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Local entrepreneur and fitness advocate Heather Greenwood, owner of Raise the Bar—a 24-hour gym that has served the Hillsboro community since 2016—is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a complementary business venture: a state-of-the-art wellness spa, which opened on Monday, July 7. The new spa opened with assistance from the Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Raise the Bar was founded with the vision to offer flexible fitness access for everyone—especially those working night or swing shifts. Since relocating to its current location in 2018, the gym has grown into a cornerstone of wellness in the region. Now, nearly a decade after first opening the gym’s doors, Greenwood is expanding that mission by offering recovery-based wellness services to support health and longevity for everybody, at every age.

The new wellness spa will offer a range of natural, science-backed recovery treatments, including massage therapy, infrared saunas, hydromassage, cold plunge therapy, a cryolounge, red light therapy, and more. These offerings are designed to help clients recover faster, reduce stress, and improve physical performance and mobility.

“This new space is really about helping people feel better, move better, and live better,” said Greenwood. “As I got older and continued to train, I realized how essential recovery is to maintain long-term health. Our community deserves access to these tools, and I’m proud to bring something fresh and transformative to the area.”

Located in the same town where Greenwood attended high school and raised a family, the wellness spa reflects a deep-rooted commitment to the local community. With few comparable services available in the region, the spa is expected to fill a significant gap in wellness and recovery care for residents who previously had to travel to Springfield, Edwardsville, or St. Louis for similar treatments.

According to Greenwood, bringing this new vision to life has been a journey—and a learning experience made smoother with the guidance of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC). “Jo Ann May has been extraordinary,” Greenwood shared. “She helped me see the big picture, guided me through my business plan, created detailed financial projections, and broke down every step of launching this new venture. I couldn’t have done it without the SBDC’s support.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Mrs. Greenwood. She is a very motivated, conscientious, and hard-working business owner. I look forward to seeing her business grow and thrive!” said May.

As part of the launch, Raise the Bar will offer Legacy Deals for a limited time on select memberships with bonuses. These early promotions will help introduce the community to the spa’s benefits and encourage engagement even before the grand opening.

Additionally, a soft opening event gathered key community stakeholders, including the mayor, local physical therapists, and chiropractors, with the goal of building strong collaborative relationships to support client referrals and holistic wellness services.

The new spa is expected to offer a serene, nature-infused atmosphere, with standout features like a custom sauna surrounded by wooded views—providing the perfect place to relax while watching the seasons change.

For updates and additional details, follow Raise the Bar on social media or contact Heather Greenwood at raisethebarllc16@gmail.com. Spa Hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

About Raise the Bar
Raise the Bar is a 24-hour gym dedicated to making fitness accessible and sustainable for everyone, regardless of schedule. Since opening in 2016, the gym has provided a supportive environment for the community to reach their health goals. With the upcoming addition of a wellness spa, Raise the Bar continues to expand its mission of total-body well-being.

About the Illinois SBDC
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for the Metro East at SIUE offers NO-COST, personalized assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region. From business planning to marketing to financial management, the SBDC is a resource hub committed to local economic development.

PHOTO:  Heather Greenwood, owner of Raise the Bar and wellness spa in Hillsboro