams, and Communities
As I continue to own and operate my three Fitness Together studios, in Georgetown, Tysons and Mclean, I reflect on all we’ve been able to accomplish and I’m grateful. The work isn’t done yet. There is so much I know our team will be able to achieve and I’m committed to the growth of each location, our staff and members.
I’ll continue to share my knowledge and experience with individuals passionate about health and wellness and collaborate with my community, other Fitness Together franchisees and leadership to improve systems, help our members and empower professionals.
Fitness Together has changed my life and I’m proud to be a part of an organization helping to improve the lives of so many nationwide. The future of this brand is bright and what we can accomplish together will change lives for the better.