zephyrgives

  • #ZephyrIlluminate: Kelly Phalon

    The best part about the first three months of Zephyr? Meeting some of the kindest, most kickass and incredible people, and we’re excited to spotlight members of the Zephyr community in our new series, #ZephyrIlluminate. New business owner Kelly Phalon (pictured here with her awesome husband Ryan) has been riding at Zephyr since day one and hasn’t missed many days since. We caught up with her about what got her to sign up for the first time after being a lifelong runner, how she gets out of bed for 5:30 a.m. classes, and why her body told her “this was the change it needed.”

    How did you discover Zephyr and what convinced you to get in the door for the first time?

    I had been looking for a change. I had been a runner for 17 years and my body was just over it. I had mentioned to a friend that I to switch it up and possibly try spin. She mentioned that she was pretty sure there was a new cycling studio coming to town just a few doors down from her shop so I started googling and looking it up on facebook…just waiting for an announcement of when it might open. Once I found out I signed up for the first weekend of free classes. I knew it was going to be difficult and it was, but I was instantly hooked. I can’t explain what came over me, but it was a wave of emotion and then my body told me this was the change it needed.

    You are a 5:30 a.m. devotee! What motivates you to get out of bed and onto the bike every day?

    I have always been a morning person. I don’t feel right when I sleep in because I feel like I’ve wasted the day. I want to see the sunrise and breathe in the fresh air of the day. If you’re going to make a change and take care of your body it should be the first thing on your mind and the first thing you go and do. When your mind and soul are taken care of your motivation and positivity to accomplish all your goals just comes naturally. At least it does for me. We all have our stress and life events that cause us anxiety. Being a fairly new business owner, I’ve been experiencing much more of that than I usually do. Coming to Zephyr in the morning helps me let all of that go and realize I can only do so much and that I should take each task one at a time. It puts my life in perspective and helps me stay focused.

    What are some of your favorite things about class?

    I have so many favorite things about class. hahaha I love the energy of the instructors. I love that the music is loud and the room is dark so that you can just feel the music, the workout, and get gritty. I love that I don’t feel insecure here whereas a lot of “gyms” can make you feel that way. Each person in class is there for themselves. We all talk before and after, but the second class starts we’re all there for ourselves. It’s almost like there is no one else even in class. The focus and energy is unlike any gym or studio I’ve been to.

    What would your advice be to someone who hasn’t tried indoor cycling before but is thinking about it? Why should they try Zephyr?

    My advice would be to just do it. I have had a few friends say that they would never sit on a stationary bike. I always tell them, “don’t knock it till you try it.” It’ll change your life just like it changed mine. I’m not sure what an indoor cycling class is like at other gyms or studios, but Zephyr instructors work your entire body. Then they make you reach down and work out your mind. I’ve said it before, but I feel like this is my “church.” This is where I go to get my mind and body right and I am so thankful Zephyr has come into to my life.

     

  • Our First ZephyrGives Ride: The Bozeman 3

    At Zephyr, we value community above all else, and giving back to Bozeman is one of the ways in which we demonstrate our gratitude, which is how our ZephyrGives rides came to be. During these rides, we give 100% of the profit (and the good energy) to a worthy cause. We are thrilled to be partnering with The Bozeman 3, an organization that supports Gallatin County families whose children have received a cancer diagnosis, for our inaugural ZephyrGives ride. To learn more about TB3, we touched base with Christy Castronovo, the president of the board, and Emily Cook, a member of the board. Read on, then book your bike for this Friday night’s 5:30 p.m. ride!

    How did The Bozeman 3 begin, and what is your connection to it?

    Christy Castronovo: The Bozeman 3 began when three families from the Gallatin Valley met in at the Seattle Children’s Hospital’s oncology unit in early 2012. While their children each faced different forms of cancer, the three families shared a common desire to support other local families who could one day face similar challenges. The result of their shared experience, support for one another, and resolve to fight as well as the support of their family and friends is The Bozeman 3. On a personal level, I am a breast cancer survivor and wanted to get involved here in Bozeman. I’ve been on the board for few years and am currently the president of the board.

    Emily Cook: I have followed a few B3 children over the last few years and felt deeply for them and their families. I felt blessed for where I was in my life and knew I needed to help! So many beautiful, innocent kiddos getting their world rocked… I couldn’t continue to sit back, I needed to help in any possible way I could.

    What are some of the ways in which The Bozeman 3 supports Gallatin County families each year?

    CC: The majority of the money we raise goes to support local families whose children have cancer and a small portion goes to research. The Bozeman 3 works with local pediatricians and family practice doctors to provide valuable materials to families with children newly diagnosed with cancer in order to help them transition to out-of-state hospitals, where most care for children with cancer occurs. The Bozeman 3 also provides families with the opportunity to apply for both immediate and ongoing financial assistance. Since we began, we have impacted more than 10 families.

    EC: I am new to the board so I am still meeting families, hearing stories for the first time and learning the ropes. I just know in my heart of hearts the money we donate, which is 100% of what we raise, makes a difference. These families’ burdens are beyond measure, so any burden that we can help ease is one less thing that needs to take them away from their sweet children. I am really looking forward to witnessing more stories of how The Bozeman 3 has helped families in our community.

    A ZephyrGives pass is $18. What are some examples of what $18 can do to support a family?

    CC: As so many families must travel out of state for care, a ZephyrGives pass and the combined efforts of a ZephyrGives ride will help fill up the car for a drive to Denver or Seattle or Salt Lake City or contribute to an airline ticket.  It will also help provide meals and housing for families while they are traveling for treatment and appointments.

    Beyond the ZephyrGives ride, what are some ways in which anyone interested in doing more may be able to help?

    CC: Our boards and committees are 100% comprised of volunteers and we have events throughout the year for which we always appreciate help.  In addition, sharing our Facebook page and posts really helps us spread the word. You can find more ways to help here, and please don’t hesitate to call (406.624.3322) or email us for more ideas!

    EC: Donate.. any tiny little bit helps! It all adds up! Join us throughout the year as we raise money in the various different ways. If you can’t donate money reach out, let us know how you would like to help! Lastly spread the word of who we are and what we do. The Bozeman 3 isn’t a large board. We do our best to reach out to the community to raise awareness and can always use help spreading the word of who we are and what we do!