As the fitness landscape evolves, gyms are no longer just a realm of treadmills and dumbbells; a new breed of fitness classes is reshaping exercise routines and creating a sense of community while sculpting bodies, building stamina and offering lots of joy along the way.
Fitness pioneers like Jack LaLanne started the workout momentum in the United States when he opened his first health club in Oakland, California in 1936. Gold’s Gym launched in 1965 and then Jane Fonda’s aerobics, which brought leg warmers and matching bodysuits to women’s fashion, continued the fitness evolution. Twenty-four hour gyms popped up, and over the next two decades, CrossFit, personal training and wellness studios expanded exercise options further.
Fitness routines now cater to a diverse range of consumer preferences that include social opportunities, specialized environments, novel exercise workouts, technological integration and an emphasis on overall wellness.
Charleston residents don’t have to look far to find the class, the environment and the community that ensure that their workouts are anything but mundane. The portfolio of possibilities is vast, but here are some highlights of three specialty fitness businesses in the Charleston area:
1. Founded by Charleston native Jennie Brooks, a world-traveled and certified fitness trainer, The Longevity Club, located at 163 Rutledge Ave., Charleston, is a luxurious boutique health and fitness club with a spa feeling and the candles and scents to match. It is built upon a philosophy of mindful movement and improved body mechanics as a pathway to achieving wellness.
Four floors house Pilates studios, personal training suites, an open gym and designated wellness rooms. The rooftop terrace overlooks Charleston and includes a private recovery lounge with an infrared sauna and zero-gravity massage chair.
Enrollment includes about an equal number of men and women of all ages from youths to seniors. Families are welcome. Typical services include reformer and mat Pilates classes, personal training sessions, and small group fitness classes. Acupuncture, facials, sound bath meditations and chiropractic care are also available.
In response to the sense of isolation created by the pandemic, The Longevity Club deliberately works to create a vibrant community feeling. Members get to know their instructors well and tend to form lasting relationships with fellow attendees.
According to Maria Castellano, certified personal trainer and Pilates coach, “Over the past 3½ years, I have had the pleasure and privilege of watching Longevity Club grow in so many ways — physically by expanding its footprint, organically through increased membership, and tactfully from rising above a pandemic and economic downturn. Our education-forward coaching and pristine facility will stand the test of time.”
2. Jane DO, situated at 476 Meeting St., Charleston, is the result of a shared vision by best friends. Jacey Lambros and Danielle DeAngelo met as dancers with New York City’s Radio City Rockettes.
Lambros explained, “After our time on stage came to an end, we envisioned an exercise brand where women could feel empowered to define their own strength, sexiness and beauty. So, with determination and a grassroots approach, we became owners and business partners, not only of a business, but also of a powerful brand.”
Jane DO is also about community — a fitness community designed to empower women of all ages and wellness levels. Five unique classes fuse aerobics, strength training and flexibility in a safe, dedicated space where women can work out and connect with other like-minded individuals. In this positive and inclusive environment, women can embrace their individuality and celebrate each other’s successes.
One of the popular classes at Jane DO is the trampoline workout. Effective for all fitness levels, these workouts fuse strength training, cardio, and flexibility elements while efficiently burning calories, building muscle tone and improving cardiovascular health – and they are fun. The low-impact routines are also gentle on the joints. Instructors adapt routines for new students or those less coordinated.
Lambros summed up Jane DO by saying, “We’re more than just a gym; we’re a vibrant community where women of all ages and fitness levels can feel supported, empowered and inspired. Our diverse offerings go beyond physical fitness, promoting overall well-being. We like to say, ‘Come for the class, stay for the community.’”
3. If there are two populations in South Carolina and across this nation that are often excluded from traditional physical fitness programs, it is homeschooled children and those of all ages with disabilities or learning differences.
Generally, homeschooled children may legally attend public school gym classes, but they are sometimes made to feel like unwanted outsiders. Students with disabilities may be physically unable to participate in traditional sports and exercise classes. They can face disrespect and ridicule when trying to keep up with able-bodied students. Rather than feeling strengthened and empowered by attending such classes, these two groups often feel embarrassed, inadequate and frustrated.
Beach Cowboy Fitness, located at 1200 Queensborough Blvd., in Mount Pleasant, is open to everyone, but it has been strategically planned and developed to offer fitness training for the above-mentioned populations. The idea for such a facility was the brainchild of 26-year-old Cameron Lett, a multicertified physical fitness coach who has risen above his own learning differences and experiences to support those struggling along the same pathway.
Once Cameron convinced his mother of his dream, Cynthia Lett did the necessary research and used her entrepreneurial skills to create a business plan. Beach Cowboy Fitness, a nonprofit physical fitness center, was successfully launched in September 2022 and grew 71% in its first year. It is supported by individuals and local businesses.
Programs include unified fitness classes, adaptive sessions, summer camp and yoga. Other options are the Intramural Club, which is sponsored by a local speech and language therapist’s practice, and additional programs co-sponsored by Project Rex in conjunction with Medical University of South Carolina. There are also monthly parents’ gatherings with special speakers.
“All our coaches are certified in special needs training, and we have an OT on staff as well,” reported Cynthia Lett. “In addition to our able-bodied youngsters, some enrollees have physical disabilities; and some have learning differences such as ADHD, high anxiety, autism, Down Syndrome or behavior issues such as difficulty making transitions. Some are referred to us by their doctors. They and their families have often felt alone and isolated. Learning how to work and play together through team-building exercises is an extremely important and enriching experience for everyone.”
In addition to serving its unique clientele at its own facility, Beach Cowboy Fitness offers one more inclusive feature: All equipment is portable and nonelectric, allowing coaches to take their programs to those who cannot make the trip to Mount Pleasant. Group homes, schools and small-group settings are ideal candidates for this well-rounded, mobile physical fitness program.
For those looking beyond traditional gym programs, Charleston offers a variety of choices to accommodate all ages, tastes, interests, abilities and budgets. Consider finding the fitness program that is right for you while 2024 is still young.
Learn More:
The Longevity Club: visit www.thelongevityclub.com or call 843-720-7200
Jane DO: visit www.janedo.com or call 210-938-1000
Beach Cowboy Fitness: visit www.beachcowboyfitness.com or call 843-438-4833
By Janet Perrigo
