Tell us about HAUM.

HAUM is a yoga studio, now two, in San Francisco…but it’s also a community space. We host yoga classes, we host meditation classes, but we [also] have the “Art of Yoga” every three months, which is an art show with a local queer, underrepresented artists.

How do you feel like HAUM is advancing the fitness industry?

We created this event called the “Art of Yoga.” The artists are all queer or bipoc. Most art galleries will charge a space to hang [art] and we don’t. We let them hang and then we throw them a big party — it’s 2 hours long and in the middle of it we do a podcast style interview. We ask where they are their life, how they are  feeling…and then I lead a meditation.

What does the future of fitness look like to you and how does HAUM fit into that picture?

The pandemic enabled you to do yoga with your favorite teachers anywhere…a lot of studios did livestream and then they stopped it. We didn’t. Everything is livestreamed. My hope is, in yoga and maybe all of fitness, that we remind people [that] while they’re doing this for their physical body, it’s also for the greater picture of themselves.

Tell us about Blueberry Moon.

Blueberry Moon has been open for 15 years. We had a vision of opening up a salon that was inviting for everybody…and we wanted to make sure that our products were cruelty-free. Animal welfare is something that’s really important to my family…We make sure that what we’re selling is cruelty-free from beginning to end. Most of our products are vegan [apart from] a couple that do have honey in them, but we let everybody know.

How do you feel like Blueberry Moon is advancing the wellness industry?
Blueberry Moon has made sure all the products and services — whether it be a keratin or a perm — were all cruelty-free in addition to the products that we’re selling.

What does the future of wellness look like to you and how does Blueberry Moon fit into that picture?

There are tons of salons in Chicago, so you kind of have to keep evolving and reinventing yourself and bringing in new items that make people excited…An important part of wellness these days is that people want to know what’s in their products, where their ingredients are being sourced, that [the product] isn’t full of chemicals and that their products are giving back and doing good. 

One of the brands that we’re really excited to sell is Farmhouse Fresh. When you buy a Farmhouse Fresh product, there’s a code on it that you can use on their website that shows you exactly where the money from your product was used. A lot of their ingredients are grown on their farm and what they can’t grow or don’t have enough of, they source from smaller US farms. They work closely with animal organizations and they also have a sanctuary on their farm.

Tell us about MOXI3.

MOXI3 is a one stop fitness shop. We have everything from functional strength training to cycling to breathwork and meditation, yoga and high intensity cardio. We also prioritize recovery and have restorative services like sauna, cryotherapy, normatec and red light therapy. MOXI3 is a place where you can prioritize your entire self wellness — somewhere where you can not only train in high intensity classes, but take care of your body and optimize all of its natural processes.

What does it mean to win Best Studio amongst the thousands on ClassPass?
Winning best studio on Class Pass to me means that [the team] is getting the recognition that they deserve and that the community that we’ve created inside this space has truly transcended our studio walls and become something so much bigger.

How does MOXI3 plan to keep up with a constantly changing fitness landscape?

The fitness industry is constantly changing. We’re always keeping our finger on the pulse of what’s happening, making sure that we’re taking feedback in a very open and flexible way. We’re watching what people are looking for and making sure that we’re giving them the services they want and fulfilling their needs.

Tell us about High Ride.

At High Ride, we ride to the beat of the music and add choreography to make it feel like a dance party on a bike. High Ride incorporates cardio, weights, and resistance to provide a full body workout in just 45 minutes. A combination of music, lighting and energy help create a positive and rewarding experience for each one of our riders. It’s a super challenging and fun workout in a club-like environment! 

The biggest thing that sets High Ride apart is the community… at the heart of our studio is the people. Whether it’s blowing off a cannon on someone’s 500th ride, celebrating our 5 year anniversary at a brewery with riders and team members, high-fiving your cycle neighbor or decorating a riders’ bike for their birthday…we pride ourselves on supporting all of our riders whether it is their first ride or their 1,000th ride.

What does it mean to win Best Studio amongst the thousands on ClassPass?

It is such an honor to be named one of the Best Studios in the country especially since our [riders] are the ones who voted for us. Our team shows up for our riders and for each other with the most passion and heart I have ever seen. This award demonstrates the huge impact all of our team members make on our community each and every day.

How does High Ride plan to keep up with a constantly changing fitness landscape?

We think it is really important to stay true to ourselves. When we first opened we committed to one format and we hoped there would be enough people who loved our style. We have definitely evolved our ride and continue to iterate in order to challenge our riders, but it is important to us to stick to The High Ride Method.

Tell us about Motion Fitness Studio.

Motion is a 50-minute, strength-focused, group fitness class centered around music, movement and community. The experience of our class challenges the status quo by combining the structure and intensity of a professional sports team circuit workout with the energy and sound of a music festival’s center stage. We provide a highly curated and dynamic music experience built around our in-roads in the EDM community.

What does it mean to win Best Studio amongst the thousands on ClassPass?

It means we love what we do, and who we do it with…our 5100+ active members who walk through our doors everyday make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle along with the happiest [people] in Orange County. 

How does Motion Fitness Studio plan to keep up with a constantly changing fitness landscape?

We’re never satisfied, and we love keeping things fresh and exciting. We have strategies being executed in 2023 including expansion, adding new top trainers [and investing in the] latest equipment. We live in a digital world. We believe the power of technology will help our members to achieve their physical goals and extend Motion’s mission of music, movement and community beyond the four walls of our studios.

Tell us about City Cycle.

The workouts at City Cycle are different, and that’s what makes them so great. Our custom lighting allows each person to have a different experience depending on where they sit in the class but no matter where you sit in class, you are overwhelmed with supportive energy. It’s a great space to challenge your body and also your mind.

We opened in 2017 and from the beginning, we always focused on building a community first and the business grew around that. So many of the riders [and staff members] that came when we first opened are still with us today. Our goal is to inspire our riders to become the best versions of themselves and have some fun along the way!

What does it mean to win Best Studio amongst the thousands on ClassPass?

This award is a testament to how amazing our staff is. Our instructors work really hard to improve their craft month after month. They are constantly showing up on their days off to support each other and learn from one another. Our front desk team goes above and beyond to create a personal experience with each one of our riders. Every single person on our team deeply cares about the City Cycle brand and it shows. It’s amazing to have other people recognize all of their hard work.

How does City Cycle plan to keep up with a constantly changing fitness landscape?

We have definitely [navigated] a lot of change in the past two years and there is no doubt that changes will continue to come our way. As a brand, you have to be constantly evolving your style to keep your riders challenged and engaged. No matter which direction we will go in the future it will be rooted in connection, diversity and a really good playlist.

Tell us about SESSION Pilates.

We always say that SESSION is not your typical reformer Pilates workout in that we take a more modern, athletic approach. Additionally, we put such an emphasis on community — both in the studio and outside. Whether it’s [our] monthly donation classes where 100% of the proceeds benefit The Family Place or our “No Shower Happy Hours” when we invite clients to hangout with us outside of the studio. For us, community is key.

What does it mean to win Best Studio amongst the thousands on ClassPass?

One word…everything! Of course, we believe in our workout and feel pretty strongly that we have some of the best fitness professionals in the business, but it’s an incredible feeling to be recognized for it when there are so many top-notch studios out there. We truly appreciate the love.

How does SESSION Pilates plan to keep up with a constantly changing fitness landscape?

With four studios and zero plans of slowing down, it’s all about growing and learning. Continuing education is a big priority for our team, and we challenge them to stay consistent in always growing their Pilates practice. Whether it’s taking some of our instructors to a Balanced Body weeklong Pilates training or hosting in-house continuing education workshops with our team, it’s all about pushing ourselves and growing our knowledge so that we can continue bringing the best of the best to our clients (a.k.a. SESSION Soldiers)!

What does winning Best Instructor among the thousands on ClassPass mean to you?

It means the world to me. It is validating in the fact that you know I pour my life and soul into what I do, and so it validates almost my sense of purpose…it is so inspiring to know that the people that inspire me, are also inspired by me.

How do you stay innovative as an instructor given the rapidly changing fitness & wellness landscape?

Finding inspiration on social media and then translating it into what makes it High Ride. There’s such a massive, talented pool of instructors out there, so I like to pick up from what I think might look cool in a TikTok…and then translate it into our ride. The second thing that I think is so important in innovating in this landscape is listening to your people. You want your riders to feel successful. That’s what this is all about. It has nothing to do with me, nothing to do with us. It’s everything to do with them.

What does the future of fitness look like to you?

COVID changed the landscape a lot. A lot of people got in touch with a more emotional side of themselves, during that time…and the future of fitness is evolving in that way…I hope that there is less fear, less anxiety, less expectation and more acceptance and growth and evolution overall.

What does winning Best Instructor among the thousands on ClassPass mean to you?

It’s an honor and reminds me how far I’ve come in my time in the fitness industry. I’m grateful that I’ve been fortunate enough to learn from some incredible instructors in my ten years working at my craft.

How do you stay innovative as an instructor given the rapidly changing fitness & wellness landscape?

I make sure I’m constantly pushing myself physically and mentally with my own training. Taking on new challenges — I just ran my first marathon in October — and trying different studios and workouts allows me to create and deliver as an instructor at high level no matter what is new or trending.

What does the future of fitness look like to you?

I believe technology will continue to be infused in all aspects of fitness. With that said, I don’t believe you can ever duplicate the feeling of group fitness with any at home workout. Connection is more important than ever before. My hope is that improving one’s mental health becomes the number one motivator to exercise regularly rather than achieving a certain look.

What does winning Best Instructor among the thousands on ClassPass mean to you?

I’m definitely humbled and honored. I really give 100% of myself in every class and to all of my clients to make sure I show up in the way I know how. I’m just very appreciative of everyone who comes through our doors and allows me to work with them.

How do you stay innovative as an instructor given the rapidly changing fitness & wellness landscape?

Each year, I just allow myself to evolve. Each person I work with has the ability to teach me something, so I do my best to absorb as much as possible from everyone. I know I don’t know everything about fitness and I know I never will. My goal is to constantly improve and grow for the people I work with to make a greater impact.

What does the future of fitness look like to you?

The future of fitness is bright! It seems like the industry is starting to refocus on recovery and really taking care of the body. I’m excited to see what comes from this and the results to come for clients and trainers alike.

What does winning Best Instructor among the thousands on ClassPass mean to you?

Pinch me. Is this real? Honestly, it’s an honor and a privilege. This industry is bursting with incredible talent, and I’m proud to stand among them. This recognition just validates what I come here everyday to do: coach a solid class, give my riders a great workout, and help them realize their potential.

How do you stay innovative as an instructor given the rapidly changing fitness & wellness landscape?

I focus on being as relatable as possible. I’m human, I go through ups and downs, and I deal with real life sh*t…I’m evolving just like everyone else, and I talk about that a lot throughout class. While COVID changed the fitness landscape, my focus has always remained on the rider. A lot of times instructors can seem untouchable, or they feel like they have to always “be on.” That’s just not how I operate. Rather then searching for ways to stay relevant from a tech or marketing standpoint, my mind is always looking forward to the next way I can connect with my riders who are going through it with me.

What does the future of fitness look like to you?

I think the future of fitness is going to require all of us to come together and work together more. If COVID taught us anything, it’s that we are not invincible. I think we’re going to see more partnerships, residencies and collaborations between studios in an effort to stay innovative and exciting. There is room for everyone at the table. We have to be more willing to see each other as partners rather than competitors.

What does winning Best Instructor among the thousands on ClassPass mean to you?

Absolutely honored, grateful and inspired. We put in the work every single day to be the best version of ourselves from the inside out. I am a reflection of all the people who nominated me. The love is twofold, and I cannot wait to continue to empower and connect with every like-minded individual on their journey to health and wellness.

How do you stay innovative as an instructor given the rapidly changing fitness & wellness landscape?

The world has become more aware of the benefits associated with living a healthy lifestyle…and that vulnerability is a superpower. The courage it takes to embark on a fitness journey is simply that — A JOURNEY. To create a space where people find commUNITY to support their wellness journey not only supports and empowers the individual, but also the collective as a whole. We are stronger TOGETHER.

What does the future of fitness look like to you?

I believe that the future of fitness will be rooted in inclusion and functionality. Inclusivity in coaches, brand messaging and body types. Functionality with programs designed for everyday life and options that can align with each person’s individual needs. One of my best friends, Rebekah, always says, “Wellness belongs to ALL of us,” and I believe it’s essential that we continuously strive to create fitness and wellness communities with a sincere sense of inclusion and belonging.

Tell us about Dop Dop.

We are in the heart of Soho which has always been the artist district and we say that our tagline is “Dop Dop: artistry with an edge”. You’re getting your hair done by really creative, very educated stylists but there’s that downtown kind of edge to it, which gives it a little bit more vibe. The [one] thing that I want everyone to know about Dop Dop is that we want you to walk in and feel comfortable, at home and feel good in your skin. Because getting your hair done is a very vulnerable space to be in. Your hair is your number one accessory.

How does Dop Dop stay innovative in an evolving wellness landscape?

Change nothing, nothing changes. If you’re doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, it’s not going to happen. I’m a 40-year veteran hairdresser. If I look like I’ve been doing hair for 40 years and I’m boring and I’m not trying something new, being edgy, getting out there, growing myself…how can I expect my clients to do that? If we don’t stay on the cutting edge, we will lose our edge. We watch the seasons, the Pantone color of the year, what people are wearing and where fashion is going.

What is one wellness treatment at Dop Dop you swear by?

Fusio dose! It’s the most innovative treatment from Kérastase in the entire world…it’s an instantaneous liquid that’s in a micro-fuse spray bottle that goes subcorticular into the hair instantly. It takes exactly three minutes to completely fill your hair with all of the things it needs to be soft, shiny and pliable.

Tell us about Glow Sauna Studios.

We use the latest full spectrum infrared technology available in the market. Instead of heating the air around you like a traditional sauna or steam room, Glow uses technology that penetrates the skin and increases your core temperature. [Glow also has a] relentless focus on customer service, it’s a non-negotiable for us. We team with people who feed off of each other and get satisfaction out of providing high quality service.

How does Glow Sauna Studios stay innovative in an evolving wellness landscape?

We stay educated through research, clinicals, journals, etc and understand the value of time. This year, we introduced Red Light Therapy and Halotherapy to our customers — both of which are FDA approved therapies that can be used without extending your time in the sauna.

What is one wellness treatment at Glow Sauna Studios you swear by?

The Trifecta — Infrared Sauna, Red Light Therapy and Halotherapy all together. You’ll leave feeling renewed and invigorated, ready to take on whatever life throws at you.

Tell us about WAX Melrose.

At WAX you can receive a treatment, shop our curated boutique or just stop by and say hi. We truly care about each individual that enters our space and our mission is for that experience to be nothing short of uplifting. While our bread and butter is full body waxing, we have partnered with field experts to offer additional beauty treatments including Lash Extensions, Lash Lifts, Brow Lamination, Custom Airbrush Tanning, Tooth Gems & Facials. In the near future, we plan to offer Microblading & Powder Brows as well. 

How does WAX Melrose stay innovative in an evolving wellness landscape?

At WAX we are excited to try new techniques…We pride ourselves on continued education and listen to our community & stylists, while meeting their requests with leading industry standards.

What is one wellness treatment at WAX Melrose you swear by?

As lash extensions have become one of the quickest growing beauty treatments, we have confidence that our multi-certified lash stylists are some of the best in the industry. We also believe our Brazilian treatment to be the quickest & most comfortable.