Meet Andrew Gubany of Purple Pedal in Fullerton

Andrew, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always loved cycling. The freedom you feel on a bike is often the freedom you feel driving when someone hands you the keys to your first car. Once I had kids, I lost my freedom for long Saturday rides. I went in search of a new fitness passion. I tried every boot camp, Crossfit, HIT Class I could find. But; I wasn’t free to express myself, Go at a pace I felt comfortable or one that fed my soul. I had always wanted to try one of those spin classes outside of the gym that looked like they were only for super fit 20-year-olds. So, one day I got the nerve up and I did it! I realized it wasn’t just for 20-year-old girls…it was for me at the time 33-year-old single dad of two! I fell in love with it and decided to become an instructor so I could play my own music. It had become a passion that combined my love for music and my love of the bike. I was free to explore me, my imagination, my need to inspire and motivate others and to share life with people in the most profound ways….positively and health and seeing people change and grow on a daily basis has become an amazing life experience and I take great pride in being part of others journey.

Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing is easy, but nothing is wasted. I have had a set back with a major illness, I have struggled with weight and body image. When I started teaching I had to accept that I didn’t look like all the other trainers that were several years younger than me. I had real-life responsibilities that to some would view as a detour. I viewed my Detours as a well-traveled road of life as a parent and a professional. I conquered my illness and everyday is a reminder that I’m blessed to be a dad, a professional and a friend.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Purple Pedal story. Tell us more about the business.
After two years of working at Purple Pedal and 6 years as an instructor, I became the new Owner and Manager in July 2019.

The energy of this studio is amazing. From the location in Downtown Fullerton to the historic feel of the building. It’s a infectious vibe!  But, it’s the people that show up everyday for the same experience I got to feel there many years before…it’s a shared love. It’s a community of people who really love this style of fitness and a genuine happy space of acceptance and body empowerment.

I would have never thought that little goal I set for myself to get certified would lead to where I am now. I have grown so much thru something as simple as a spin class. I’m continuing to grow mentally and spiritually but meeting others on similar journeys.

As an instructor, I think what sets me apart is the ability to be relatable. That I’m just being me and we’re working out together. We’re friends….sharing a space and I just wanna see you smile, laugh and be noticed.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I wish I was a fortune teller and could say in 5 years I’m gonna be rich, with abs and not look my age….but reality is….economic struggles come and go. Tacos and Cookies will always haunt me. Health and Fitness is always going to be around and I’m hoping we only grow from here. But for now, this industry was designed to help, heal, encourage and build. My focus is every person that walks thru the door experiences personal accomplishment and growth.

I would love Purple Pedal to grow into multiple locations and be one of those names people have all head about and smile to say, I have a friend that’s an instructor there and it changed my life.