Peach Lab, a boutique fitness studio with a focus on lower body workouts, has opened its second location at 1220 S. University Ave. Dunia and Eric Giaier founded the studio three years ago in Birmingham and branch owners Katie and Mackenzie MacEachern brought the studio to Ann Arbor. Katie is a long-time client of the original location and has been going to the studio for two years.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Katie MacEachern said Peach Lab’s emphasis on both staying in shape and building community inspired her to open her own branch.
“I found a passion for strength training and feeling stronger, and I think it’s very important for women as well to focus on exercises that help your body in the long run,” Katie MacEachern said. “It’s very empowering to be around all these other women who are so strong and appreciate each other. And I just thought, ‘What a great place to bring to a college campus full of young women.’”
Although classes are focused on lower body strength training, the workouts in the classes change every one to two days to provide clients with variety. Mackenzie MacEachern said in an interview with The Daily that he is excited to provide the University of Michigan community a place to exercise and socialize.
“College is a stressful time for a lot of people,” Mackenzie MacEachern said. “So I think it’s great that we can provide a community for people during the stressful times of college, to make new friendships and have new opportunities to meet people.”
LSA junior Allison Furman said in an interview with The Daily that she decided to start co-coaching at Peach Lab Ann Arbor after taking classes at the Birmingham location.
“I love working out and tried a class out and thought it was a really good glute-focused workout,” Furman said. “And you don’t have to worry about going to the gym — you’re in your own place and you have trainers working with you and constantly walking around and that’s really amazing.”
Furman said she thinks the inclusive and supportive environment at Peach Lab makes it a fun, low-stakes workout experience.
“Everyone is always cheering you on,” Furman said. “It’s a welcoming environment and we have a ton of different ways to do the workouts so there’s nothing to be nervous about.”
Katie MacEachern said that the studio aims to be a safe space for anyone to participate regardless of their skill set.
“We have amazing trainers who know what they’re doing,” Katie MacEachern said. “So if you’ve never picked up a weight before, they’re here to help you and show you and make sure you’re doing it the right way and not hurting yourself.”
Katie MacEachern encouraged those who are interested in joining the gym to take the first step even if they may be nervous.
“You’re stronger than you think,” Katie Maceachern said. “This is a completely safe environment to start from wherever you are in your journey. There’s no comparing to those around you — it’s just about coming in and starting your fitness journey. You have to start somewhere and we’re here to provide a safe and fun environment to do that.”
Daily Staff Reporter Abby Harris can be reached at abigailx@umich.edu.