WHO WE ARE

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to improve the physical, mental and emotional wellness of our clients and our team, and make a lasting impact in the communities we touch.

The Handle Bar is a boutique fitness brand where a commitment to wellness runs deep. Our instructor-led, music-driven, low-lit classes are fun, sweaty and consistently authentic. Our talented and devoted instructor team delivers a passion for human connection, music, and movement in every class.

The Handle Bar operates with equity and integrity at the heart of our decision making. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community where riders can show up as they are, and feel welcomed and inspired to return again and again.

WHAT WE BELIEVE
We are a community who believes in body liberation and the power of collective mental wellness and belonging. For us, movement isn’t about burning calories – it’s about self-betterment and connection. We believe that the benefits of physical activity are much more significant than a number on a scale.

INCLUSION & BELONGING
Welcoming riders of various sexes, colors, religions, sexual orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds, nations, languages, (dis)abilities, ages, and points of view feel represented and included in both our internal operations and our external, customer facing efforts is critical to the continued success of our company. Decreasing barriers to entry, and increasing access to new and not yet served groups is a continued goal. We are taking concrete steps to joyfully promote inclusion, belonging, and diversity within our community.

FOUNDER
The Handle Bar was founded in 2013 by Jess Fracalossi. Jess grew up in a military family, changing homes every 4 years until settling in Boston where she attended college – and never left. Having changed homes frequently through adolescence, Jess recognizes the power of movement, sport, and community in creating and maintaining ones sense of belonging and connectedness… and she believes that human connection is a vital component in overall wellness. Since founding her first HB location in 2013, Jess prides herself on fostering an environment where lifelong relationships can be born and nurtured.

In 2017, after experiencing first hand the impact of mental illness, Jess founded Handle With Care. A movement to raise awareness on mental health and battle the stigma associated with mental illness. With The Handle Bar as an audience, Jess continues to cultivate events and initiatives surrounding mental health advocacy and awareness. From charity classes for mental health non-profits, to in-studio and off-site panel discussions on topics ranging from addiction to eating disorders… The HB is proud to use its voice as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those diagnosed with, or supporting a loved one with mental illness.