Melanie Martinson, owner/trainer of 30 Minute Hit in Bend, has one main goal these days – to empower women by giving them the tools they need to be fit and stay safe.
“We’re more of a boutique martial arts studio than a fitness studio,” she says. “We want to provide a very safe, friendly environment for women of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels to be able to come and learn valuable skills.”
Fitness, says Martinson, has literally saved her life over the years. “I was exposed to a lot of negative things in my career and being active and able to release endorphins and gain energy built my confidence.”
She was in the U.S. Air Force for about six years, working for the Office of Special Investigations. “I worked in a very male-dominated career field – I was the only female in my detachment when I first started – and I had to learn how to navigate my way through that. I then went into criminal investigations for the NASA Office of the Inspector General for another eight or nine years and afterwards did anti-trafficking work for a number of years.”
Martinson has seen first-hand why it’s important for women to have tools to protect themselves. In addition to her experiences during her career, about 10 years ago she was attacked in her home. Luckily, she was able to protect herself, and wants to ensure other women can do so as well.
“I think we have a unique demographic here in Central Oregon because a lot of people are already active and love being active,” notes Martinson. “At 30 Minute Hit, they’ll not only get a great workout, but be able to learn some very useful skills.”
During the 30-minute full-body workouts, a certified instructor works with a group, as well as giving one-on-one tips and encouragement. “With my instructors, I look for people that one, love being active, and two, love working with people,” Martinson states. “Every single one of them wants to be here because they want to help women, they want to see them grow and provide skills to help them on their fitness journey.”
The other thing she looks for is somebody who has a lot of energy – she wants that energy to be contagious. Martinson is an instructor as well. “I like to engage with everybody,” she says. “I love being here.”
Classes are held in what’s called an open circuit. “We don't have any set class times, so members don't have to worry about booking a class or paying a cancellation fee if they can't make it,” notes Martinson. “Instead, we have blocks of time that we're open, and our members can come in during those times. It's really convenient since we have morning and evening classes too.”
For moms, there’s also a children’s play area in the corner of the room so there’s no need to look for a babysitter.
For Martinson, opening 30 Minute Hit last August has been extremely rewarding. “I love empowering the women of this community. I want them to build strength and confidence so they feel like they can live their best lives. They can let go of any fear that they have and embrace their inner power and inner strength. That means a lot to me.”
30MinuteHit.com
