Words of Wisdom

There is no shortage of aphorisms in the English language. Much like “everything happens for a reason”, the phrase “when one doors closes, another one opens” feels trite at times, especially to the recipient who is grieving the loss of something special. 

The last time I used that phrase was July 2025, when I closed the doors to the wellness boutique adjacent to my yoga studio. Most people know that the boutique was a means to an end on my part. My landlord wanted retail while I wanted a studio space devoid of consumerism. It was something I excelled at, but it was not my passion, as evidenced by my impending exit from corporate retail. 

Sadly, the next door to slowly edge its way shut is at the yoga studio. This time I am distraught, trying desperately to wedge a door stop under this heavy reality. The lease ends in March and, short of a miracle, the studio will be locked up for good.

“Misery loves company” rings true for me right now, even though I empathize for studio owners. It is not a Hico problem, it’s an industry-wide problem. I know from friendly conversations that studio numbers are down 50-75% and big city gyms are closing their doors.

Times are hard. I’m more mindful of this than ever as I bid farewell to a steady paycheck. With endless online and free options, paid group fitness falls to the bottom of the list for uses of disposable income. I have been on the front lines of this phenomenon in retail - brick and mortar business declining rapidly due to Amazon and other e-commerce platforms - but I never expected it to happen to fitness.

I thought the rewards of group classes - connection, motivation, and accountability - could not be easily replaced with at-home videos. It’s what inspired me to open the studio after years of practicing in front of a screen. Like big box overtaking “mom and pop” stores, however, the Pelotons of the world may ultimately win.

The old adage “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” has echoed through my mind countless times lately. I hosted my first live online Zoom class for the studio and it was a blast. If the doors can’t stay open physically, perhaps they can virtually.

A less appealing possibility is that a studio closure is part of the plan. Friends have hinted that my new coaching business and podcast may consume all of my entrepreneurial energy. Short a crystal ball, I won’t know until April, when I’m past this pivot point.

When one door closes, another one opens. Maybe that will be a different, budget-friendly space. Maybe that will be a personal journey that doesn’t involve studio ownership. Right now, I’m taking a cue from my recovery journey and processing this decision “one day at a time.”