Small Business Spotlight: Studio ME Fitness

Article by Becky Fillinger

Megan CooperAnother ribbon cutting – this time for a grand reopening in a new location! Studio ME Fitness officially opens their new location at Nordhaus, 305 1st Avenue NE, 11:30 AM on October 6th. We spoke to owner, Megan Cooper, about the concept of the business and the different ways to become healthier under her studio’s care.

Q:  Please tell us about the concept for Studio ME Fitness.  

A:  At Studio ME Fitness we know that everyone's journey is unique and your training should be too. Whether you are in our small group or private 1-on-1 training programs, you will receive the structure, accountability, personalized attention and custom training program you need to finally get results and live your best life. You'll never get lost in the crowd or wonder what to do. You will have a dedicated coach with you every step of the way. We opened in 2014, and are celebrating relocating and 7 years in business on October 6th.

Q:  You had many career years as a nonprofit executive. What was the catalyst to leave that to open your fitness business?

A:  I was active my entire life - a tri-sport athlete in high school and played D2 collegiate tennis. Once college was over, I really missed the team aspect and structure that came with it. As I started my career in the health field, something was missing. I started moving up the corporate ladder and stress started to get the best of me, so I found a small studio that re-ignited my passion for exercise and moving my body. Fitness then became my outlet when my older sister was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer, at 26 years old. In order for me to be able to show up for my family the way they needed me, I needed to take care of myself. That's when I realized the power of fitness and having a fitness family. That one hour I could spend not thinking about my sister and the possible outcome, was an hour that let me relax, relieve stress, and be me. I soon started teaching group fitness classes and starting filling my resume with every certification I could. I started to see a huge gap in the fitness scene in Minneapolis and that's when Studio ME was born. We opened our doors in the Historic St Anthony Main building in October 2014. 

It really started as a hobby with a dream to make it a full-time job. I was still working at Be The Match at the time. Balancing both running a business and being in a strategic position at the nonprofit was challenging. After two years of doing both and burning the candle at both ends, I finally decided it was time to take the leap and go all in on what I knew Studio ME could become.

COVID-19 has forced us to think outside the box and pivot our business model, which led us to relocate to the NordHaus retail space - a move that happened probably 2-3 years prior to our plans. We knew we had to change and it forced us to look hard at how we best serve our clients. Staying in our old space was no longer who we were or where we wanted to go.

Q:  Will you offer opening promotions?

A:  Yes! We have three promotions: 

The ELITE 10 program

- Pay in full for 6 months and get 1 month of training free. 

- Pay in full for 12 months and get two free months of training. 

- BOGO 1/2 of our ME12 Transformation program: 12 weeks of 5 days/week of training + plus a two-phased nutrition program.

Q:  What do you want Mill City Times readers to know about your small business?

A:  We aren't just another gym or place to work out. We are a community. That's what our space and membership is all about. We want to help people live their best lives. It's not about a number on the scale or how much you can lift. It's about getting stronger, getting out of pain, loving yourself, and living your best life. We sit down with you, learn your goals, and make a plan to achieve them - together! We offer programs:

1. Private Training - For those just getting back into fitness, maybe have some injuries or restrictions, have a specific goal in mind, or just like the 1-on-1 attention.

2. Semi-Private - For those who like to work out in a group but have specific goals or needs.

3. Small Group Training - For those that need the energy from a group and are looking for more structured group workouts. This person likely doesn’t have any restrictions or limitations and is looking to get back into fitness safely.

4. ME12 - 12-week transformation program that is guaranteed to transform your body and get you results. 

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  We hope to see you at the ribbon cutting! Then, please do follow us at studiomefitness.com, Facebook, Instagram or our Blog.