The Intern Journal: Fly to Fit Bungee Fitness

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that causes widespread aching pain throughout the body. There is no cure, but exercise and therapy can reduce the symptoms. There's one problem - the wrong exercise can exacerbate the pain.

"My mom has fibromyalgia and about 10 years ago she did a quick Google search for a recommendation on exercise," said Ian Murphy '26. "The top two results were swimming and bungee fitness. She didn't like the swimming option and there were no bungee fitness studios in the area. So she opened one herself."

Tina Murphy had been an ultrasound tech but her husband is, according to Ian, a "serial entrepreneur." With the family's support, Tina took the plunge, and in 2018 she opened Fly to Fit Bungee Fitness in Albany, a high-intensity, low-impact cardio workout. Four years later, Ian joined the business as a partner.

Ian, a business major, owns the franchise side of the business. Qualified entrepreneurs interested in bringing bungee fitness to their town can purchase their own Fly to Fit Bungee franchise, and Ian provides support with customer acquisition, marketing strategies, and administrative processes. A few years ago, the first franchise opened in Evansville, IN.

Going national has challenged Fly to Fit to elevate its marketing game. So Ian, while still focused on the franchise side of the house, collaborated with their marketing partner while earning his internship credit.

"I had a supervisor on the marketing side. We pulled our demographics and segmented different markets. We looked at sales, marketing promotion, idea creation, everything."

"I've had a unique experience for sure. I'm learning it in my business classes and putting the knowledge to use right away. The high-level business courses have been so helpful. We're hoping to open a second location soon in either Clifton Park or Saratoga. Plus, I just got an inquiry from someone today who's interested in opening a franchise in Virginia."