Meet Barbara Chancey | Owner, Barbara Chancey Design Group. International Experts in Fitness Design and Studio Startups

Launching a startup businessin an industry that did not yet exist was challenging, and in 2008, few imagined that boutique fitness would become a global phenomenon and disrupt mainstream health clubs.

The vision was born out of necessity. Frustrated by the condition of the big-box-gym where I taught Spinning, I offered the owner a win/win deal: Let me remodel the cycling studio on my own dime, and if club membership did not increase by 30 percent in one year, I would not be reimbursed for my out-of-pocket expenses.

Armed with a nail gun, table saw and donated supplies, my construction crew worked after hours to create a mind-boggling transformation complete with stadium seating, LED illumination, a killer sound system, and social areas to create a community vibe. To complete the project, professional drama coaches were recruited to polish instructor skills, and grassroots marketing initiatives partnered with local charities for philanthropy events and outdoor fundraising rides. Within six months, every bike in every class was wait-listed and membership doubled.  And very quietly…word spread.

Fueled by success, I began knocking on doors to introduce the boutique concept. Most laughed at the notion and said the “fad” would never catch on. Rejected, I pivoted to hone my skills and donated services to the U.S. Army, universities, a 5-star Jamaican resort, and even a former U.S. President.

Fast forward, and today our team of Texas-based experts have launched over 200 successful fitness studios and  health clubs across the globe including luxurious destinations in Nigeria, Brunei, Bahrain, Qatar, Cayman Island, and throughout North America.

What is one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?

Outsiders often assume fitness is about improving the physical appearance, but “moving meditation” has helped birth a new generation of fitness businesses that focus on exercise to promote mental clarity, philanthropy, socialization, and accountability in addition to physical health.

Fitness architecture should create an inner sanctum – a space to shut off busy brains and unplug from the flow of external data, as well as the chatter of relentless minds. From soft flickering candlelight to dramatic, high-energy light shows, the experience is a landscape for the senses that continually transforms and evolves to meet the needs of a multigenerational audience.

Just as religious architecture differs to meet the needs of each house of worship, fitness architecture must also represent the brand’s unique beliefs while staying rooted in function and beauty. We work with clients in any location, size, or scale to first identify their fitness faith, which is the secret sauce for industry crushing growth.