Jennifer Cooper, E!For the workout fanatics of the world, there are a lot of fitness class options to peruse—yoga, pilates, kickboxing, cardio barre, zumba and more. But truth be told, there's nothing better than an adrenaline-pumping cycling class. That's where Ruth Zukerman comes into the picture.
As the co-founder and creative director of Flywheel, she gets the business behind boutique fitness studios. Since 2006, she's collected a loyal following of indoor cyclists and created a workout environment that's fast-paced, up-beat and fun. And now with 31 locations from New York City's Upper East Side to Dubai, her cycling biz is more popular than ever.
So what's a day in the office like for Ruth (Spoiler alert: It includes cycling classes!)? Read on to find out!
What was your very first job?
My first job was babysitting, and oftentimes the parents didn't call again because I would be sleeping when they got home!
How did you get started in your career?
I fell in love with indoor cycling the first time I took class in 1997. I became hooked on its effects of building both mental and physical strength. Eventually, I felt that I could perfect the discipline and create a whole experience combining working out with a sense of community. I launched my first boutique indoor cycling business in 2006, and took the experience to a whole new level with Flywheel in 2010.
Who are some of your career heroes?
In the field of group fitness I would have to credit Jane Fonda. She was truly influential in putting boutique group exercise on the map, and talk about being multi-talented. Her intelligence, class and beauty have always inspired me.
What's a typical workday like for you?
My day usually starts in my favorite way—teaching a class at one of our New York City locations. Afterwards, I go into our offices and catch-up with my partner/co-founder, Jay, and go over what needs to be accomplished during the course of the day. With an instructor base that spans the entire country, I have a lot to manage in order to make sure everyone is happy and doing great things for our riders— this of course means many emails and calls throughout the day. Schedule permitting, I might stop by a training session to see our up-and-coming instructors. I'll also participate in senior management meetings so that we can all collaborate on current projects and goals for the company.
Describe your office décor: What was your inspiration? Did you decorate it yourself?
We recently moved into a new office space with a very industrial, clean, no-frills feel. Lots of glass, high ceilings and polished concrete floors. To balance that, I always love fresh flowers at my desk along with my personal, creature comfort items like a picture of my gorgeous daughters!
List five things that are on your desk right now:
A photo of my daughters, fresh hydrangeas, my Comptoir du Sud Pacifique fragrance, a Rigaud Cypress candle and my calendar book (still trying to switch over to the iCalendar!).
What do you typically wear to work?
When not in my workout clothes, I typically wear a loose sweater, cropped jeans, Robert Clergerie oxfords and I’ll accessorize with a long necklace.
What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?
Barneys and Bergdorf's.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
I learned this the hard way! If you’re going to partner, make sure you share the same vision and make sure your partners are trustworthy.
Finish the sentence…
Today for lunch I had…grilled chicken and avocado on a bed of greens and tomato.
The first website I log onto every day is… The Weather Channel.
The beauty product you can always find in my purse is…my Cargo Essential Lip Color in Dubai. It's a great everyday color.
My must-have work gadget is…my iPhone for sure.
My usual Starbucks order is…an Iced Passion Tea.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually…stop by one of my colleagues' offices. We have such an amazing team and everyone is entertaining in their own unique way!
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…relaxing and relishing my home in Sag Harbor. This is my oasis.
The best part of my job is…getting on a Flywheel bike every day and feeling empowered knowing that I can push and motivate our incredible riders.