Introducing Melanie Barnes from Discover Strength Gilbert
A Strength Training Revolution in Gilbert
Where did you grow up? How long have you lived in the area? Tell us about your family
I grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I went back and forth between going to college at the University of MN - Twin Cities, accepting my first "career" job in Milwaukee, WI and then moving back to the Twin Cities when I was recruited to a Fortune 50 company there. While in Minneapolis, MN, I met my now husband, Chris. We bought our first house together and welcomed our son, Noah. After spending many wonderful summers in MN, the winters were simply getting too harsh and didn't fit our outdoor, on-the-go lifestyle. Our Great Dane also, was not a fan of the extreme cold. We always loved spending time in Scottsdale so in mid-2023, we decided to make the move. We have been so happy with that decision ever since.
Tell us about the events that led up to where you are now.
I went to school at the University of MN - Twin Cities. I have a major in retail merchandising with a minor in business from the Carlson School of Management. I knew what I wanted to be going into college and coming out of college - I worked my way up within 2 years to becoming that, a buyer for a department store. I had 4 great years at a retailer based out of Milwaukee, WI. I was then given the opportunity to move back to Minneapolis to work in a similar role at a large retailer there. I happily accepted the challenge of a larger retailer and made the move. I eventually worked my way to sourcing. This sent me to factories in China and Vietnam and working with suppliers from all over the world. I loved it and learned so much about different cultures, economies, and overall global sourcing. My husband came into a unique opportunity where he had to take some time off between jobs and we both decided to take this time to travel the world. We had deposits down for many different experiences and countries... and COVID hit. We still traveled a little but this pause in plans had us both thinking about what was next. Should I go back to my former job? Should I get my real estate license? What would I do, if I could do anything? It was a bit of a daunting question. I tried my hand at a few different paths... I developed townhomes, I did get my real estate license, and networked... nothing quite felt like a long-term passion or fit. I had always prioritized going to the gym and weightlifting on my own throughout my career. I always felt guilty that I wasn't doing enough. I was introduced to Discover Strength in 2019. I was skeptical and didn't want to give up my personal trainer (months before my wedding). I actually ended up getting injured with that trainer and couldn't work out at all the 4 weeks leading up to my wedding. After that, I decided it was time to try Discover Strength - all in. I loved it and it definitely complimented my schedule. I worked so hard in those 30 minutes that any guilt I had for only going twice per week, quickly faded.
What is your business, how/why did you start your business?
Being a client of Discover Strength is what led me to start my own business as a franchisee of Discover Strength. The concept and the workouts were so good, that I felt it needed to grow. And right around that time, Discover Strength started franchising. It was serendipitous. I opened my first location in Gilbert, AZ in May 2024 and decided this was it. I love the workout, the work itself, meeting clients, and hearing their stories and I LOVE the science behind it all. The benefits of strength training touch all facets of life; ability to do day-to-day activities, glucose and weight management, balance, mental health, brain function, injury and surgery recovery, longevity, etc. I am honored to be able to bring these benefits to the Gilbert community and beyond.
What is unique about your business?
There are three things that are unique to Discover Strength. Efficiency, evidence-based workouts, and our Exercise Physiologists. Our workouts are 30 minutes long, twice per week. We offer small group sessions of 3 people or less which last 45 minutes. These workouts are all personalized to the client's individual goals. Our workouts are all evidence-based. We do one set on the machine, we do full body, and we encourage you to take time to recover - this is all based on literature and studies. Our exercise physiologists read new studies and articles each week to continue to stay up-to-speed and educated. And they LOVE sharing their knowledge. This leads to the third thing that makes Discover Strength unique, our Exercise Physiologists. All our Exercise Physiologists have at least a 4-year degree in Exercise Science or a closely related field. They also obtain their ACSM certification within their first year of working with us. A lot of focus is put on continued education and additional certifications for our E.P.'s so that they can continue to provide the most effective, efficient, and safe workout for our clients.
Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice can you offer to the residents?
The greatest advice that I would give anyone is to strength train. I like to say "If I had a pill that would allow you to live longer, live healthier, improve posture, reduce headaches, improve sleep, maintain bone density, help stabilize mood, balance hormones, boost recovery from surgery, and prevent injury in the first place and more and the only side effect is some mild muscle soreness, would you take it?" I feel like the obvious answer is "Yes!" I don't have that secret pill but we do have all of this same evidence and research around strength training. Find what works best for you, but strength train! You will naturally find yourself improving on the inside and the outside. I will also note that strength training is for EVERYONE. Adolescents, women who are pregnant, those with replacements (Hip, knee, etc.), and those who have never stepped foot in a gym before. We, at Discover Strength, love showing everyone what they are capable of. We also love surprising those who work out every day with a new way to train!
What else should we know about you, your family, or your business?
Outside of Discover Strength, I love to spend time with my husband and 2.5 yr old. We love to travel but since moving to AZ, we have been finding fewer reasons to leave! My husband, Chris, was an avid Discover Strength client before me and has been the best support system in my journey of opening locations of my own. I also love spending time advocating for and participating in events in the Down Syndrome community. My son was born with Down Syndrome and I couldn't be more grateful to be part of "The Lucky Few" community.
To contact Discover Strength Gilbert:
(602) 926-7647
Instagram & Facebook: @discoverstrength