Just before the close of 2024, Keys Cycle Studio opened its doors to bring a vibrant new fitness option to the Middle Keys. Based in Marathon, the cycling experience blends pulsating neon lights with uplifting music to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Skilled cycling instructors lead high-energy classes designed to challenge and inspire riders of all fitness levels. And to enhance the wellness journey, an in-house dietitian offers personalized nutrition guidance to help patrons reach their fitness goals.
Chavely Aldama, a proud Marathon native who graduated from Stanley Switlik Elementary and Marathon Middle & High School, is the owner and driving force behind the new fitness center offering a departure from more traditional workout alternatives. A lifelong athlete and now registered dietitian, Aldama told the Weekly she has always embraced an active and healthy lifestyle.
Like many small-town youth, she ventured to a larger city to pursue higher education, earning a degree in nutrition sciences from Florida International University – and beginning her six-year cycling journey along the way.
After a period in the medical field, she made the heartfelt decision to return to Marathon to be closer to her family and to embark on the next chapter of her life. She knew she wanted to use her degree and pursue her interests in fitness.
“I feel like a lot of people love to exercise and love to eat healthy as well,” said Aldama. “So I came back home and then found this spot. Thankfully, they gave me a couple months to kind of get everything set up and get everything going, so that’s what I did.”
Within two months, Aldama said, the studio was prepped and ready. “My dad does work in construction, so he helped me get everything going,” she said. “Being from a small town, you know, we all support each other. I feel like we are all helpful to each other. So I wanted to do something that we didn’t have here so Keys Cycle Studio was born.”
The studio offers a range of membership options and class packs to cater to various fitness goals. For those seeking a one-time experience, a single class drop-in rate of $30 is available. There are flexible pack options for 3, 6, 9 and 12 classes and personalized private session options as well as a monthly unlimited membership for $200. To ensure a spot in a class, patrons are encouraged to sign up in advance at keyscyclestudio.com.
“We have had some drop-ins here and there, mostly in the mornings, but our night classes tend to fill up really pretty quickly, and our Saturday classes as well,” said Aldama. “So I always recommend always signing up first. I’m usually the one that answers the chat or if people email or have questions. We are also on Facebook and Instagram and I’m pretty good at getting back to people pretty quickly via Messenger.”
The studio boasts a team of five instructors, all local to the Marathon area, with a bevy of certifications, personal athletic achievements and decades of experience behind them.
“I’m really proud of the team I’ve assembled,” said Aldama. “ I am also looking forward to offering our clients more nutritional options. I’m currently waiting on a food permit, which you need from the Florida Department of Agriculture, to sell food products.”
Once that permit clears, Aldama said, she’ll be including an assortment of custom two-ounce “wellness shots” with every membership, prepped and ready for when monthly clients come in for their classes. Protein shakes and other healthy snacks will be ready for purchase for pre- or post-workout refueling.
“I encourage everyone to come in, take an intro class, and if they enjoy the experience they can save a bit of money by purchasing a class pack or monthly membership,” she said. More information is at keyscyclestudio.com, keyscyclestudio@gmail.com or from “Keys Cycle Studio” on Facebook or Instagram. The studio is located at 6465 Overseas Hwy. in Marathon.
