With fitness studio, owner works to help people realize they're worth it

If you’re looking for somewhere new to get your fitness on in northwest Raleigh, you might check out local Raleigh mom Jenn Martin’s Studio BYO. Martin, a mom of three who works full-time at Duke Hospital, has been a group fitness instructor for 20 years. When her regular studio closed down in 2018, she wasn’t sure what to do.

“To teach anywhere else these days, you have to learn and teach their formats. This is my creative outlet - I can't possibly have rules about how to do it,” said Martin, a mom of three.

So she opened Studio BYO in January. Class offerings fall under three categories: flow, fitness and flourish. You can take yoga and hybrids, fitness-based bootcamp and barre classes, as well as meditation. There are also occasional informational clinics on things like CBD oil and clean make up. Martin also has started family classes and kids day camp with hopes to offer more as the studio grows.

Go Ask Mom: Your studio is called BYO. Where does that name come from?

Jenn Martin: Honestly, I could not settle on a good yoga+fitness name, and I wasn't really sure how the dust would settle. I had been teaching at a local park and I would always post "BYO mat, water, towel, dumbbells, bar, etc." I figured BYO had the ability to translate many different ways. I also wanted the studio to be a place where others can showcase their craft and mastery - Reiki, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Pelvic Health PT, and more. BYO allowed me to be a bit vague.

GAM: Why does fitness and self-care matter so much to you?

JM: Without it, I would literally go crazy. At one point, I felt like I was, so I took a step back. I realized I was pouring from an empty glass. The first thing we do for others is take care of them, and we need to do the same for ourselves. We should be our own best friend.

GAM: What is your favorite thing about doing what you do?

JM: Helping others realize that they are worth it. I love the energy that people bring to our classes. And watching them leave stronger, happier, more calm, more confident? That's my moment.

GAM: Do you have any tips for those who might not be able to afford weekly classes? Or those who want to start a fitness journey but don't know where to start?

JM: A lot of us have budgets. I know I do! I take my income and then split it up by need. Some things are non-negotiable, but if it’s a priority - it will happen.

Our classes are $15/class. We don't make you sign a contract either. We have class packages to sweeten the deal and save a few bucks - and it also makes sure you actually come to class as they expire 60 days from first use. We also are totally game for any bartering or trade. Want to earn a class? Volunteer for child-watch during another class.

GAM: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family...

JM: I am married with three kids. We will celebrate our 10th anniversary this fall! We have a small dog, Tyson, who is a CHUG (chihuaha + pug). We have a wonderful group of "framily" here in NC and simply love our neighborhood too. Tony and I are both from Cleveland, Ohio and moved here about 12 years ago on a whim with a new job. We are both so happy to call this place home and raise our family here.

Studio BYO is located at 12333 Strickland Rd, Suite 104, Raleigh. You can find a class schedule here.

Go Ask Mom features local moms every Monday.