Inspired by 900 BC, Sweat Forum Passes the Pitch Quiz

Sweat Forum is making its mark on the KC fitness scene by combining old ideals with modern needs. This twist on the classic workout has filled a void in the market for many locals. Their goal is simple: use a “two-room approach” to bring high- and low-intensity fitness together in one place.

Sweat Forum partners Stephanie Jones, Courtney Filing, Jackie O’Leary and Jackie Kaulentis, started its business in 2020 with a mission defined by an ancient Greek concept, Arete. They define Arete as “excellence born from the will to use every last drop of one’s potential and abilities.”

In The presentation questionnaireJackie O’Leary reflects on the inspirations from ancient Greek ideals that shape their studio mentally and physically, their future plans, and how they nurture not only their Sweat Forum community but the KC community as well.

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The pitch: Tell us about you.

Jackie O’Leary: I am one of four owners. We all worked at the same facility and had different backgrounds. We are all mothers, two of us recent mothers. I love movement and sports, have a Masters in Exercise Science and have worked in personal training, coaching and sports marketing. Jackie K, another owner, is the founder of Sweat Forum. She has a background in fitness and massage therapy, with a passion for group fitness. Another owner, Steph, was introduced to group fitness by her mother and also has a background in dance. Courtney, our other partner, is passionate about movement and sports. She had three children before getting into group fitness and also has a background in real estate.

What inspired you to create Sweat Forum and how did the concept of ancient forums from 900 BC influence your vision?

O’Leary: When COVID-19 hit, we saw an opportunity to create something special in Kansas City. We brainstormed, found a location on State Line and 76th, and built out our space. We have a HI room for strength and cardio and a LO room for mindful movement and yoga. We wanted to embody a holistic approach to fitness, not just focus on one aspect. We were drawn to the idea of ​​a forum, a central gathering space, and how it translates to the fitness world. A forum is a cultural hub, a central meeting place, which is a cool, powerful word that resonated with us.

Since your mission is to strengthen people physically and mentally, develop for us the Greek concept of Arete.

O’Leary: COVID has opened our eyes to the fact that strength is not always physical, it is also mental. Strength can mean being strong for your family, yourself or your children. We want to offer physical strength, but also mental strength that translates into everyday life. Our mission is to help people be the best version of themselves, both physically and mentally. We were drawn to the power of the word “arete”, which means to strive for excellence. Excellency It can vary from day to day; it could be as simple as showing up in class or achieving a personal best. “Arete” embodies total well-being, not just physical strength but also moral and mental excellence. We integrate this into our upper and lower classrooms, encouraging people to reach their full potential.

Tell us more about your HI and LO rooms.

O’Leary: We have a HI room for strength and cardio and a LO room for mindful movement and yoga. The concept of “arete” inspires both spaces. We have a class in the HI room called Arete, which is a hybrid class combining strength and cardio, embodying the pursuit of excellence. The LO room focuses on mindful movement and controlled environments, allowing for different but equally challenging forms of excellence. The pursuit of total well-being is our goal, whether it’s a high-intensity burpee in the upper room or a Shiva Squat in the LO room.

What unique perspectives do you bring to the fitness industry as a women-owned business?

O’Leary: Being a woman-led business allows us to connect with our customers on a deeper level. We understand their journey because we are there with them too. It’s not just about workouts, it’s about juggling family life. We connect with people and support their victories, both inside and outside of the gym. This creates a strong bond that extends beyond the walls of our gym. We attract a broad clientele and our community is diverse and welcoming.

I’m really fortunate to work with amazing women, but we also have amazing men who come in and coach us. We lead with the women, but we also work alongside the men. Our studio is very attractive and we want to attract both men and women. We want to create an atmosphere that is welcoming, accessible to newcomers, but also extremely empowering. Our gender ratio is about 60% women and 40% men. Group fitness is typically more women-oriented, but the men in our community have really stepped up to the plate.

With community Being one of the studio’s core values, in what ways do you foster your Sweat Forum community and what makes your community unique compared to other fitness centers in KC?

O’Leary: The connections we’ve made throughout Kansas City have been invaluable. We put in a lot of work before opening and have gotten to know so many people. Our studio and membership base has grown significantly. We have an incredible team of new and seasoned coaches, fostering camaraderie and new connections. Our members want to train together, ride together, and support each other. That sense of community is strong and unique, and our instructors have embraced that pillar, getting to know members and fostering a positive environment.

What are your future plans for Sweat Forum?

O’Leary: We are entering our third year and still feel new, but also like a leader in the Kansas City fitness network. We are focused on growth, engaging the community through various events and expanding class options. We have partnered with Loews Hotel for a new series through October, hosting pop-up events to showcase different class options. We’ve also partnered with local businesses for various events, which has led to significant growth. We want to maximize what we can do in our current space and make it the best it can be.

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If you’re interested in joining Sweat Forum or getting more information about it, find them on their website or Instagram.