Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Piracini.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kristin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I discovered weight training and working out when I was about 15 years old. I spent a lot of time at home, confined to my small bedroom, so I would work out as a release and to combat boredom and stress. I remember having my mom’s old step from her aerobics class and a set of small weights. I used to pump up the music on my clock radio and just go for it! A year later, I had a part time job and I was able to afford a gym membership. I quickly became hooked on group fitness classes. The music, the mirrors, the adrenaline…. it felt so right. I had found my place, my second home. I quickly soaked up everything I could learn in those classes and ventured out into the weight room. I remember being the only female for years that was lifting with the boys, and I loved it. The gym was my safe space, sweat was my medicine, and fitness was my passion.
Fast forward into my twenties and I had used that passion and knowledge to do things that I had always wanted to do. I worked as a hip hop dancer, fitness instructor, choreographer, and military fitness trainer. All the while, still staying involved in group fitness at various gyms and studios. By 28, I was really able to fully understand the mind/body/soul connection, and what real whole health means. As a busy single mom with a 5 year old, I remember taking the bus to NYC every month to attend school at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I graduated over one year later with a certification as a Holistic Health Coach. I knew that I wanted a career in health and fitness, but I still wasn’t sure which avenue was right for me. Eventually, I just kept health and fitness close to my heart as I worked in the restaurant business and taught dance classes.
Then, two years ago, something happened that changed my life. I was in my late 30’s, a married mom of 3, living in the suburbs, working in the restaurant business, and still dreaming that someday I would make health and fitness my full time career. I was out walking my dog, Buddha that night after dinner. We frequently walked by the local yoga studio downtown. I had always thought that it was a cool space and in a great location. I stopped dead in my tracks that evening when I realized that the yoga studio was empty and there was a For Rent sign on the door. I must have stood there for 15 minutes, just staring in the window. I knew that THIS was my chance. It was now or never. I ran home to tell my husband and he didn’t even hesitate to say, “Let’s do this”!
Two weeks later we were holding the keys to RISE and I was terrified. I decided to push my fears aside. I owed it to myself, my family, and my community. I opened the doors one day after my 39th birthday. I hired only one other instructor and I dove in and taught every single class on the schedule, but one. I only led classes that I had always wanted to take, but could only find in the big city. Classes that otherwise wouldn’t be available in this area. Classes that focused on moving your body to the beat of the music. Workouts that allowed you to release and let go. I kept the lights low, the music loud, and the movement fresh. I pulled from every influence, mentor, and instructor I had ever had that inspired me in my past. I did my best to make each and every client feel welcomed, confident, and appreciated. Slowly, RISE turned into a community. Now, we’re looking at celebrating our two year anniversary and I feel like the luckiest woman in the world. I get to do what I LOVE to do. I get to help others to achieve their goals and dreams, and I get to spend time with my family. I’m so grateful that I never gave up on my dream.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’d have to say that owning my own business has definitely been a learning experience every step of the way. Just learning what works, what doesn’t work, what could be done better next time. I’m not a super organized person, so it’s still a struggle just doing the behind the scenes work, such as answering emails, making sure my website stays current, posting photos and updates on social media, taking care of merchandise and advertising. I didn’t realize how much time and thought goes into running a small business. If I’m not in the studio, I’m constantly thinking about the studio and what I can do to keep constantly evolving and improving.
Just the financial aspect can be a struggle. My husband and I chose not to take out a small business loan, so we’ve had to save and pay for every purchase as we go. The equipment, the mirrors, paint, floors, speakers, mats, weights, certifications, logo, website, rent, employees, merchandise, etc. You’re never fully prepared for the actual amount of expenses that pop up along the way.
RISE Fitness Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am the proud owner of RISE Fitness Studio. It’s a boutique style fitness studio with music-driven group classes that focus on strength, endurance, and making that mind to muscle connection, all while moving your body to the beat.
Some of our classes include POUND, Barre, Buti Yoga, STRONG (by zumba), Shred, HIIT training, Dance, and Outdoor Boot camp.
We’re known for having classes that are unique and intense, but fun! The lights are low, the music is loud, but you’re able to smile while you sweat. We want each and every client to feel like they are a part of our tribe, to feel some sort of release in class, to leave the studio feeling like they just got their butt kicked, but can’t wait to come back tomorrow and do it all over again.
I’m very proud of our approachability. Our studio is for everybody. We introduce all new members by name and we quickly become family. We have women in our classes from ages 17-70. Each and every class is tailored to all fitness levels. Our instructors are always ready to offer modifications or ways to kick things up a notch to add that extra kick of intensity when needed. There is no competing, and no intimidation. We’re all here for one goal, and that is to feel better than when we walked in the door.
What sets us apart from other studios is our Holistic approach to fitness. As a Certified Holistic Health Coach, I try my best to teach our clients that health is equally internal as it is external. We offer a lot of nutritional and spiritual support at the studio. We run Chakra, Sound Healing, Movement, Nutritional, and Energy Healing Workshops. We also offer Kundalini Yoga on the schedule every Friday evening. We only run Fitness Challenges through the studio that are guided by healthy eating and a mindful approach to weight loss and changing our bodies. We really try to educate and empower our clients.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is doing what you love while helping to impact others’ lives in a positive way. It’s waking up and feeling good about the mark you’re leaving on the world. It’s about doing something that you’re proud of and that allows you to have the time, energy and finances to enjoy the things in life that truly matter in the end. It’s about taking your god given talent (whatever it may be) and using it to the best of your ability to create the life that you deserve.
Pricing:
- Intro Package for New Clients: 5 Classes for $25
- Monthly Unlimited Membership: $79
- 10 Class Package: $99
- Single Class Drop In: $12
Contact Info:
- Address: RISE Fitness Studio
9 School Street
Merrimac, MA 01860 - Website: www.rise-fitness-studio.com
- Phone: 978-518-1805
- Email: risewithkristin@gmail.com
- Instagram: kristinpiracini_risefitness
- Facebook: @risefitnessstudio
Image Credit:
Melissa Keyes Photography ( 2 photos of Rise Staff only)
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