Barbelle (Real Fitness for Women)
Swansea, Massachusetts
www.barbellefitness.com

Barbelle (Real Fitness for Women) is a full-service women’s fitness center located at 1707 GAR Highway (Route 6) in Swansea, providing members with many ways to attain their health and fitness goals. These offerings include: a full Nautilus circuit, free weights, cardio equipment, 19 group fitness classes per week, personal training sessions, child care and a sunny café.

Nearly six months ago, Kerry McElroy, owner of Barbelle, was knee-deep in sawdust and construction crews. During this time, McElroy discovered that customizing a building that had once been a florist into a two-level fitness center was not only a lesson in construction, but it was an exercise in keeping her sanity. “At times, the thought of actually getting the doors open was pretty daunting,” says McElroy.

Now, just five months into operations, she and her staff are enrolling members at more than triple the pace she had anticipated. Barbelle is fast becoming a premier fitness center in Southeastern Massachusetts, with nearly 400 members strong and climbing every day.

“Having been in the fitness industry for 20 years as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, I knew that women were looking for a fitness experience that really catered to their specific needs,” explains McElroy. “There was a gaping hole in the marketplace between the 30-minute circuit places that women seem to grow out of quickly and the big box, co-ed gyms. Based on the overwhelming response so far, I believe that we’ve been able to fill that gap.”

McElroy, had been a teacher at Dighton-Rehoboth High School for 11 years. She was also a personal trainer and had harbored the notion of running her own business for several years. “I loved teaching, but I felt that I’d done everything there was to do in that field and that it was time for a change,” explains McElroy. “This business has given me the chance to blend my health and fitness background with my passion for teaching so it’s a great combination.”

While the idea had been in her mind for some time, the catalyst to take action and strike out on her own came in an unexpected way. “In early 2004 my mother became ill with cancer and, tragically, passed away later that same year. Her death really woke me up to the idea that life can be so incredibly fragile and that if this was something I wanted to do, I should go ahead and do it now.” McElroy dedicated Barbelle to her mother, Sharon Solomon Cabral, at the November ’05 grand opening.

Working with Melinda Ailes at the SBDC office in Fall River to organize her business plan, it was finalized and ready to be used to obtain financing. “Melinda was incredibly helpful. We wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her personal involvement and expertise. She really paved the way and got me ready for what was involved in pitching this business to a financial institution. I credit her with smoothing the way for my loan approval through a local credit union…and on my first shot!”

Barbelle caters to women of all ages and fitness levels from absolute beginners to advanced athletes. “We’ve created a safe and welcoming community of women where they can focus on their health and well-being. The feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive,” adds McElroy. “I couldn’t be happier with the response.”