Former Chrome 45 instructor and long-time student Amy McDonald-Hicks is officially stepping into ownership with the launch of a newly rebranded studio, Rise Movement Co., set to open in early 2026. For McDonald-Hicks, the path to ownership is rooted in a lifelong relationship with movement and community. Her background in physical fitness stretches back nearly […]
Former Chrome 45 instructor and long-time student Amy McDonald-Hicks is officially stepping into ownership with the launch of a newly rebranded studio, Rise Movement Co., set to open in early 2026.
For McDonald-Hicks, the path to ownership is rooted in a lifelong relationship with movement and community. Her background in physical fitness stretches back nearly two decades, beginning with gymnastics in Cambridge, where she grew up.
“When it comes to physical fitness, my journey started nearly two decades ago when I started doing gymnastics back in Cambridge,” she said. “That’s where I began my coaching career, which I continued on and off for the last 15 years.”
Most recently, McDonald-Hicks spent four years coaching at Bluewater Gymnastics Club, while also working as a paramedic. That experience, she said, reinforced how vital movement is beyond work or daily tasks.
“Being a working medic, it truly is eye opening to realize how important moving your body for more than just your job or everyday tasks truly is,” she said. “I am incredibly excited to continue to provide that for others in this space.”
Her connection to the studio began in October 2019, when she first walked through the doors of Chrome 45 as a student.
“I initially joined to improve my grip strength for my fitness class in the paramedic program,” she said. “I ended up falling in love with pole and have been with Chrome 45 on and off since then.”
By June 2025, she officially joined the instructor team. When the studio paused operations later that year, McDonald-Hicks found herself at a crossroads.
“I don’t know if it was stubbornness or just pure passion of not wanting to let the community of Sarnia-Lambton lose a space that offers such niche things,” she said. “Chrome 45 was the only pole studio within the area other than those in London or Windsor.”
She emphasized that the studio’s diverse programming, including pole, belly dance, karate and other movement-based classes, played a major role in her decision to step forward.
As the studio enters its next chapter, McDonald-Hicks is clear that its heart will remain intact.
“My hope quite honestly is to keep the spirit of Chrome 45 with us as we venture into this next chapter,” she said. “As someone who was a student first and instructor second, the inclusivity and sense of belonging is what drew me to constantly wanting to keep coming to the studio.”
She describes the space as one that naturally fosters connection over time.
“The more frequently you attend classes, the more you feel at home with family,” she said. “I think that is what I truly wish to see continue even under a new name.”
That sense of safety and belonging remains central to her vision.
“I want to continue to be a safe space for everyone,” she said. “No matter how they choose to identify, I want everyone to know they are welcome here and can feel safe.”
While the spirit remains, the name will not. McDonald-Hicks said continuing under the Chrome 45 name did not feel appropriate.
“I personally felt carrying on the Chrome 45 name just didn’t feel right,” she said. “Brittany and Haylee did so well creating such a name and space for so long in Sarnia, even through COVID. As they have respectfully moved on from studio ownership, it felt best to close that chapter rather than carry it on.”
The new name, Rise Movement Co., was chosen collaboratively.
“The inspiration actually came from all of the instructors that were most recently with the studio,” she said. “We collectively decided on the name together. I feel it reflects where we are at currently and carries the message to continue to rise up to the occasion and move forward.”
Programming will look familiar to returning students, with room to grow.
“We plan to offer a lot of the same classes that were offered before,” she said. “Outside of incorporating perhaps some flexibility and more gymnastics-based classes or workshops, we would also love the community’s suggestions for anything that might help fill a gap not currently offered in Sarnia-Lambton.”
The physical space at 824 Phillip Street will remain largely unchanged following recent renovations.
“Chrome 45 had just moved into the space and already painted and installed flooring,” she said. “If there are changes, they will likely be reflected in the lobby as rebranding comes with new colours.”
For former students, McDonald-Hicks confirmed that unused credits will be honoured, with details communicated directly.
“All credits that were previously not utilized due to the closure will absolutely be honoured within certain conditions,” she said. “It was devastating that we had to make that call so abruptly. It was not one we wished to make but were left with no choice.”
She also hopes to welcome back students who may have stepped away.
“My sincerest hope is that we will see some past students who maybe haven’t been to the studio in a while due to cost or life happening as it does,” she said.
At its core, McDonald-Hicks believes the studio fills an important role in the local wellness landscape.
“With the increase of commercial gyms in Sarnia-Lambton, I hope the studio can continue to fill in the gaps for those who don’t want to go to a commercial gym,” she said. “For people who wish to choose alternative ways to move their bodies and ultimately support local small businesses.”
As preparations continue, she says the relaunch is about balance.
“This relaunch is really about honouring the community that already exists while giving it room to grow and evolve,” she said. “We want the studio to feel like somewhere people can show up as themselves, move confidently, and feel like they truly belong.”
A grand opening showcase is tentatively planned for February 13, with more details to be announced in the coming weeks. For more details, check out Rise Movement Co. on Instagram or on their website.
