Behind the Biz - Meet Shane of SWEAT!
In our Behind the Biz series, you’ll get to know the people behind some of your favorite local businesses along Colfax. This week, get to know Shane Bohlender, owner of SWEAT!.
Located at 534 E Colfax, SWEAT! provides some of the hottest yoga in Denver and the most challenging sculpt classes as well as high energy beat-based rhythm cycling.
Located at 534 E Colfax, SWEAT! provides some of the hottest yoga in Denver and the most challenging sculpt classes as well as high energy beat-based rhythm cycling.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business. What made you decide to open SWEAT!, and how long have you been in operation?
We wanted to do something we felt good about, and that we enjoyed. Yoga and cycling were already part of our lives. And running a business was a big part of my background. We started down this path just before COVID hit, and had to proceed despite the circumstances.
We opened 10 months ago. I see people improving themselves, and it shows, it’s really cool. From a bit overweight to fit and beautiful yoga form, or to being able to do two high intensity classes back to back.
And I feel like this place has an impact on people in mindset, too, leaving here with positive and productive outlooks, and spreading that into the world. I feel like we improve the world a little with each class. It’s a healthy place to be, team and customers like to hang out and visit. We like the vibe.
We opened 10 months ago. I see people improving themselves, and it shows, it’s really cool. From a bit overweight to fit and beautiful yoga form, or to being able to do two high intensity classes back to back.
And I feel like this place has an impact on people in mindset, too, leaving here with positive and productive outlooks, and spreading that into the world. I feel like we improve the world a little with each class. It’s a healthy place to be, team and customers like to hang out and visit. We like the vibe.
Why did you choose Colfax?
Colfax is Denver. Companies on Colfax tend to be locally owned and managed. Starting this brand and business from the ground up, we feel we fit that profile well. We like to support local businesses and we hang local artists’ work on our walls. We try to help our neighbors, the less wealthy ones included. We’re not wealthy, we’re familiar with struggle and our hearts and hands go out to others. We became part of this community, and we’re committed to being productive members.
Colfax is Quirky, a place to break the mold, offer unique services and products. While we’re not unique in having cycling and yoga together, it’s a bit unusual. We enjoy developing our own unique culture and mix of classes. We’re not afraid of explicit music or having an opinion about current events. We like to crank up the heat and the volume.
Colfax is Diversity. Everyone is welcome here. In addition to fit bodies, we build compassionate hearts and open minds. Our customer mix is as varied as one will find in a Colorado yoga studio. You will feel comfortable here, I promise. “What’s your demographic?” is a question I get from time to time and I have a hard time answering that one. “Diverse” is the best answer I can find.
Colfax is Quirky, a place to break the mold, offer unique services and products. While we’re not unique in having cycling and yoga together, it’s a bit unusual. We enjoy developing our own unique culture and mix of classes. We’re not afraid of explicit music or having an opinion about current events. We like to crank up the heat and the volume.
Colfax is Diversity. Everyone is welcome here. In addition to fit bodies, we build compassionate hearts and open minds. Our customer mix is as varied as one will find in a Colorado yoga studio. You will feel comfortable here, I promise. “What’s your demographic?” is a question I get from time to time and I have a hard time answering that one. “Diverse” is the best answer I can find.
Tell us something about SWEAT! that people might be surprised to learn.
Indoor cycling and yoga studios are in an industry called “Boutique Fitness,” and tend to cater to a very specific demographic. SWEAT!, on the other hand, is welcoming to everyone. No matter who you are, you will feel immediately welcome and part of this community. If you cannot afford our membership, talk to us and we will work with you to find a solution that works for your budget. We are committed to inclusivity.
How is SWEAT! coping with the pandemic, and how can people support you right now?
The pandemic has kept people out of group settings like ours, and away from offices around us. And because we weren’t open before COVID hit, we didn’t qualify for any COVID relief! Financially COVID has been devastating. We had to sell our house to keep the business afloat.
Our team is fully vaccinated and we are complying with Denver’s current mandate by requiring all customers to show vaccination. The best way to help is by helping yourself! Come check out our studio and get back to a healthy routine!
Our team is fully vaccinated and we are complying with Denver’s current mandate by requiring all customers to show vaccination. The best way to help is by helping yourself! Come check out our studio and get back to a healthy routine!
Instructor Spotlight: Meet Alexia
Alexia was one of our first customers and quickly turned into one of our first yoga instructors. She taught her first classes here and is now one of our lead instructors. We sort of grew up together!
She is a wonderful person and a joyful teacher and I love working with her. Read her biography on our schedule at sweatdenver.com (click VIEW DETAILS on one of her classes).
She is a wonderful person and a joyful teacher and I love working with her. Read her biography on our schedule at sweatdenver.com (click VIEW DETAILS on one of her classes).
