Building strength inspired by 900 BC, Sweat Forum pushes through The Pitch Questionnaire

Courtesy of Sweat Forum

Sweat Forum is making its mark on the KC fitness scene by bridging ancient ideals with modern needs. This twist on the classic workout has filled a void in the market for many locals. Their focus is simple: utilizing a ‘two-room approach’ to bring high-intensity and low-intensity fitness together in one place.

Sweat Forum partners, Stephanie Jones, Courtney Filing, Jackie O’Leary, and Jackie Kaulentis, started their business in 2020 with a mission defined by an ancient Greek concept, Arete. They define Arete as “the excellence born from seeking to use up every last drop of one’s potential and abilities.” 

In The Pitch Questionnaire, Jackie O’Leary delves into the inspirations drawn from ancient Greek ideals that shape their studio mentally and physically, future plans, and how they foster not only their Sweat Forum community but also the KC community.  

The Pitch: Tell us about yourselves.

Jackie O’Leary: I’m one of the four owners. We were all at a previous location and had different backgrounds. We are all mothers—two of us recent mothers. I have a love of movement and sports, got my Master’s in exercise science, and worked in personal training, coaching, and sports marketing. Jackie K, another owner, was the brainchild behind Sweat Forum. She has a background in fitness and massage therapy, with a passion for group fitness. Another owner, Steph, was introduced to group fitness by her mother and also has a background in dance. Courtney, our other partner, is driven by movement and sports. She had three kids before getting into group fitness and also has experience in real estate.

Sweat Forum Owners: Stephanie Jones, Courtney Filing, Jackie O’Leary, Jackie Kaulentis, courtesy of Sweat Forum

What inspired you to create Sweat Forum and how did the concept of the ancient forums from 900 BC influence your vision?

O’Leary: When COVID hit, we saw an opportunity to create something special in Kansas City. We brainstormed, found a location on State Line and 76th, and built out our space. We have a HI room for strength and cardio and a LO room for mindful movement and yoga. We wanted to embody a holistic approach to fitness, not just focusing on one aspect. We were drawn to the idea of a forum, a central gathering space, and how it can translate into the fitness world. A forum is a cultural hub, a central meeting place, which is a strong and cool word that resonated with us.

With your mission being to strengthen people physically and mentally, expand on the Greek concept of Arete for us.

O’Leary: COVID opened our eyes to the fact that strength isn’t always physical; it’s also mental. Strength can mean being strong for your family, yourself, or your kids. We want to provide physical strength, but also mental strength that translates into everyday life. Our mission is to help people be the best version of themselves, both physically and mentally. We were drawn to the strength of the word ‘arete,’ which means pursuing excellence. Excellence can vary from day to day; it might be just showing up to class or achieving a personal record. ‘Arete’ embodies total well-being, not just physical strength but also moral and mental excellence. We incorporate this into both our high and low rooms, encouraging people to pursue their full potential.

Tell us more about your HI and LO rooms. 

O’Leary: We have a HI room for strength and cardio and a LO room for mindful movement and yoga. The concept of ‘arete’ inspires both spaces. We have a HI room class called Arete, which is a hybrid class combining strength and cardio, embodying the pursuit of excellence. The LO room focuses on mindful movement and controlled environments, allowing for different but equally challenging forms of excellence. Pursuing total well-being is our goal, whether it’s a high-intensity burpee in the high room or a Shiva Squat in the LO room.

Courtesy of Sweat Forum

What unique perspectives do you bring to the fitness industry as a women-owned business? 

O’Leary: Being a woman-owned business allows us to connect with our clients on a deeper level. We understand their journeys because we’re on them too. It’s not just about workouts; it’s about juggling family life. We relate to people and champion their wins, both in and out of the gym. This creates a strong bond that extends beyond our gym walls. We attract a broad clientele, and our community is diverse and welcoming.

I’m truly blessed to work with amazing women, but we also have incredible men who come through and coach. We lead with the women but go side by side with the men too. Our studio appeal is broad-based, and we want to attract both men and women. We aim to create a welcoming atmosphere that’s approachable for newcomers but also extremely challenging. Our gender ratio is about 60% women and 40% men. Group fitness is typically more female-driven, but the men in our community have really stepped up.

With community being one of the studio’s core values, what ways do you foster your Sweat Forum community, and what makes your community unique compared to other fitness centers in KC?

O’Leary: The connections we built throughout Kansas City were invaluable. We put in a lot of work prior to opening and got to know many people. Our studio and membership base has grown significantly. We have an incredible team of new and seasoned coaches, fostering camaraderie and new connections. Our members want to work out together, drive together, and support each other. This sense of community is strong and unique, and our instructors have embraced this pillar, getting to know the members and fostering a positive environment.

What are your future plans for Sweat Forum?

O’Leary: We’re going into our third year and still feel new but also like a leader in Kansas City’s fitness network. We’re focused on growing, engaging the community through diverse events, and expanding class options. We’ve partnered with Loews Hotel for a new series until October, doing pop-up events to highlight different class options. We’ve also collaborated with local businesses for various events, which has led to significant growth. We want to maximize what we can do in our current space and make it the best it can be.

If you’re interested in joining or want more information about Sweat Forum, find them on their website or Instagram.