Today we’d like to introduce you to Leighann Word.
Hi Leighann, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started attending a dance fitness class in Knoxville back in 2014 and quickly became addicted. I decided to bring something similar to Blount County since we really didn’t have anything like that. I became certified under a dance fitness format in 2016 and got settled into a location in Alcoa. It started small and I almost gave up from having several classes where nobody would show up for almost a year.
Thanks to word of mouth and very good friends on social media believing in me, attendance quickly started to rise and we’ve continued to grow since then! After realizing we were running out of room at the space we were in, I decided it was time to look for my own studio. I was able to open my first studio space in April of 2018. That same year, I decided to become a personal trainer and received my certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
I found another dance fitness format (Turn Up Dance Fitness) that represented everything I wanted to be a part of. I, along with my other instructors, switched our certifications and have been with Turn Up since then! We’ve won best fitness facility and best dance studio by The Daily Times Readers Choice Awards for 3 years. We’ve added in more classes other than dance fitness; Step Aerobics, circuit training, Bootcamp, and I’ve created an at-home workout program as well.
We recently moved to a bigger location in Alcoa at the beginning of 2022. I am so thankful for our growth and even more grateful to know what Turn Up has been able to do for our community!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been smooth! We were booking full capacity classes before COVID came into the mix. We had to close the studio for 3 months when COVID first hit. It was very hard on everyone. Ever since then, we’ve been fighting to stay ahead of COVID and keep business going.
We’ve been impressed with Turn Up Fitness Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Turn Up is more than just a dance fitness format; it’s a movement. A movement to evolve unapologetically, live loudly, dance ruthlessly, and own our greatness together, while we take our fitness to the next level as we turn all the way up!
We specialize in dance fitness mostly and offer a fully judgment-free atmosphere. A place that could be used as a therapy session. A place you can feel comfortable surrounded by all types of women. No one of any age, size, or experience is made to feel less than the queen they are! And we STAND BY THAT!!!
I think what separates us from other dance fitness facilities is that we are more than just a dance facility. We care so much about our girls (they’re never “clients”). We take the time to learn EVERYONE’s name and take the time to socialize before and after classes and outside of the studio. Our girls know they can message me or any of the instructors for anything and they will always get a quick response. I think that’s a huge deal personally. I have been in situations at other local gyms where I needed guidance and it was nearly impossible to get anyone to respond to me or feel like I really mattered as much as they said I did.
I believe in showing up and being there 100% of the time. We also teach facing the class instead of facing our mirrors. We want to be a part of the experience with our girls. Who wants to stare at someone’s back for an hour and have no connection??? We love to hype everyone up by being in the moment and not staring at ourselves in the mirror. I taught that way for years not realizing how much it disconnects you from your class. I cannot imagine ever teaching that way again!
I believe that is what has helped us earn the title of the best dance studio and best fitness facility by The Daily Times Readers Choice Awards since 2019. Our classes are only $5 and your first time is free! No membership is required. We offer on-demand services as well for anyone working out at home.
For $30 a month (or $5 single class), you get access to hundreds of our live classes uploaded online for your at-home convenience! Anyone from anywhere can sign up for online services and there’s no contract – cancel anytime! Full schedule and to book classes are online here: turnupfitness.punchpass.com.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The amount of support our girls give during our toughest times. They were the only reason our studio stayed open due to them supporting at-home services during the Covid shutdown. Since then, they all continue to attend classes in person or online. I am eternally grateful for them and thank you could never be enough to say to them.
Pricing:
- Turn Up Dance $5 per class
- Step Up Aerobics $5 per class
- Build A Body $5 per class
- Bootcamp $125-$260 every 6 weeks
- On-Demand Online $30 a month
Contact Info:
- Email: leighannmarieword@gmail.com or kelseybbell5@gmail.com
- Website: turnupfitness.punchpass.com
- Instagram: @turnupfitnessstudio
- Facebook: turnupfitnessstudio
- Youtube: turnupfitness
