If you don't like wearing makeup to the gym, if you don't like everyone checking out how your pecs are flexing, or if you want to mix up your workout routine with some non-traditional moves, Sweat Republic could be for you.
The fitness studio at 2184 Greenwich St., which opened in January 2014, offers a creative array of classes with names like Country Flow Yoga, Don't Worry Be Yonce, POP Power Yoga, Surf and Turf, TRX: Rise and Shine, and Yoga for Addiction Recovery.
"Our instructors are all really passionate about fitness and they're all really creative," said Gabby Pavelko of Russian Hill, co-owner with Heather Abelson of Burlingam. "We wanted to offer enough stuff so people could belong here and not have to go anywhere else." Abelson added, "It keeps things interesting. They can come every single day and not get sick of it."
In addition, the studio is a safe haven even if you're not already, let's say, Spandex-friendly. "What really distinguishes us from other studios is, more than anything, we're about building a community," Abelson said. They don't post measurements; they don't shame people into buffing up. Instead, it's about building both health and friendships.
"We wanted to be accessible for all fitness levels," Pavelko said. "Everybody's great about cheering each other on." And class sizes are small.
Pavelko founded the business and Abelson later joined, creating many of the diverse classes. Because they both have full-time jobs in addition to running the studio (Abelson is a prosecutor; Pavelko does new product development in food), they understand their clients' challenges. "We're tired, just like you," Pavelko said. "We're hungry, just like you." But, they say, working out gives them the energy to tackle all of their responsibilities.
In addition to yoga set to various kinds of music, Sweat Republic hosts several classes using a board called the SurfSet, which mimics the movement of a surfboard. Pavelko teaches a "Surf and Turf" class, which is a 25-minute surf session followed by 25 minutes of TRX. "You're going to jump back to a plank, jump forward and up," she tells the class. "Back to your plank position. Forward, back, forward, back. Use your core muscles." She adds, "This is how we build the strength to do that pop-up all the way up when we go surfing or do paddle boarding."
Speaking of surfing, the owners organize field trips to Pacifica, where they partner with a surf school to let students put their skills to use. And they host Friday "happy hours" with free snacks so people can get to know each other. "Some of my best friends, I've met at the studio," Pavelko said.
Sweat Republic and any number of its 14 instructors can often be seen out in the community, too. They're participating in a "Dare to Bare" event on May 21st at Marina Green with the Movemeant Foundation, which promotes women's empowerment and fitness. It's called "Dare to Bare" because women work out wearing only a sports bra on top without getting hung up on their body image. They've also partnered with activewear companies including Lorna Jane, Lululemon and Lucy on events.
Though the Marina has its share of beautiful bodies—and a lot of their customers are nearby neighbors—Abelson and Pavelko understand not everyone is confident, and they want to take out the intimidation factor. "We definitely want people to feel comfortable," Abelson said. "Whatever your age is, whatever your weight is."
Classes and schedules are listed on the Sweat Republic website, and prices start at $25 a class ($16 for yoga), with discounts if you buy multiple classes. An unlimited monthly pass is $175, or $450 if you buy three months in advance.
