L.A. Gymnastics & Fitness: A New Chapter for Kalkaska’s Youth and Community
Lindsay Arsnoe, the owner of L.A. Gymnastics & Fitness, has had a busy six months to say the least. With the help of a $50,000 loan from Venture North, she was able to relocate her beloved gymnastics studio to a new, permanent home, bringing her services to even more kids in the Kalkaska community.
A Business Built on Passion and Perseverance
Founded in 2016, L.A. Gymnastics & Fitness quickly became a key part of the Kalkaska community. Initially starting in a small space at Fitch’s School of Dance, Lindsay offered gymnastics classes and camps for children aged 1-18. Despite some early challenges, including the unpredictability of seasonality and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lindsay’s dedication to providing quality gymnastics education kept her moving forward.
Undoubtedly, the pandemic hit L.A. Gymnastics especially hard, forcing Lindsay to close her doors for well over a year. While she made a triumphant return in 2021 and experienced a strong 2022, a change in her lease situation led to another abrupt closure in 2023, leaving Lindsay without a permanent location for her classes. Despite this, she continued teaching in temporary spaces, keeping the spirit of L.A. Gymnastics & Fitness alive, while she searched for a new home for the business.
Lindsay Arsnoe, owner of L.A. Gymnastics & Fitness in Kalkaska.
A New Home and a Fresh Start
After months of searching for a new location, Lindsay eventually found a nearly 4,000 sq. ft. building – previously a bar – on County Road 571. This new space seemed promising in allowing her to expand her offerings and reach more kids. However, minor leasehold updates to the building quickly turned into a much larger task when the repairs required more extensive fixes and improvements. This led to the opportunity for Lindsay and her husband to purchase the building and invest the time and resources into the space as needed. Soon the new space met the needs of her growing business and she was on her way in her new “home”.
Lindsay’s next priority? To purchase new equipment and get the studio set up and ready for her students. She’s not shy to share that there are more than enough projects to work on for years to come, she’s been fortunate to add some extras like a fitness room for parents, new locker rooms, and most importantly, new classes.
A Mission Fit for Venture North
Venture North’s support of L.A. Gymnastics & Fitness aligns well with its mission to support local businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly those that meet important community needs. Lindsay’s business fills a gap in Kalkaska, providing children with healthy, active, after-school and summer programming that is sorely lacking in the area. Lindsay opened her doors for business just this past June first launching 10 summer camp sessions, all well attended with 8-10 students each. She’s recently launched a brand new competition team with six girls ranging in ages from 9-12. Her fall sessions were booked well before they began with roughly 60 students ready to roll. And tumble. And flip. And, as a 100% woman-owned business, Lindsay’s story is an inspirational one of resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to her community and her talent.
Despite facing significant challenges – like navigating a pandemic, losing her lease, and balancing the demands of three little ones at home – Lindsay has never wavered in her desire to run her own business and make a positive impact on the lives of children. For Venture North, this loan represents more than just a financial transaction; it’s an opportunity to support a business that is truly making a difference.
Looking Ahead
With the support of Venture North, L.A. Gymnastics & Fitness is making a strong comeback. The new facility is allowing Lindsay to offer a wider range of gymnastics classes and skill-building programs, providing children in the Kalkaska area with valuable opportunities to develop their physical abilities, confidence, and teamwork. More importantly, it will provide a safe and positive space for kids to thrive, while giving parents a trusted resource for extracurricular activities.
This loan also marks an important milestone for Venture North, as it is the first loan to Kalkaska County since 2019. As Lindsay opens this new chapter for her business, she’s not just building a gym; she’s building a stronger, more vibrant community for families in Kalkaska.
For more information on the great classes and services offered at L.A. Gymnastics, give them a follow on Facebook or Instagram or visit their website at lagymnasticsandfitness.com.
