BRATTLEBORO — Throughout her life, Melissa Boyd has relied on exercise to find strength, clarity, and community and with the opening of Studio Soul & Motion at the Vermont Marketplace, she hopes to share her passion by creating a space where movement inspires connection and where every class is designed to nurture both body and soul.
“I’ve always really enjoyed this type of community,” she said, while sitting in her expansive, newly outfitted exercise space at 580 Canal St. “It’s very motivating and supportive.”
Four years ago, Boyd opened Mountain Styles Salon in the building. She has more than 20 years as a stylist and specializes in dimensional color, blonding, grey coverage, precision cutting, as well as hair extensions and hair loss solution such as mesh integration.
Boyd said she wanted to share more of her vision with the community and when a space came open in the building, she decided to open a boutique fitness salon for all abilities led by an array of patient, non-judgmental coaches.
“Every class is designed to inspire strength, balance, and joy, while building a community that lifts each other up,” said Boyd.
The diverse offerings include line dancing, cardio kickboxing, Pilates, yoga, gentle movement, and other options starting early in the morning and running through the day.
She said with eight instructors and more than 15 classes a week right now, “We are able to offer something for everybody.”
To learn more, visit Studiosoulamotion.com.
“It’s more than about exercise,” said Boyd. “It’s really about building a healthy culture to inspire consistency, celebrate progress, and help people push past their limits with others cheering them on. When you’re working out next to somebody, you’re more motivated and you feel more apt to show up to class.”
She hopes visitors will find the space safe and comfortable, wherever their health journey is taking them.
“I just want everybody to feel welcome here.”