Inspiring Conversations with Hannah Haynes of IronBody Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Haynes.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
IronBody Studios was built from the ground up—literally. I started training friends and family as early as 2014 while I was still in college, just out of a genuine love for fitness and a desire to help the people around me feel stronger. That passion quickly turned into something more, and in 2016, I officially launched IronBody Fitness, training clients independently and through partnerships with other gyms across Metro Detroit.

For years, I worked relentlessly to refine my vision, all while keeping one goal in mind: to open my own space. When the pandemic hit in 2020, like many small business owners, I had to pivot. I moved my business into my garage in Royal Oak, MI, where I trained clients in person and virtually throughout 2021. That garage setup became the unexpected launchpad for something much bigger.

In March 2022, I officially opened IronBody Studios—a boutique fitness studio in Madison Heights, MI. Every corner of the studio was designed with intention and love, from the warm biophilic aesthetic to the layout that encourages community connection. I designed it myself in collaboration with my life partner, Kevin Hoard, and it became everything I had dreamed of creating: a safe, welcoming space where people could focus on their strength, health, and personal growth.

Since opening our doors, IronBody Studios has grown tremendously. What started as just me has expanded into a 12-person team, including personal trainers, group fitness instructors, and a full front desk staff. We offer a wide variety of classes, group training, and personal training, and we’ve cultivated an incredible community of clients who genuinely support one another.

And we’re still growing. In Fall 2025, we’ll be moving into a brand-new space—still in Madison Heights, but four times the size of our current studio. This next chapter will allow us to expand our offerings, bring in more clients, and continue creating the inclusive, empowering environment that defines IronBody.

This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been so worth it. Every setback pushed me forward, and every success has been shared with the community that believed in me. IronBody Studios is more than just a fitness space—it’s a reflection of heart, hustle, and the power of showing up for yourself.

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?
The road has never been easy—but it’s been real, and it’s made me who I am today.

When COVID hit in 2020, everything changed overnight. I lost access to the gyms I was training out of, and for a moment, everything paused. Like many others, I had to take a step back to process what was happening—but I knew I couldn’t stay still for long. At the same time, I was also navigating a deeply personal transition—caring for a family member I was losing. That period of grief and reflection pushed me to make one of the biggest decisions of my life: to walk away from working for others and step fully into entrepreneurship. I knew I needed to honor my passion and stop waiting for the “right” time.

As soon as it felt right, I pivoted to training my clients virtually from home. It wasn’t glamorous, but it kept us connected and moving when everything else felt uncertain.

Eventually, I turned my garage in Royal Oak into a full-on training space. I actually loved the garage era—it was raw, personal, and felt like a return to the basics. But it also came with its own set of challenges: no heat, no air conditioning, and unpredictable Michigan weather. I had to think fast and get creative—heaters in the winter, fans in the summer, and a whole lot of improvising in between. But people kept showing up. We made it work together, and that season taught me so much about adaptability and commitment.

During that same time, I began the daunting search for a physical studio space. Finding a rental during COVID was tough—spaces were limited, and the process was long and stressful. It took six months just to find a location, and two months to finalize the contract. Once we finally got the keys, the real work began.

My partner Kevin and I built the studio ourselves with our own two hands. We weren’t experts in construction or design—we just had a vision and a whole lot of grit. From measuring (and mis-measuring) to late nights figuring out what materials we actually needed, the buildout process was a constant learning curve. Nothing about it was easy, but we always found a way to make it work.

That season of my life—marked by personal loss, transformation, and hands-on hustle—laid the foundation for what IronBody is today. And I carry every bit of that experience with me as a business owner and community leader. It built me, just like we built the studio.

Now, as we prepare for our next big chapter, we’ve spent a little over a year searching for the perfect new location—and it took us about six months to finalize this new contract. We’re now officially in the design and construction phase, which is both exciting and challenging. It’s requiring a lot of work, energy, and patience, but it’s also a reminder of how far we’ve come.

It’s especially exciting to see the growth from building our own studio and doing all the dirty work ourselves, to now hiring a full-service architectural firm and construction team to handle this next chapter. We’re still heavily involved in the design process and making a lot of decisions, but we’re incredibly thankful to have the physical labor taken off our plate this time around.

This move is about expansion, growth, and continuing to pour into the community that helped build IronBody from the ground up.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
IronBody Studios isn’t just a gym—it’s an experience, a community, and a space intentionally designed to help people feel strong, confident, and connected.

Located in Madison Heights, MI, IronBody Studios is a boutique fitness studio offering group fitness classes, personal training, and small group strength-based training. Our programming is rooted in functional movement, progressive strength training, and a deep understanding that fitness is not one-size-fits-all. We specialize in helping real people move better, feel stronger, and build confidence through intentional, effective workouts.

What sets us apart is how we do it. From the moment someone walks through our doors, they feel the difference. Our studio design—boho-modern with biophilic touches—feels welcoming and calm, not intimidating or overwhelming. Our team of personal trainers, instructors, and front desk staff genuinely care about each client’s goals, progress, and experience. We prioritize building real relationships and creating a space where people feel seen—not just another face in the crowd.

We’re known for offering dynamic, effective training that’s accessible to all levels. Whether someone is new to fitness, coming back after a break, or leveling up their strength journey, we meet them exactly where they are and help them grow from there. Our group sessions range from strength-focused formats like Butts & Guts and Back & Biceps, to recovery and mobility-based classes like Yin Yoga and Pilates.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how intentional everything has been. IronBody isn’t just my business—it’s a reflection of years of grit, heart, and a deep commitment to creating something different in the fitness space. Every touchpoint of our brand—from the messaging and tone to the aesthetic and atmosphere—was designed to make people feel safe, strong, and part of something special. We’ve built trust with our community because we show up consistently, with authenticity and care.

We’re currently in an exciting chapter of growth. After building our original studio from the ground up (literally), we’re now preparing to move into a brand-new space—four times the size of our current location. This next phase includes working with a full-service architecture and construction team to bring our evolving vision to life. It’s a big shift from our DIY days, and we’re proud of how far we’ve come while staying true to our mission.

For readers just getting to know us, we want them to know: IronBody is for everyone. We’re not about quick fixes or unrealistic standards. We’re about real movement, real strength, and real community. If you’re looking for a place to move your body, feel empowered, and be part of something meaningful—we’re here, and we’d love to have you.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Resilience has always been a defining part of who I am. Long before IronBody Studios came to life, I was someone who stepped up, figured it out, and kept going—no matter the circumstances.

I come from a big family: five sisters and three brothers. From a young age, I naturally stepped into a role of responsibility. I was making my own appointments, babysitting, helping with grocery lists, cooking dinner, and teaching my siblings. That sense of accountability shaped me early on and built the foundation for how I lead today.

When I was 14, I wanted to become a police officer, so I joined a local police program. And I didn’t just show up—I fully committed. I worked my way up through the ranks and became captain by the time I was 20. I gave 100% to everything I did—even when I didn’t love it. I’ve always had a drive to commit fully and follow through, sometimes even to a fault.

Later, I shifted gears and pursued accounting. I had my sights set on working at the number one firm, and I eventually got there. But I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit—I couldn’t grow my business and commit to a full-time schedule, especially during busy season. I pivoted to the private accounting world and worked as an auditor for several years, continuing to push myself and stay committed to excellence in everything I did.

And I did all of this while managing my business.

I’d wake up at 4:30 AM to get in my own workout, head to my full-time job for eight hours, and then go straight to the gym to train 2–3 clients every evening. I did that every single day. It was exhausting—but I had a vision and I was determined to build something meaningful.

Resilience was the thread that carried me through every one of those long days and hard decisions. It’s the quality that continues to shape how I lead, how I show up, and how I pour into my community.

Pricing:

• We offer personal Training, Yoga, Pilates, Kickboxing, strength classes, and open gym!
• Kids are welcome to join and hang at our kids area
• We offer an intro session rate
• We are located ar. 28838 John R Rd Madison Heights, MI
• New location is 32115 John R Rd Madison Heights, MI expected to. open September 2025

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ironbodystudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ironbodylife
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ironbodylife
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iron-body-collective/
• Twitter: https://x.com/ironbodylife
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IronBodyStudio
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ironbody-studios-madison-heights