Workout studio expands downtown Ann Arbor space for additional hot workout room

Though Barre Bee Fit’s first studio has a 100-percent recycled-tennis-shoe mat flooring, the second room will require clients to bring in a mat for floor work. Classes in the hot barre room will be Barre Burn, and Baryasa, both held in a 95-degree room similar to what has become popular in yoga studios.

Barre Bee Fit is owned by Madias, age 34, who grew up in Ann Arbor. She worked in a corporate atmosphere for 10 years at local companies, including Pfizer, before leaving that environment for something she always enjoyed doing, working out. Madias says she received Barre Instructor’s training in Chicago to become a licensed “Bee,” and own her own Barre Bee Fit Studio.

She opened the studio in Ann Arbor last summer, and is pleased that it is already seeing growth. Though her business was one of the first in the complex, the McKinley owned property at Liberty Square is now full, and composed of mainly tech companies like Menlo Software, and TechArb. Though roughly half of the clientele, or “bees,” are university students, Madias says that many of Barre Bee Fit’s “bees” are women who work in the area, and can walk over to get some stress-relieving exercise after work.

Barre Bee Fit employs 7 instructors, and Madias herself also teaches 12-15 classes per week. She plans to hire additional staff, including administrational help, after the expansion.

Barre Bee Fit Ann Arbor will celebrate the grand opening of its new studio room today (Saturday) from 3-7 p.m. Madias and staff will be offering tours, snacks and beverages, and door prizes, and the event is open to the public.