Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gimbutis.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my journey to business ownership as a client of The Barre Code Metro Detroit in 2014. At the time I was a new mom looking for a workout that kept me engaged and motivated, and that also gave me time to focus on myself. I fell in love with the community and messages of empowerment, and within a few years wanted to help even more people experience it! In 2018, I took the leap to studio ownership and opened my studio in East Lansing. 5 years later, I was honored to take over the reins as owner of our Ann Arbor location. Our studios transitioned to barre3 in 2024, and it’s been so wonderful joining this larger community to continue best supporting our clients’ journey to mental and physical health and wellness. I truly love seeing our clients gain confidence in themselves, and watching our community support each other and in and outside of the studio.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My first studio was 2.5 years old when the pandemic hit, and it hit group fitness hard. We pivoted quickly to livestreaming classes – our instructors were teaching online from their living rooms and basements, etc! As soon as the weather here in Michigan was warm enough to move outside we started hosting outdoor classes, and we kept those going as long as the weather allowed. I’m so thankful for our community and staff for sticking with us! There have been other struggles and bumps in the road along the way, but the pandemic definitely was the biggest challenge I’ve faced as a business owner.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about barre3?
Barre3 is an efficient, effective workout combining strength, cardio, and mindfulness. Our mission—and the driving factor behind every move we do in class—is to teach people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. One of the biggest things that sets barre3 apart is how we use mindfulness as part of the workout, and how we incorporate modifications as part of our mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness is paying attention on purpose, and during class we ask clients to really hone in and notice how their body is feeling. Paying attention to their breath while they move. Adjusting intensity based on how their body feels that day. Staying present enough to notice when something needs to shift. We offer and encourage modifications not to make the work easier, but to make it more effective for each individual in the room. When clients are present in their bodies and make choices to support how they are feeling, they’re also practicing mindfulness as they build physical strength.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
For Ann Arbor specifically, I love how vibrant and community-focused the city is. People are really proud to be from Ann Arbor, not just because of the downtown (which is amazing!) but also all the natural areas of the city – the parks are really incredible. Parking can be a challenge downtown, which is probably my least favorite thing, but that also comes with the territory of a vibrant city! I’ll take having to give myself extra time to park to enjoy everything downtown has to offer. 🙂
Pricing:
- New clients can try their first class free!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barre3.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barre3annarbor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barre3annarbor
