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Life & Work with Alyson Riley of Dover

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyson Riley.

Hi Alyson, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been active– fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve done everything from cycling across the state to competing in national bodybuilding competitions, and those experiences taught me discipline, resilience, and how good it feels to push your limits. Over the years, I naturally found myself helping others, sharing what I’ve learned, and realizing how much I loved guiding people toward feeling stronger and more confident.
Eventually, that passion grew into a bigger vision: creating a space where anyone could walk in and feel welcome, supported, and capable. That’s really how my business started. I wanted to build a fitness environment that was inviting, encouraging, and rooted in real connection. And that’s what brought me here today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any small business, there were definitely struggles along the way. I built this from the ground up, and that came with a lot of challenges — especially financially. In the beginning, every decision mattered, and I had to be really intentional about where every dollar went.
Another big hurdle was promotion. You can have the best vision in the world, but if no one knows you exist, it’s hard to grow. Getting the word out, educating people about what we do, and building trust in the community took time and consistency.
Those early struggles were tough, but they also shaped the business into what it is today — stronger, smarter, and rooted in a lot of resilience.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At The Fitness Factory, we focus on creating an experience that’s equal parts effective, welcoming, and fun. What we do is provide high-quality group fitness classes that help people build strength, confidence, and community.
We specialize in immersive, coach-led classes — especially our signature spin classes, which are designed to challenge you while still being fun.
We’re known for our energy, our coaching, and the environment we’ve built. People tell us all the time that when they walk in, they immediately feel supported, encouraged, and part of something bigger.
What we’re most proud of is the community. Watching people show up for themselves, make friends, hit goals they never thought possible — that’s the heart of what we do.
What sets us apart is the experience. We aren’t just a gym where you come in, work out, and leave. We’re a place where people feel seen, where coaches actually coach, and where every class feels like something you look forward to, not something you have to get through. That combination of community, coaching, and genuine care is really what makes us different.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What most people don’t know about me is that I’m actually pretty shy. Coaching and running the studio pulled me out of my comfort zone, but it also showed me how much I love connecting with people.

Pricing:

  • 1st class is Free
  • Single class – $15
  • 5 classes – $70
  • 10 classes – $130
  • unlimited monthly – $150

Contact Info:

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