A Salute to New Trail Cycling Founder Liz Kamp

by Katy Keffer, Reston resident

Liz Kamp, founder of New Trail Cycling, has sold her studio to REPFIT.

Members of New Trail Cycling—now REPFIT Studio at Lake Anne—wish to honor New Trail founder Liz Kamp with this tribute.

Curious to know what discipline sounds like? It’s the click of a cycling shoe locking into a Schwinn pedal. The smell of accomplishment? Eucalyptus-scented, chilled towels pressed across a forehead after 45 minutes of spinning. And the face of motivation? That was Liz Kamp—Reston resident, fitness trainer, entrepreneur, and founder of New Trail Cycling & Strength.

Liz was the one-woman wonder behind New Trail, a boutique fitness studio tucked between a museum and a hair salon along the curve of Lake Anne Plaza. When she announced last July that she was selling the studio to new owners, members were surprised but quickly rallied to celebrate and support her bold decision to begin a new life chapter. In her message to the community, Liz explained the decision came “from a place of deep care.”

What Liz built was more than an exercise studio—it was a community. She created a welcoming space where people of all fitness levels felt accepted and inspired. Music-filled spin classes brought energy and joy, while strength training, yoga, Pilates, and conditioning classes made health and wellness a priority.

Drawing on more than 20 years of fitness experience, Liz opened New Trail in 2018 with the vision of developing the best in people in an environment that was supportive, welcoming, and nonjudgmental. She understood that gyms can sometimes feel intimidating, sterile, or impersonal, and set out to make something different. Early member Stacy C. recalled how Liz kept that spirit alive even through the pandemic: “What really inspired me about New Trail was how Liz kept it going during COVID. She rolled the bikes out to Lake Anne Plaza and put mats on the bricks for strength classes. It helped us through those stressful early months.”

Others found similar inspiration. Tim C. joined within months of opening and loved how music made classes immersive: “It’s easy to get lost in class and imagine myself out on a bike, on the roads.” In her late 70s, Edie A. discovered New Trail after Gold’s Gym closed and soon reached her 500th class on New Year’s Day 2025. “A woman-owned business at Lake Anne—it was a major part of Reston’s history,” she said. Merrill L. pointed to the friendships she made: “The strong community Liz built made exercise fun. Liz’s intention workshop created a space that encouraged me to slow down, reflect, and become more mindful.” Kevin O. echoed the joy of camaraderie: “New Trail allowed me to be myself by letting me clap, sing, and whoop when the mood struck!”

Members agree that Liz’s gift for attracting the right instructors and studio coordinators set New Trail apart. Each brought unique energy, warmth, and encouragement, helping to foster a sense of belonging that kept the community strong.

Although Liz has passed the keys to new owners, she plans to remain connected to the health and wellness world through her personal training clients. New Trail is now REPFIT Studio at Lake Anne, led by Jen Dryzga and Rony Polanco, local fitness leaders and owners of REPFIT in Herndon. They inherit a devoted community of cyclists and strength enthusiasts who thrive on cheers, fist bumps, and in-person connection at a time when so much of life has shifted online.

We may have a new name, but the heart of this community remains the same—energetic, supportive, and ready to welcome anyone who wants to ride, move, and grow stronger together.

Katy Keffer, a freelance writer living in Reston, is proud to have been a two-plus year member of New Trail. She is now excited to be part of REPFIT’s expanded fitness community.