Sweat Community

Sheena

Sweat Community Podcast is your inside guide to health, wellness, fitness, and community in the Denver metro area. Hosted by Sheena, fitness instructor and RN who grew up in Golden Colorado, this show brings together the people, places, and events that make Denver’s wellness scene thrive. Each episode dives into real conversations with local wellness leaders and community builders who are shaping how we move, connect, and feel our best. Whether you’re looking for your next workout class, wellness event, or a supportive fitness community, you’ll find it here. New episodes out every Thrursday. If you’re health-minded and living in (or near) Denver, this podcast helps you discover new opportunities to sweat, grow, and belong. From fitness trends and wellness tips to local events and community spotlights, Sweat Community is all about helping you find your people. For more, head over to SweatCommunity.com and subscribe to the email list to stay up to date on the latest health, fitness and wellness events happening around Denver.

  1. 2d ago

    Ep 16. Professional Dancer to Lululemon Ambassador: Kelly Catania on Yoga, Retreats & Mental Health

    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 Studios Kelly's class schedule: Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 8:00 AM and 9:30 AMSunday: 7:30 AM and 9:00 AMConnect with Sweat Community🌐 sweatcommunity.com Discover 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? 🧘‍♀️

    Ep 16. Professional Dancer to Lululemon Ambassador: Kelly Catania on Yoga, Retreats & Mental Health
  2. Aug 6

    Ep. 15 Oakwell Beer Spa: More Than a Beer Bath | Jessica Zouaoui on Wellness, Risk & Reconnection

    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.com Connect with Oakwell Beer Spa 🔗 Oakwell.com 📱 @OakwellBeerSpa on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok 🏢 OakwellFranchise.com

    Ep. 15 Oakwell Beer Spa: More Than a Beer Bath | Jessica  Zouaoui on Wellness, Risk & Reconnection
  3. Jul 23

    Ep. 14 Sammy DeLaura: From Golden CO to Luxury Real Estate, Selling Sunset & San Diego's Hidden Gems

    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 Cove Connect with Sammy DeLaura: Instagram: @sammy.delaura Website: sammysellsre.com Email: sammy@ogroup.com More info: sweatcommunity.com subscribe to stay in the know!

    Ep. 14 Sammy DeLaura: From Golden CO to Luxury Real Estate, Selling Sunset & San Diego's Hidden Gems
  4. Jul 16

    Ep 13. Strength in the City Denver: Building Community Through Fitness with Liezyl Ribeiro

    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-podcast Learn 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: @strengthinthecity Strength in the City Denver: @strengthinthecity.denSweat Community: @sweat__community

    Ep 13. Strength in the City Denver: Building Community Through Fitness with Liezyl Ribeiro
  5. Jul 9

    Ep. 12 Wendy Hennig | Why More Members Isn't the Answer- What Actually Makes Boutique Studios Thrive

    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 studios Connect with Wendy Hennig: 🌐 Website: alignedstudioconsulting.com 📱 Instagram: @alignedstudioconsulting Resources Mentioned: 📚 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz 📚 Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski If 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?

    Ep. 12 Wendy Hennig | Why More Members Isn't the Answer- What Actually Makes Boutique Studios Thrive
  6. Jul 2

    Ep. 11 How Chelsea Stewart Built HAVN Hot Pilates Into Two Waitlisted Studios

    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 burnout Chelsea'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: $22 Never miss an episode, subscribe at sweatcommunity.com for new episodes, Denver area fitness and wellness events, studio spotlights and exclusive local offers.

    Ep. 11 How Chelsea Stewart Built HAVN Hot Pilates Into Two Waitlisted Studios
  7. Jun 25

    Ep. 10 From Disability to American Ninja Warrior: Angela Fuller's Incredible Comeback Story

    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 AngelaZumba Tuesdays at 10:00 AM – Northridge Recreation Center (Highlands Ranch)Thursdays at 9:00 AM – Westridge Recreation CenterHIIT 30 Lift 30 Wednesdays at 10:00 AM – Westridge Recreation Center If 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.

    Ep. 10 From Disability to American Ninja Warrior: Angela Fuller's Incredible Comeback Story
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About

Sweat Community Podcast is your inside guide to health, wellness, fitness, and community in the Denver metro area. Hosted by Sheena, fitness instructor and RN who grew up in Golden Colorado, this show brings together the people, places, and events that make Denver’s wellness scene thrive. Each episode dives into real conversations with local wellness leaders and community builders who are shaping how we move, connect, and feel our best. Whether you’re looking for your next workout class, wellness event, or a supportive fitness community, you’ll find it here. New episodes out every Thrursday. If you’re health-minded and living in (or near) Denver, this podcast helps you discover new opportunities to sweat, grow, and belong. From fitness trends and wellness tips to local events and community spotlights, Sweat Community is all about helping you find your people. For more, head over to SweatCommunity.com and subscribe to the email list to stay up to date on the latest health, fitness and wellness events happening around Denver.