MANISTIQUE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A new business in Maninstique is bringing energizing wellness to the area.
Born and raised in Manistique, Jessie Bertapelle has always had a love for exercise.
“I’ve been working out for 20-plus years,” Bertapelle said. “Probably about six or seven years ago, I decided to get into personal training.”
Bertapelle achieved certification through the American Council on Exercise. While instructing at a rec center in Colorado, she found a new passion—bringing people together through group fitness.
“It just excited me, energized me,” she said. “I’ve always kind of been looking for a space.”
Upon moving back to Manistique, Bertapelle finally had the chance to open her own studio—Fit Gypsy—downtown. She uses her expertise to offer a unique lineup of classes for all ages.
Bertapelle’s favorite classes to lead are Warrior Rhythm sessions.
“That is a little bit of mindfulness, a little bit of high-intensity interval training, a little bit of weight lifting, but it’s primarily what we call a ‘rebel yoga flow,'” she explained. “It’s not the traditional yoga. This morning we flowed to Metallica. Very energizing, it’s going to get your day off to a great start. “
Bertapelle says her goal is to provide a more inclusive and accessible fitness experience compared to what beginners might find elsewhere.
“I’ve gone to different places where you walk in, you sneak in in the back and it is kind of fearful to go to your first fitness class,” she said. “I want it to feel like when you walk in the door, a home away from home. I want to greet everyone at the door. I just want everyone just to feel very welcome.”
She believes her group classes accomplish that mission as she puts her own fun and creative spin on wellness.
“It’s not just about working out,” said Bertapelle. “I’m trying to make something for everyone. I’m just somebody who wants everyone to find the joy in movement and just being together and having fun.”
Fit Gypsy is located at 108 South Cedar Street. To learn more about Fit Gypsy or to register for a class, visit fitgypsy.fit or call (906) 286-4450. Fit Gypsy is also available on the StudioBookings app.
