About US

Discover your strength, balance & peace of mind with US.

Urban Solace - a lifestyle brand designed to help support all aspects of your health & wellbeing. 

Dr. Michelle Renaud is an exercise physiologist and the founder of Urban Solace, a space dedicated to making wellness programming accessible, meaningful, and fun. With over 25 years of clinical and academic experience in post-rehab exercise therapy, health education, yoga, and mindfulness research, she blends science-backed practices with real-life strategies to support individuals in creating sustainable self-care routines.

A health educator, university adjunct professor, and experienced researcher, Dr. Renaud holds a Ph.D. in Kinesiology, a M.S. in Health Education, and a B.S. in Sports Medicine. Her work has focused on stress management, functional aging, mindful movement, and supporting informal caregivers—an often-overlooked demographic in need of self-care resources. As a minority, women-owned founder, and long-time caregiver, she is passionate about developing inclusive programs where everyone can explore mindfulness in a way that feels authentic and welcoming.

Urban Solace curates healthy lifestyle experiences, including corporate wellness, evidence-based health education, mindfulness retreats, community fitness initiatives, and thoughtfully designed self-care products, all with the goal of helping people reconnect with themselves in a meaningful way.

When Michelle is not teaching and producing events, you can find her exploring Detroit’s local small businesses, biking Belle Isle, walking along the Dequindre Cut, enjoying time with her family, or renovating their vintage Chris Craft.

Urban Solace is the proud producer of the longest-running, FREE outdoor yoga program in downtown Detroit.  They’ve been providing fun & fitness on the riverfront to thousands of residents and visitors since 2007 - and are super excited to share the gift of yoga & wellness with you.

Join US on this journey to reclaim self-care—one mindful moment at a time.

Thank you for your support!

For programming information, collaborations, media inquies, or to simply stay in touch, please reach out at:

practice@urbansolacestudio.com

  • "You and your gifts touch many lives and make a difference."

    C. Miranda

  • "It's great to see you helping so many people and doing what you love."

    T.R.

  • "Thank you for all you do. Don't stop!"

    Jeanette W.

  • "I'm new to your classes this year. So happy I found you. You will see me again."

    Renee P.

  • "My mind and body (especially lower back) thank you."

    Alex C.

  • "This is my fifth year of yoga on the riverfront with Michelle. I enjoy her classes."

    Merly H.

  • "For many years I enjoyed yoga on the riverfront with Michelle. She is a great inspiration."

    Patti D.

  • "I love the passion you have for what you do."

    Todd S.

  • "Thankful for the opportunity to practice with you all."

    M. Lillian

  • "Thanks for introducing me to this awesome yoga community."

    A.S.

  • "It's the best! You are so welcoming and provide weekly joy to many."

    Rene C.

 

Join US on a journey of self-discovery with fun and functional programming featuring mindfulness, community-building … and of course, yoga.