In the heart of downtown Michigan City, on Franklin Street, sits a boutique fitness studio that is changing how locals and visitors experience wellness. Up4Movement, owned by Michigan City resident Katrina Jackson, is celebrating its fourth anniversary this year and offers a unique blend of personal training, cycle classes, yoga, and more in a boutique atmosphere with an approachable ethos. We sat down with founder Katrina to learn more about her journey from corporate finance in Copenhagen to entrepreneurship in Michigan City.
Tell us about your journey to Michigan City. How did someone from Copenhagen end up opening a gym here in Michigan City?
“I was born and raised in Denmark with a Danish mother and American father from Champaign, Illinois. Every summer, we’d travel from Copenhagen to Chicago, so I’ve always felt connected to the United States. After earning my bachelor’s in international business and master’s in HR, I worked in pharmaceuticals and finance in Copenhagen for six years.
At 29, I made the surprising decision to quit my corporate job and spend a year backpacking. During that time, I reconnected with my American roots. This journey led me to Chicago, where I worked in corporate America for a year before meeting someone from the Michigan City area.”
How did Up4Movement come to be?
“Health and fitness have always been my passion. After moving to Michigan City, I began my certifications and briefly worked at a local gym to gain experience. I then decided to start my own business. I began in a small classroom downtown with just some exercise bands, free weights, and a handful of committed clients. Every year since then, we’ve grown – from hiring our first trainer to expanding our space and adding group fitness options.”
Your space is beautiful and has a boutique feel. What inspired the design?
“Thank you! It comes from years of experiencing different gyms during my travels. I’ve always appreciated thoughtful workout settings – it’s your “me time” after a workday. The ambiance matters, especially for cycle classes, where you’re on a stationary bike for 45 minutes. We focus on lighting, music, and creating different experiences. I can’t take all the credit, though – my trainers, especially Spencer, have been instrumental in bringing creative ideas to life.
So tell us, why did you choose to open your business here in Michigan City?
“While life circumstances initially brought me here, I fell in love with the area. It’s unique being by the lake – peaceful yet close to Chicago. The community has been incredibly welcoming, and our growth has been mainly through word of mouth. The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce and other small business owners have tremendously supported us.”
(Editor’s Note: Up4Movement was nominated for small business of the year in 2024 in Michigan City last year by the community through the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce)
What do you wish people knew about Up For Movement?
“I want people to know we’re here! Sometimes we’re branded as just a high-end personal training facility, but we’re working to be more inclusive with our group offerings. We provide a one-stop fitness solution – cardio, strength, and yoga/mobility training – with unlimited group training for $99 every four weeks, with no additional fees. While we maintain our competitive advantage of being a clean, comfortable, private space, we aim to make fitness accessible to more people.”
We want to thank Katrina and her team at UP4Movement for providing such a fun and uplifting fitness experience here in Michigan City. Up For Movement is located at 621 Franklin Street behind New Age Records in Michigan City. With its unique blend of boutique fitness experiences and community focus, it is easy to see why this gem of a business is so beloved.
To learn more about Up4Movement you can visit their website here.
