North Pole gym celebrates fresh look with open house

By Amber McCain

Photo courtesy of Adriana Clark
The Fitness Studio in North Pole on November 9, 2025. 

Music, laughter and the beat of Zumba filled North Pole’s local gym, The Fitness Studio, as the local community gathered to celebrate the gym and its fresh new look.

Saturday’s open house gave the event goers a firsthand look at the recently renovated space, as well as time to meet the instructors, and even the chance to jump into a short Zumba session.

Gym owner Adriana Clark said the overall goal was to make The Fitness Studio feel like a family.

Photo by Amber McCain
Some of The Fitness Studio instructors pose for a picture during the open house event. Back row: Michelle Brown, Adrianna Clark (owner), Stephanie Grijalva, Kimberly Culley. Front row: Andrea Kasper and Bethany Himes.

“We want people to come here and feel comfortable to try new things and not be intimidated,” Clark said. “Some bigger gyms can feel overwhelming. Here, we want you to walk in and feel welcome.”

The Fitness Studio’s classes include Zumba, spin, yoga, step, and boot camp and more. Plus open gym hours for independent workouts. Clark said the variety makes it easier for people to maintain their fitness routines.

“If a class doesn’t fit your schedule, you can pop in for open gym,” she said. “We’re here to answer questions and guide you.”

Regulars said that the atmosphere is what truly sets the studio apart.

“It’s very welcoming,” said longtime member Christy Ferret. “It doesn’t feel like anyone’s watching you, you can just be yourself and have fun.”

Bethany Himes, a Zumba instructor, added that fun is the point.

“Zumba’s not about getting every move right,” she said. “The number one rule is there are no mistakes, only unexpected solos.”

Instructors like Michelle Brown and Andrea Kasper spoke on inclusivity and health. Brown, who teaches yoga and boot camp, said the classes help people of all ages to stay active.

“Everybody’s goals change as they age,” Brown said. “The best thing you can do for yourself is to keep moving.”

Photo by Amber McCain
Bethany Himes teaches a 20 minutes Zumba class at The Fitness Studio’s open house event.

“I love being able to share this fitness passion with the community.” Kasper says. Adding that having the freedom to create her own classes, playlists, and being able to express herself through fitness while sharing it with the community is her favorite part of teaching at The Fitness Studio.

As The Fitness Studio heads into its fourth year, Clark got emotional as she talked about how she’s grateful for her team, her instructors, her husband Dan for all his help with the remodel, and the continued support from the North Pole community.

“It’s more than just a gym,” she said. “It’s a family.”