The owner of Breathe Fitness in Minden is trying something new - free service.
"For the month of July, we're going to try donations only," said Jeanne Robinson. "If someone's having a tough week financially, they can come in and put a couple of bucks in the pot, or not. In this economy, I just want to get people in here exercising."
Robinson, who recently relocated from Southern California, said she used to frequent a yoga studio run exclusively on voluntary donations.
"There were lines around the block to get in," she said. "They actually made a lot of money."
Robinson opened Breathe Fitness in early spring and said business has dropped off with the start of summer.
"It's financially tough, and this will help people out," she said. "If I can get more people into the studio, it will raise the energy level. I'd rather have that than empty bikes."
The studio houses a dozen stationary bikes for spinning classes. It also offers mat pilates and yoga.
Robinson said she would like to receive enough donations to keep the place open and pay some of her teachers.
"We'll give it a try for the month of July, and if it works out, we can get some more bikes," she said. "People are religious about working out. It becomes addictive."
Breathe Fitness is located at 1560 Highway 395. Call 790-6377 for more information or visit www.breathefitness.info.
