ABOUT US

WHERE WOMEN RISE.

WHERE WOMEN RISE.

who we are.

At Roar, we are more than just a fitness studio—we are a women-led community built on strength, support, and shared journeys.

Our mission is simple yet powerful: to cultivate a community of strong, empowered women through personalized and group strength training in San Francisco. We are dedicated to creating a space where women can build confidence, form lasting connections, and experience the transformative power of fitness.

We stay true to our values by staying informed, being transparent, taking bold risks, working hard, and, most importantly, having fun along the way.

Join us at Roar, and become part of a vibrant community where resilience, laughter, and empowerment are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we strive to inspire every woman who walks through our doors to lead a healthier, more empowered life.

we’re a woman-owned company that believes strength fuels our ambitions.

MICHELLE KUNKEL, FOUNDER & CEO

meet our founder.

My relationship with my body, health, and fitness has definitely been a journey over the last nearly 50 years.

The most notable impact being the birth of my daughter and a shift in my entire fitness mindset from “How do I feel/look?” to “What can I do?” From there, a return to consistent strength training became my mainstay, grounding me through significant life changes and helping me to become more "able-bodied" than ever. Connecting with other women my age on health topics, it was clear that women KNOW that strength training is important, yet the percent of overall exercise time most spend with weights is negligible. I started to dig into what it would take for more women to consistently lift weights, and as I did, the need for a new brand of Women's Strength Training quickly emerged - louder and louder.  

ROAR offers a fresh strength training experience for women, one that I hope will inspire more women to become stronger, together.

Our space design was as important as our programming, because it was the complete experience of strength training that I wanted to shift - the sounds, smells, lighting, and company. Taking it a step further, we sourced and partnered with primarily women-owned businesses to stock the studio with delightful amenities. Finally, I made the decision to exclusively offer strength training - no HIIT, Cardio machines, Pilates, or Yoga. My mission is to improve the health of our community, not compete for it, and serving an unmet need is critical for that mission.

Our team - all woman and all believers that strength fuels our ambitions -in whichever area we decide to presently prioritize: personal health, creative pursuits, career, parenting, relationships, physical challenges or changes, etc. Employee #1- Meghan (see below), was an obvious first hire due to her warmth, wit , and capabilities that seem to have no end.

Join me at ROAR and let’s get Stronger Together!

Meet the Team

MEGHAN BASMAJIAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & TRAINER

My fitness journey began at home during the COVID-19 lockdown, as a welcome escape while pursuing a law degree I wasn't passionate about. This experience evolved from a personal hobby into a deep-seated part of my life, alleviating my anxiety and elevating my happiness. Working alongside Michelle in other fitness environments, we focused on creating a vibrant, supportive space filled with laughter and community—a foundation we're excited to bring to Roar.

At Roar, we're dedicated to building an inclusive environment where women of all ages and abilities can improve their overall well-being and tackle life's challenges with newfound strength and confidence. Our goal isn't just to change appearances but to transform how women feel about themselves and their capabilities.

WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

We’re looking for certified personal trainers who are passionate about group fitness. No experience? No problem! We’re excited to train the right candidates for our unique studio needs.

For more information, please visit our careers page.