Sweat Community

What happens when a professional dancer realizes the career she once dreamed of is no longer fulfilling?For Kelly Catania, that realization led her from professional dance in Los Angeles to yoga, teaching, international retreats, mental health advocacy and eventually becoming a Lululemon ambassador.In this episode of Sweat Community, Kelly shares her journey from dance to yoga and how the practice became about so much more than movement. We talk about what it really takes to become a Lululemon ambassador, what the role actually involves, and why community and connection matter more than follower counts.Kelly also takes us behind the scenes of creating and leading yoga retreats in destinations like Spain, Costa Rica, and Thailand. We talk about why stepping away from your everyday environment can create space for reflection, connection, and transformation, and what Kelly has learned from leading these experiences.Kelly opens up about her own mental health journey, her experience with an eating disorder during her years as a professional dancer, her decision to pursue a master's degree in counseling, and her vision for combining yoga and therapy to support others.In this episode, we talk about:Kelly's journey from professional dancer to yoga teacherHow she became a lululemon ambassadorWhat being a lululemon ambassador actually involvesThe connection between yoga and mental healthKelly's personal mental health journey and eating disorder recoveryWhat makes a yoga retreat transformativeWhy slowing down can actually make you strongerThe pressure to "perfect" wellnessBuilding meaningful communityHow to know when to push, and when to restKelly's advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed or disconnectedConnect with Kelly📲 Instagram: @kellycatania🧘‍♀️ Santosha Studios: Santosha StudiosKelly's class schedule:Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 AM and 9:30 AMSunday: 7:30 AM and 9:00 AMConnect with Sweat Community🌐 sweatcommunity.comDiscover local fitness and wellness, find your community, and stay in the know about what's happening across the Denver metro area.What made you sweat this week? 🧘‍♀️

What happens when you leave successful corporate careers, sell everything you own, and travel the world in search of a business idea?For Jessica and Damien Zouaoui, the answer was Oakwell Beer Spa, one of Denver's most unique wellness experiences.In this episode of the Sweat Community Podcast, Jessica shares how a rainy day in Poland sparked the idea for Oakwell Beer Spa, why Denver was the perfect place to bring it to life, and how the business has grown into a thriving wellness destination that's now expanding through franchising.We also dive into how beer baths actually work (spoiler: you're not soaking in beer!), the benefits of hops, herbs, hydrotherapy, and infrared saunas, and why Oakwell has become one of Denver's favorite date night experiences.In this episode:🇵🇱 The Poland trip that inspired Oakwell Beer Spa🍺 What's actually in a beer bath, and its wellness benefits📍 Why Denver was the perfect place to launch Oakwell❤️ Why it's become one of Denver's favorite date night experiences🚀 Entrepreneurship, franchising, and taking a leap of faith⚡ Rapid-fire questions and Jessica's answer to: What made you sweat this week? (and it's a good one!)Whether you're looking for a unique date night in Denver, curious about beer baths and wellness, or dreaming of starting your own business, this episode is packed with inspiration.🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review!💙 Discover more local wellness experiences at sweatcommunity.comConnect with Oakwell Beer Spa🔗 Oakwell.com📱 @OakwellBeerSpa on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok🏢 OakwellFranchise.com

Is Netflix's Selling Sunset actually like real life? What's it really like working at the Oppenheim Group? And if you're visiting San Diego, where should you eat, work out, and explore?In this episode of Sweat Community, I sit down with Sammy DeLaura, a luxury Realtor with the Oppenheim Group in San Diego, to go behind the scenes of luxury real estate, separate fact from fiction when it comes to Selling Sunset and Selling the OC, and share some of San Diego's best hidden gems.Sammy shares her journey from growing up in Golden, Colorado to building a career selling multimillion-dollar homes in Southern California, including what it was really like being hired by Jason Oppenheim on the spot before the San Diego office even existed.We talk about what it's really like working at the Oppenheim Group, whether the Netflix shows reflect reality, how luxury real estate commissions actually work, and the feast-or-famine side of the business that viewers rarely see on TV.We also compare the Denver and San Diego real estate markets, discuss the lifestyle differences between the two cities, and explore what makes San Diego such a special place to call home.Since I'm actually visiting San Diego the week this episode airs, I asked Sammy to help plan my perfect itinerary. from Pilates and yoga to taco spots, beaches, hiking trails, and local hidden gems. Whether you're planning a vacation, considering a move, or you're simply curious about life in Southern California, you'll walk away with plenty of insider recommendations.In this episode:Sammy's journey from Golden, Colorado, to the Oppenheim GroupWhat it's really like working with Jason OppenheimThe truth about Selling Sunset and Selling the OCHow luxury real estate commissions actually workThe biggest misconceptions about high-end real estateDenver vs. San Diego real estate and lifestyleThe best San Diego neighborhoods to knowSammy's favorite Pilates studios, yoga classes, coffee shops, restaurants, beaches, and hidden gemsMust-see spots including Torrey Pines, Sunset Cliffs, Del Mar Beach, and La Jolla CoveConnect with Sammy DeLaura:Instagram: @sammy.delauraWebsite: sammysellsre.comEmail: [email protected] info:sweatcommunity.com subscribe to stay in the know!

Liezyl Ribeiro didn't set out to build a fitness festival. She set out to change her city. What started as a fight to make a difference on Chicago's South Side has grown into Strength in the City, a nationwide fitness and wellness movement now thriving in 14 cities, with Denver playing a major role from the very beginning.In this episode of the Sweat Community Podcast, Liezyl, the Creator of Opportunities behind Strength in the City, shares how one grassroots idea became one of the country's most recognized fitness festivals. We talk about why Denver's fitness community is unlike anywhere else, why collaboration beats competition, and how local fitness studios, instructors, and wellness businesses are building stronger communities together.We also dive into Strength at the Rocks, Denver's newest fitness experience at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and what to expect at this year's festival.In this episode:How Strength in the City grew from a Chicago passion project into a nationwide movementWhy Denver became the second city, and what makes its wellness community so special, How competing fitness studios come together to build communityWhat it takes to produce one of Denver's biggest fitness festivalsWhy creating opportunities, not competition is the focus🎟️ Save 50% on your Strength in the City Denver ticket with code SWEAT at checkout.link to tickets: https://sweatpals.com/event/strength-in-the-city-festival-denver/2026-07-25?aff=sweat-community-podcastLearn more at strengthinthecity.com.For more Denver fitness studios, wellness events, and exclusive local deals, subscribe to the free newsletter at sweatcommunity.com.Follow along:• Strength in the City: @strengthinthecityStrength in the City Denver: @strengthinthecity.denSweat Community: @sweat__community

What makes a boutique fitness studio truly successful? Is it more members, lower prices, or something else entirely?In this episode of Sweat Community, I sit down with Wendy Hennig, founder of Aligned Studio Consulting, to explore what really helps fitness studios thrive. Wendy has been a fitness instructor, general manager, studio owner, and now consultant, helping boutique fitness businesses increase revenue, improve member retention, build stronger teams, and create communities that keep people coming back.We dive into why more members isn't always the answer, the biggest mistakes studio owners make, what causes members to cancel their memberships, and why instructors play such a critical role in creating loyal communities. Wendy also shares her perspective on pricing, marketing, Google Reviews, ClassPass, burnout, and the systems every studio owner should have in place.Whether you're a studio owner, fitness instructor, or someone who simply loves your local fitness community, this conversation offers valuable insight into what happens behind the scenes of the studios we all love.In this episode, we discuss:Why more members doesn't always mean more profitThe biggest mistakes studio owners makeHow to improve member retention and create loyal communitiesWhy instructors are one of a studio's greatest assetsWhen to raise prices—and how to do it successfullyThe truth about ClassPassMarketing strategies that actually workWhat makes boutique fitness studios thrive🎁 Special offer for Sweat Community listeners:An extra 30 minutes added to a Studio Alignment Session (a $150 value)$75 off a Studio Experience Audit for local Denver studiosConnect with Wendy Hennig:🌐 Website: alignedstudioconsulting.com📱 Instagram: @alignedstudioconsultingResources Mentioned:📚 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz📚 Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia NagoskiIf you're enjoying Sweat Community, head over to sweatcommunity.com and subscribe to stay in the know with new podcast episodes, local fitness and wellness events, exclusive offers, and the people building community through movement.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend, instructor, or studio owner who would find it valuable. Every share helps grow our local fitness community.What made you sweat this week?

Chelsea Stewart didn't have investors, a playbook, or a guarantee it would work. What she had was 12 years of teaching experience, a method she believed in, and enough drive to open HAVN Hot Pilates in just three months, while working a full-time job.Two and a half years later she has 21 employees, two waitlisted studios in the Denver metro area, and a community that keeps coming back not just for the workout but for how it makes them feel.In this episode of Sweat Community, Chelsea gets real about what it actually takes to build a boutique fitness studio from scratch, the 80-hour weeks, the contractor battles, the self-doubt, and the moment she knew it was time to open a second location.We also get into everything you've wanted to know about hot Pilates and why Chelsea believes the era of exclusive, aesthetic-obsessed fitness studios is over.We cover:Launching HAVN Hot Pilates in three months with no outside investorsTeaching 22 heated classes a week while running a business soloMat Pilates versus reformer and why mat is harder than you thinkWhether Pilates actually builds muscle and how it compares to strength trainingThe real benefits of working out in a heated roomOpening a second waitlisted studio and the pressure that came with itWhy exclusivity in fitness is over and what HAVN is doing differentlyChelsea's personal wellness routine: nutrition, sleep and avoiding burnoutChelsea's philosophy is simple: work hard, be nice, and go where it feels good. Whether you're hot Pilates curious, an aspiring studio owner, or someone who has ever felt like the fitness industry wasn't built for you, this one is for you.Find HAVN Hot Pilates: Instagram: @havnhotpilates Website: havenhotpilates.com Studios in Greenwood Village + Littleton, CO First three classes: $45 | First drop-in: $22Never miss an episode, subscribe at sweatcommunity.com for new episodes, Denver area fitness and wellness events, studio spotlights and exclusive local offers.

What if the thing that changed your life wasn't winning, but simply refusing to quit?After a devastating car accident and spinal injury, Angela Fuller was told she'd never be an athlete again. She spent 27 years away from gymnastics, battled postpartum depression, and faced the heartbreaking loss of her best friend to terminal breast cancer.Most people would have accepted those setbacks as the end of the story.Angela didn't.In this inspiring episode of Sweat Community, Angela shares how she found the courage to start over, applied to American Ninja Warrior four years in a row before finally making the show, and returned to competitive gymnastics.Her story has been featured in People Magazine and Inside Gymnastics, but what she really wants is for every mom listening to know: your dreams don't expire just because you became a parent.If you've ever felt like it's "too late" to go after something, this episode is your sign.Connect with Angela FullerFollow Angela and her journey:Instagram: @coloFitnessChickFacebook: Angela FullerYouTube: Angela FullerTikTok: @HappyDanceNinjaTake a Class with AngelaZumbaTuesdays at 10:00 AM – Northridge Recreation Center (Highlands Ranch)Thursdays at 9:00 AM – Westridge Recreation CenterHIIT 30 Lift 30Wednesdays at 10:00 AM – Westridge Recreation CenterIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who needs a reminder that it's never too late to chase a dream.For more fitness, wellness, and community events around the Denver metro area, visit sweatcommunity.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode, local event, or special offer from our community partners.

Is Botox in your 20s a good idea? Do red light masks actually work? And what does it really mean to age gracefully?In this episode of Sweat Community Podcast, we sit down with Heather Gilbert, PA, at Après Skin and Wellness, to talk aesthetics and regenerative medicine. Heather shares her journey into becoming one of Denver's most trusted injectors, and why education and patient relationships are at the center of everything she does.We cover the questions you're probably afraid to ask: how Botox really works long-term, whether fillers damage your lip tissue, what biostimulators and PRP/PRF actually do for your skin, Nutrafol, the most overhyped treatments right now, and how to know if your provider truly has your best interest at heart.Heather offers free consultations for everyone. Mention code HeatherSweat150 to save $150 off your first treatment *terms and conditions apply.*Book your consultation at www.onlyapres.comFor more episodes and to stay up to date on wellness events, subscribe at sweatcommunity.com

What does it take to go from Starbucks barista to leading billion-dollar businesses?In this episode of Sweat Community Podcast, Sheena sits down with Denise Nelsen, former Senior Vice President at Starbucks, former CEO of Smashburger, yoga teacher, mentor, and leadership advisor with SGNL.Denise shares her journey from barista to executive leadership, the role wellness and movement played throughout her career, and how living in Colorado shaped her approach to health, fitness, and community. She also opens up about navigating career transitions, redefining success, and helping others find alignment in their work and lives.Plus, Denise shares her favorite Colorado wellness experiences, insights from building a life centered around movement with her husband, Rich Nelsen, former CEO of VASA Fitness, and why fitness, community, and wellness remained non-negotiables while leading billion-dollar organizations.Special offer for Sweat Community listeners: Denise is offering 10% off coaching and mentoring services through SGNL when you mention "Sweat Community."Connect with Denise: [email protected] more local fitness, wellness, and community conversations, visit sweatcommunity.com and subscribe to stay in the know on new podcast episodes, show notes, and upcoming events.What made you sweat today?

What does it take to build a yoga festival from the ground up?Host Sheena sits down with Brittany Hopkins Switlick, founder and director of the Denver Yoga Summit, bestselling author, yoga teacher trainer, and community builder, to talk about how she turned a message with friends into a three-day wellness festival happening this September at the stunning Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms.We're talking about building community through movement, the real story behind launching a wellness event, healing through yoga, and why Denver's wellness scene is about to change forever.In this episode we cover:How the Denver Yoga Summit was born and what it took to make it happenWhy yoga is the workout you didn't know you needed, especially if you're an athleteWhat 90+ classes, workshops, and sessions across three days actually looks likeThe gap between yoga classes and teacher training, and how this event bridges itHow Brittany's bestselling book Dancing with Our Selves teaches you to harness your ego and live with intentionThe nonprofits and community impact baked into the Summit's DNA from day oneWhy in-person wellness community has never been more important than right nowWhether you're a seasoned yogi, a fitness lover curious about yoga, a yoga teacher looking for continuing education, or someone who has never set foot on a mat, this episode is for you.Grab your tickets at DenverYogaSummit.com and use code SWEAT30 for $30 off. Single day passes and payment plans available.Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms | September 11–13, 2026.Follow the Denver Yoga Summit on Instagram: @DenverYogaSummitStay connected with the Sweat Community at SweatCommunity.com and subscribe so you never miss an episode or community events.

Shannon Weston didn't set out to build a wellness business, she set out to save her son. What started as a desperate search for answers to her child's mysterious health issues became a complete obsession with the power of food as medicine and eventually, Vibe Foods, one of Colorado's most trusted organic health food stores.In this episode of Sweat Community Podcast, Shannon gets refreshingly honest about the wellness industry, what's worth your money, what's complete health washing, and why that acai bowl you think is healthy might have more sugar than a hot fudge sundae. We also dig into clean protein sources, bone broth benefits, ingredient label red flags, and what it really takes to build a passion-driven business in today's economy.Later in the episode Shannon reveals her unexpected guilty pleasure, the supplement she swears by, and her honest take on wellness trends that need to go away.Plus, Shannon shares why fighting to protect the Lone Tree Bluffs is deeply personal to her and connected to everything she believes about health and community.Sweat Community exclusive: order online at lovevibefoods.com, use code SWEAT3 at checkout for $3 off your order. As always, go to SweatCommunity.com and subscribe to stay in the know on all things health and wellness in the Denver metro area.

What does it take to build a fitness community where everyone belongs, from first-timers to people in their 90s.In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Yeager, Fitness Manager at Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), to talk about community fitness, senior fitness, mental health, and what it really means to lead with heart.Hannah opens up about her personal journey with anxiety and panic disorder, how movement became her healing tool, and why she believes therapy should be non-negotiable for everyone. Plus we talk about what makes HRCA's 100+ weekly classes so special, why strength training is having a moment, and the power of affordable community-based fitness.Whether you're looking for your fitness community, navigating your mental health, or just curious about what HRCA has to offer, this one is for you.📍 Highlands Ranch, CO. Connect with Hannah: [email protected] info, wellness events and show notes at SweatCommunity.com, subscribe to stay in the know of health and wellness in the Denver Metro.

What happens when two passionate gym members decide they can’t let their favorite fitness studio disappear? In this episode of Sweat Community, Sheena sits down with Megan Howell and Tracey Sica, the owners behind Colorado’s first and currently only BFT (Body Fit Training) studio, to talk about the science-backed workout concept that’s rapidly growing around the world, and why it’s creating such a loyal fitness community in Highlands Ranch.If you’ve been curious about BFT, HyRox training, strength-based group fitness, heart rate tracking workouts, or how boutique fitness studios are changing the future of wellness, this episode breaks it all down. Megan and Tracey share how they went from members to owners, what makes BFT different from traditional gyms, and why their programming is designed to deliver real, sustainable results without the burnout.You’ll also hear:What “science-backed training” actually meansWhy strength training is becoming essential for long-term healthHow BFT blends personal training with group fitness energyThe role heart rate monitoring plays in smarter workoutsWhy HyRox is exploding in popularityThe realities of running a boutique fitness studioInspiring transformation stories and mindset shiftsHow community and accountability keep people consistentWhether you’re a fitness beginner, a seasoned athlete, someone looking for motivation, or simply interested in the latest fitness trends in Colorado, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways.Plus, BFT Highlands Ranch is offering Sweat Community listeners 3 FREE classes when you mention Sweat Community, the perfect chance to experience the workouts, coaching, and community for yourself.Subscribe to SweatCommunity.com for more conversations with fitness experts, wellness leaders, local business owners, and the people shaping Colorado’s health and wellness scene.What made you sweat this week?

In this episode of Sweat Community, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about IV therapy, peptide therapy, and hormone optimization—so you can decide what’s actually worth it for your health.I’m joined by Kristy Anderson, co-owner of ONUS IV Therapy and Longevity, a leading Denver wellness clinic with multiple locations across the metro area.We cover:What IV therapy actually does in your body (and how it compares to supplements)The truth about peptides, including GLP-1 weight loss and recovery peptides like BPC-157Signs your hormones may be out of balance (for both women and men)How hormone replacement therapy (HRT) works and who it’s forWhat’s safe, what’s overhyped, and what to avoid in the wellness spaceWe also dive into the ONUS IV Therapy Grand Reopening in Highlands Ranch, what to expect at the event, and how they’re expanding wellness access across the Denver community.🎉 BONUS FOR LISTENERS:Check out Sweat Community on Instagram to see how you can win a $200 gift card to ONUS IV Therapy and LongevityGet a FREE B12 shot when you mention Sweat Community at your next visitIf you’ve been feeling low energy, dealing with burnout, or just curious about IV drips, peptides, or hormone health, this episode gives you clear, expert-backed insight—without the overwhelm.Listen now and get in the know on one of the fastest-growing trends in health and wellness.

Is rowing the most underrated workout in fitness right now?In this episode of Sweat Community, host Sheena sits down with Emily Liedtke, Master Coach and Lead Coach at Row House in Highlands Ranch, to break down why the rowing workout is gaining popularity as one of the most effective full-body, low-impact training methods.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the rowing machine, stuck in your fitness routine, or unsure how to stay consistent, this episode is packed with practical tips and real insight to help you get started.Emily shares how indoor rowing combines cardio and strength training, why it’s ideal for all fitness levels, and how proper rowing technique—especially focusing on leg drive and recovery—can instantly improve your performance.Beyond the workout, this conversation dives into fitness motivation, building confidence, and the power of group fitness classes to create accountability and long-term consistency.Whether you’re new to fitness, returning after a break, or looking for a low-impact workout that still delivers results, this episode will change how you think about cardio, strength, and sustainable training.If you’re in the Denver Metro area, take a class with Emily!! Row House Highlands Ranch is offering:2 weeks of unlimited classes for free when you mention Sweat Community!

Welcome to the first episode of the Sweat Community Podcast!If you’ve ever felt intimidated walking into a new fitness studio, overwhelmed by workout options, or unsure where to start your wellness journey—you’re not alone.In this episode, Sheena shares the story behind Sweat Community and how a search for connection in the Denver fitness scene led to the creation of sweatcommunity.com, an interactive map designed to help you:Discover fitness studios in DenverFind intro offers, deals, and promotionsExplore local wellness eventsFeel more confident trying something newPlus, learn what to expect from future episodes featuring fitness instructors, studio owners, and wellness leaders sharing their real stories and experiences.You’ll also hear how living with rheumatoid arthritis shaped her approach to movement, why community matters in fitness, and what to expect from future episodesWhether you’re new to fitness, looking for a new workout community, or wanting to explore Denver wellness events, this podcast is here to make fitness feel more accessible, inclusive, and less intimidating.Visit sweatcommunity.com and subscribe so you don’t miss new episodes and upcoming events

Welcome to Sweat Community, the podcast where health fitness, wellness, and connection come together right here in the Denver metro area.I’m your host, Sheena, a nurse and fitness instructor who grew up in Golden, Colorado, on a mission to bring people together through health and community.Because let’s be real, finding the right workout class, the right wellness events, or people who truly get your lifestyl can feel overwhelming.That’s exactly why this podcast exists.Each episode, I sit down with local fitness instructors, studio owners, and the wellness leaders shaping the communityto share real conversations, insider tips, and the best things happening around Denver.This isn’t just about workouts, it’s about connection.About finding spaces where you feel supported, inspired, and like you actually belong.If you’re living in Denver and want to be in the know about fitness, wellness, and community you’re in the right place.Follow the show, listen in, and join the email list at sweatcommunity.com to stay in the loop on the latest fitness and wellness events across the Denver area.And tell me, what made you sweat today… or this week?This is Sweat Community, where you find your people, your movement, and your community.