Carmen Skildum, owner of Lynx Fit, is expanding her vision with the launch of Grand Marais Barbell, a new 24-hour gym facility set to open very soon. Designed to provide a welcoming space for fitness enthusiasts of all levels, the gym will offer cardio and weightlifting equipment and a supportive community atmosphere. Carmen will be at the gym next week (between approximately 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and is opening the space for curious community members to check it out and learn more; stop by and say hello!

Brittany North: What is the name of your gym, and where will it be located?

Carmen Skildum: Grand Marais Barbell, 192 Cedar Grove Lane in the Cedar Grove Business Park. 

BN: When is your anticipated opening date?

CS: An actual opening date has not yet been set. However, during the week of March 24th, I’ll be at the gym and open for people to come in, check out the space, and set up memberships. 

BN: What inspired you to expand from your home gym and open a gym facility? 

CS: I never thought this would be something that would be because it’s big and intimidating. The home gym wasn’t long-term, and I have outgrown the space. It’s a nice thing to do for the community, and it’s important to have some options in small towns. I love weightlifting, and I want others to be able to do this, too. I also love Grand Marais. I was raised here, and I’ve lived here almost my whole life.

BN: What types of equipment and workout spaces will you offer?

CS: There’s one open room (upper level ⅓ of space) for cardio equipment, treadmills, rowers, and ski erg. The main level is for weight lifting; there’s a wall of squat racks, free weights like dumbbells and kettlebells, and open space for Olympic lifting. We’re starting minimally with machines, but we're open to suggestions. We wanted to start with a clean slate to see what equipment people are interested in. 

BN: Will you have personal training services or fitness classes?

CS: There will be a whiteboard that will have optional workouts written on it each day. We’ll also continue to have group classes in the new gym, but they won’t be included in memberships, and you don’t need to be a member to come to class. 

We’re open to having trainers use the space with their clients as long as they are members themselves. 

The gym will also be an 18+ facility since it is accessible 24 hours a day, so the community will be able to work out when works best for their schedule. 

BN: How do you see your gym benefiting the local community?

CS: I’ve been teaching classes for 6-7 years, and people are so grateful for the service, and people learn that they love working out. I’m hoping to get more people active who are maybe limited by what's currently offered. I also want to create a strong community through events and classes.

BN: What would you say to those who are interested in the gym but are nervous about starting? 

CS: Go with someone and see what happens. You’ll probably have more fun than you think. The scariest part is getting started, but then you’ll be hooked. 

BN: How can people follow along with updates about the gym or sign up for a membership? 

CS: I’ll be at the gym over spring break, and the community is welcome to stop by and check it out. Our website is www.grandmaraisbarbell.com; it shares everything the gym has to offer, as well as the rates for members and nonmembers. We’re also on Facebook and Instagram at Grand Marais Barbell.