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From Cathryn Fowler’s first ElliptiGO ride in Daytona Beach, she was hooked! She’s since built an impressive collection of ElliptiGO bikes. Now Cathy is dedicated to sharing the joy of ElliptiGO cycling with others. Find out how our August 2024 Rider of the Month went from customer to Enthusiast, and how she’s staying healthier than ever at 61.

Cathy was born in England. Her family moved to the United States, to Pennsylvania, when she was just two years old. She grew up there and started her career as a special education teacher. After earning a master’s degree, she became a psychotherapist, working as a clinical supervisor and program director. Robert, her pilot husband, introduced her to aviation. Cathy helped him manage his flight school and a small airport.

Robert’s career led them to Florida, and then they eventually relocated to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which they now call home. Today, Cathy works as an academic advisor at Middle Tennessee State University.

As an adult, Cathy exercised regularly. She worked out in a gym, lifting weights, and she loved using the elliptical machine. She recalls, “One day while I was in the gym, looking out the windows at the Florida sunshine, I asked myself why I wasn’t outdoors.” After a quick Google search, she found ElliptiGO and thought it would be interesting to try out an elliptical bike.

It was love at first ride. “My test ride was in Daytona Beach in 2016, and I purchased my 3C on the spot!” she says. She quickly realized she was stronger than she’d thought, so she traded up to the 11R.

Robert became an ElliptiGO cyclist, too. Over the years, their collection of ElliptiGO models has grown, and with it, Cathy’s passion for the ride. In addition to her 11R, they have an e11R, an e8C, a SUB, an RSUB and an MSUB, plus an 8C that Cathy keeps on the Fluid 365 Stationary Trainer.

Each bike has a special place in Cathy’s heart, but she rides the 11R and 8C the most because she feels the long-stride motion is best for her knees. If forced to pick one, she says, “The 8C is my favorite. It feels solid on the road, and I like the workout of moving a heavier bike.” She also loves her Inno rack, because it allows her to take her bikes to different ride locations. “It’s easy for me to use without help,” she notes.

Cathy’s dedication to ElliptiGO isn’t just about personal enjoyment. She is an official Enthusiast, committed to spreading the word about the benefits of ElliptiGO. The ElliptiGO Enthusiast program was designed for passionate riders who love sharing their experiences. Enthusiasts can earn rewards for answering questions and/or providing test rides.

“As an Enthusiast, my role is to be an ambassador for ElliptiGO,” explains Cathy. “I feel very strongly about this company. I started as a customer, became an investor, and now I am also an Enthusiast. And I’ve met some really interesting people in this process.”

She enjoys giving people the opportunity to try out ElliptiGO bikes, just like she did in 2016. “I encourage people to test ride and have some fun,” she says. “I want people to be healthy, and if that includes riding a GO, then I’m here to help them with a test ride and purchase.”

Cathy’s enthusiasm is contagious, especially when she talks about the supportive ElliptiGO community. She says, “The Global ElliptiGO Riders Club (GERC) is so motivating, pushing me to do rides when I might not want to or when I’m tired at the end of the day.”  Cathy particularly enjoys the annual GERC Get Out and GO (GOGO) program that encourages ElliptiGOers to complete riding challenges. She shares, “Now that I live in Tennessee, it would be easy to say, ‘It’s too hot,’ but I ride for those GOGO points!” 

Cathy also rides for her health. She has thoracic outlet syndrome on her right side and arthritis in both knees. She could have had knee-replacement surgery, but instead, ElliptiGO riding became her solution. Cathy notes, “I have avoided surgery by increasing my strength and losing weight.” She credits one of her many ElliptiGO friends, Lyn Huston, with introducing her to intermittent fasting, which Cathy calls “a game changer.”

Even a serious injury couldn’t keep Cathy off her elliptical bike for long. Last year, Cathy broke her ankle. “It was harder to not ride for 12 weeks than I could have imagined!” she says. But with the help of her surgeon and physical therapist, she soon was riding as part of her recovery. This year, she achieved a personal goal by completing her first 50-mile ride.

Today, Cathy rides almost every day, unless she’s traveling to see her extended family in England, France and South Africa. She also takes Pilates classes four days a week. “I am healthier today at 61 than I was in my 40s,” says Cathy.

For those considering purchasing an ElliptiGO bike who are still on the fence, Cathy has simple advice. “Give it a try!” she says. “Think of it as an investment in your health. It’s different than any other type of exercise. And it’s just plain cool!”

We couldn’t agree more! Cathy, thank you for sharing your story with us and for sharing the ElliptiGO love with new riders. As Cathy knows, your ElliptiGO journey begins with a test ride. If you want to try an ElliptiGO bike, find an Enthusiast near you to schedule a ride. If you’re interested in becoming an Enthusiast like Cathy, the process is easy: Just complete a short application, undergo brief training, and start earning rewards while helping others discover the joy of ElliptiGO.

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You can contact ElliptiGO with nominations to Rider of the Month or share your own story. It may just be the next feature!