BlueCarrot is expanding its Tri-Cities footprint, combining fitness and active wellness

Anyone who’s always wanted to try a leggy workout will soon have more options when the Tri-Cities’ only licensed leggy miniformer studio, Blue Cart, opens two new locations in Central Kennewick and West Pasco.

BlueCarrot, founded two years ago by Eddie Jimenez, a certified nutritionist and Pilates instructor, has gained popularity with Tri-Citians who promote all aspects of their health in a holistic wellness-minded community.

Although the studios will also offer cardio, functional strength training and hot mat pilates classes, Blue Carrot’s signature leggy classes are offered, causing wait lists to pile up.

Leggy Fitness is the manufacturer of the Miniformer machine, a new generation of exercise equipment aimed at taking exercise to the next level.

Participants practice classic Pilates movements on a non-stationary platform with adjustable balance. Instability forces users to contract muscles in all areas of their body to maintain balance and complete exercises.

“The Leggy Method is based on Pilates principles but with an added strength component. … It’s high intensity with low impact and low impact with regular Pilates,” Jimenez said.

He added that the exercise is 40 minutes long and is conducted in small classes of 10 to 12 people.

“It’s a difficult exercise, but it’s for everyone, all you have to do is show up. We have members from 16 to 78 years old.” Jimenez said, adding that the workout is applicable to those just starting their fitness journey and seasoned athletes alike.

first place

He introduced the first six Miniformers to a 500-square-foot gym at his original Kennewick location, The WELL. by Bluecarrot at 4827 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 130, now a dedicated smoothie bar and lounge space.

“It was so busy and fulfilling. People noticed the difference. They could feel the difference right away, which is like working out at the gym but without all the equipment,” Jimenez said.

He noted that 99% of Bluecarrot’s members and instructors are women, although he stressed that the sport is just as effective as men.

Demand for the class soon outgrew the original location and Jimenez saw an opportunity to expand around the corner on Addison Street in a new blue-roofed retail strip across the street from Kamiakin High School.

When the lengthy permitting process stalled construction of the 4,800-square-foot, two-story studio at 825 N. Addison St., Jimenez wasted no time waiting.

He purchased six more Leggy Miniformers and moved into an existing suite previously occupied by Pedigo Electric Bicycles at 1084 George Washington Way in Richland, as a temporary location to support the rollout of other classes.

“I was the only teacher at the time,” Jimenez said, while his partner, Bruce Jolliffe, ran the smoothie bar and handled the finances and accounting.

The Kennewick studio is expected to open in March.

Social Welfare Club

Bluecarrot’s Richland location opened soon after and went on to offer 50 classes a week, which quickly filled up, with many waiting lists.

“Finally, I was able to hire a staff of five of my own who were certified (to instruct),” Jimenez said.

Bluecarrot is currently home to 400 members and over 700 repeat customers and has grown to support 18 employees.

In previous business ventures, Jimenez said, “I’ve paid marketing agencies to get leads, but here it’s 100% organic. We build relationships, they see results, then they tell other people.”

After nearly a year of waiting, BlueCarrot’s new social wellness club opens at the end of this month.

Jimenez wants to emphasize that it’s more than just a fitness studio.

“People get healthy through movement, nutrition and community. Our focus is on combining the right version of community,” he said.

“Everything we do is around improving the nervous system. Mental health comes first and regulates the nervous system. Physical health is a side effect,” he said.

He said building relationships is key: “I tell my teachers to be there for them, that human contact is important.”

By managing the classes with a strong, like-minded team, Jimenez has been able to devote himself to the minute details of the new space—and it doesn’t look like your average gym.

Black and white checkerboard tile covers the living room floor above and a beautiful chandelier hangs from the ceiling. Mirrors line the dark walls and the windows are shaded.

“Every design is intentional; it’s moody. I want people to feel present and not focus on what other people are doing. Your focus is on you. That’s why every room is dark with little light.”

“It’s a social setting, but you’re also working on yourself while supporting each other. A lot of people have a hard time going to the gym because they might feel self-conscious. … It’s the environment you create that makes people better or worse,” Jimenez said.

The Addison Street Community Wellness Club will offer approximately 30 classes a day from 5 to 8 a.m.

First-time subscribers can get a three-class trial package for $49.

After that, drop-ins are $35, with many options in between, up to $269 per month for unlimited membership.

West Pasco location

Following the Kennewick studio is BlueCart’s West Pasco Social Wellness Club, located in a newly constructed 3,300-square-foot space at 9707 St. Thomas Drive, just off Broadmoor Boulevard from Camping World.

Once completed, the Richland studio will move to the new Pasco location, which is set to open in May.

“We will eventually come to Richland,” Jimenez said.

Nutrition program

As new locations come online, he said he looks forward to restarting the Bluecarrot nutrition program.

As the business grew rapidly at the forefront of fitness classes, Jimenez’s nutritional advice had to be ignored while the company scaled to meet demand.

“I will be adding a nutrition coach at the new location,” he said.

Nutrition workshops and post-workout socials at Kennewick-Clearwaterville, he added. A restroom is also in operation.

He will continue to hire staff to support the new locations. Resumes are accepted on time [email protected].

Despite BlueCarrot’s success, Jimenez said, “It’s not an overnight success, it’s something I’ve been working on for a long time,” leaving medical school 12 years ago to find a winding road to pursue holistic health and introduce his healing powers to more people.

“I’ve started and failed and started and failed like eight businesses – the timing wasn’t right, I wasn’t ready, not the right combination – but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that you don’t fail until you try.”

He was happy to add, “Now, we’re just getting started.”

Blue Carrot Health Clubs:

• Kennewick: 825 N. Edison St., Suite 160.
• Pasco: 9707 St. Thomas Dr., Sweets E.O.F.
• Richland: 1084 George Washington Way.

all right. By Bluecarrot Smoothie Bar and Wellness Lounge: 4827 W. Clearwater Ave., Suite 130, Kennewick.