A notable milestone was reached last month when S.P.E.A.K.S. Health Club — the first African American and female-owned health club in Champaign-Urbana — celebrated its grand opening.
Owned and operated by Jacquelyn Monroe, MS, the club is located at 2108 W. Park Court in Champaign. S.P.E.A.K.S. offers a variety of services including personal training, group fitness experiences, cardiovascular and strength training, mind-body resolution and nutrition education. The club is designed to provide a holistic approach to fitness and incorporates an indoor/outdoor model to keep exercise fresh and engaging.
Some of the club’s amenities include a sauna, cold plunge (tonic and therapy), massage chair, percussion treatment and air compression (relax and recovery). S.P.E.A.K.S. also offers private event space for baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties and fitness-focused socials.
Chambanamoms engaged Monroe for a brief Q-and-A on her journey and new business.
Q: You’ve been in business as a fitness entrepreneur for a long time. How did this lead up to you opening the studio?
The opening of S.P.E.A.K.S. Health Club came from an unfortunate situation in my career which led me to working out of my vehicle for 18 months. As lives continued to be transformed “on the road” I knew a facility was needed. The ideas, formats, and interest continued to expand as I managed to network with different businesses in Champaign. With such growth, I felt like I owed people a facility with mirrors, a floor, and a roof. A home! But, not an ordinary “fitness facility.” I knew it had to be different.
Q: What makes S.P.E.A.K.S. Health Club unique?
I don’t have memberships. The commitment is developed by building wellness-based communities. There are four opportunities: Clubs Only, Group Fitness Only, Treatment, and Prescription. We also have today’s hottest amenity trends such as leg air compression therapy, a sauna with low-mid-and far infrared options, and a cold plunge, all of which are scientifically known as true recovery methods. We also have community bike rides known as #Glide. Yes, bikes are provided (how cool is that ;)? In addition, we also offer a stationary ride class, in-house. This experience is vibrant resulting in exercise feeling more like a fun mature party rather than a physical chore. Last, holding my master’s in nutrition and dietetics … nutrition education allows me to provide the why and how nutritionally, making this a one-stop oasis.
Q: What does it mean to you to launch Champaign-Urbana’s first African American female-owned health club?
Hmmm. I tried to grow my career commercially, but for some reason it never worked for me. Imagine having a master’s degree with 12-13-14+ years of experience and still being told you don’t have enough experience to be in a leadership role. Imagine being African American and being asked to do things that compromised your morals, ethics, and integrity. Imagine your entire world flipped upside down and being left with nothing, no words, not even an opportunity to speak. Launching Champaign-Urbana’s first African American female-owned health club means the world to me. It also means change is upon the city. Someone in this town believed in me which I believe is a pivotal point in our community as we often hear about the unfortunate happenings in our town. This was my year to launch!
Q: How does it feel to reach this moment in your career?
Reaching this moment in my career feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s invigorating! I now have the opportunity to represent as an African American in science, health, and wellness which you don’t see every day. Entering this phase, possibly the best part of my career, is exciting. I’m now exposed to new challenges and opportunities which will continue to help me develop both professionally and personally.
Q: If I asked your clients to describe you, what would they say?
My clients would say personal, fun, flexible, knowledgeable and realistic. They would also include that I am creative with the formatting of fitness. Every experience feels like a piece of art; from naming the experiences to the scientific element of each piece feels like you are drawing a photo of yourself mentally and physically.
Q: What role does your family play in your work?
My family is supportive and proud. However, the infrastructure and brand awareness were launched by the S.P.E.A.K.S. followers. Therefore, the communities are the “family.” Without the people in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding neighborhoods representing, I would have never reached this point today.
Q: How can people get involved with your services?
Email: ptwithjacquelyn@gmail.com; phone (217) 819-0069; address: 2108 W. Park Court, Champaign; website: https://
speaksbyjacquelyn.com/