The Springfield gym owner has become an internet sensation by posting exercise videos online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jamie Kinkeade, who runs the studio on West Republic Road, has several training videos with more than a million views on YouTube.
Kinkeade, who taught Zumba classes in elementary schools before The Studio opened, said her online success was unexpected.
Kinkeade explains that she started putting her high-energy workout videos online in early 2020 because classroom classes were always sold out and she wanted to give her clients another way to participate.
“A year and a half ago I had to put classes online because people were from different states or other areas in Missouri, but we were sold out,” Kinkeade said.
When COVID-19 hit later that year and had to close gyms across the country, people started looking for various virtual workout options – and ended up on Kinkeade’s videos.
“When COVID hit, we were on vacation in Mexico and my cell phone exploded with people telling me to watch YouTube,” Kinkeade said.
A 15-minute dance cardio workout video Kinkeade released in January 2020 went viral two months later when home stay orders were placed. The video eventually drew more than 8.5 million views.
More:A woman finds a 4.38-carat yellow diamond less than an hour after arriving at Crater of Diamonds State Park
Since then, Kinkeade has continued to post videos and build their audience. She now has at least two other videos with more than a million views and is successful with an online subscription model.
The studio, which again offers both personal and virtual options, offers a wide variety of dance classes and workouts. The stylish space in South Springfield has multiple rooms including a heated exercise room and shower area. The studio also has a fitness clothing store in the main area.
On October 22nd, The Studio is hosting an event called Pink Friday with the biggest member sales.
Kinkeade shares on their website that they have battled an eating disorder in their life and want to spread a positive message of empowerment.
“I just want it to be an escape for women to have fun and remind themselves that life is still good and I want them to make new friends,” Kinkeade said.
Please visit the studio’s website for more information. The store is located at 1440 W. Republic Road, Suite 132.
Ralph Green is a business reporter for the Springfield News Leader. Contact him at RAGreen@gannett.com, by phone: (417-536-4061), or on Twitter at RalphGreenNL
