Sweat Fixx

Low Impact | High Intensity | Total Body

Instructor Spotlight: Anna Doe

We couldn’t be more excited to add Anna to our team! She is the COMPLETE package, with over 7 years of experience in the fitness industry.

Anna started taking classes at Sweat Fixx a few months before we had to close our doors. She showed up to classes ready to work; strong and fast and with a little competitive edge that Sweat Fixx seems to bring out in most people!

We were lucky to be able to snag her as part of our team right before the shut down.  During the last few months, Anna has spent a lot of time training virtually and learning our class formats, taking lots of classes and even teaching a few online. Anna’s years of teaching experience made the transition seamless – even during these crazy times!

She will be taking the mic IN STUDIO for the first time tomorrow – Friday 9 am HIIT in our Wakefield studio will be Anna’s new slot!  Make sure to keep your eyes out for more Anna classes to come in both Wakefield and Arlington!

How did you hear about Sweat Fixx and what made you interested in being a part of the team?

I have known both Elise and Michelle through the fitness community for years and actually remember when Elise opened Sweat Fixx. Over the past few years I kept hearing so many amazing things about Sweat Fixx – the classes, the team, the overall community – that I knew I needed to check them out. After one class I was sold!

 

What keeps you coming back?

Honestly, the good vibes! I have been to so many different fitness studios but I knew immediately Sweat Fixx was different. From the moment I walked in the door everyone was so welcoming. There was no judgment. No feeling of being left out. Some studios made me feel nervous being there alone but not Sweat Fixx. Everyone was so inclusive that I was able to join right in and just enjoy the class. I loved being partnered up because it allowed me to easily meet other clients.

 

When you aren’t at Sweat Fixx, where can we find you?

I’m a pretty big homebody so I’m usually at home with my husband, daughter and dog. We love taking walks around the neighborhood or a hike in the fells.

Where is your favorite place to grab a quick snack or drink?

Starbucks! I’m very into their iced green tea lemonade this summer!

 

Favorite guilty pleasure?

Grey’s Anatomy. I have watched every season far too many times but it never gets old!

 

What’s one thing about you, that people would NEVER guess?

That I have a HUGE sweet tooth. I love candy and ice cream which is funny for someone who is so passionate about fitness – but hey life is all about balance. I even have a candy drawer at my house which is always stocked. I’ve been this way since I was very little (I used to get caught climbing up the counters to eat sugar from the sugar bowl) so I don’t think it’s ever changing hah!

 

What’s one thing you are most proud of accomplishing in the past six months?

Raising my daughter! Penelope will be one in August and the past year has been so amazing yet challenging too – especially with the quarantine. I have learned so much about myself and my husband and we are both better people after becoming parents. 

I have so much respect for all parents out there doing the very best they can during this difficult time!

One piece of advice you would give to someone who is walking through the Sweat Fixx doors for the first time?

Come in with an open mind and have fun. I find people are so nervous to try something new and I completely understand that. But like I said earlier, Sweat Fixx is different. Everyone there is supportive, kind and hard working. There are plenty of people modifying because they have different injuries so you will never feel like you have to do absolutely everything the instructor is doing. And if you mess up an exercise or forget what is coming next – don’t worry, everyone has been there (I kept forgetting to reset my rower during Row Fixx haha) Remember Sweat Fixx isn’t just a studio, it’s a community and a very good one to be a part of!

 

Anything else you want to add?

I am so excited to be able to join the team and finally meet a lot of clients in person! Also, a huge thank you to all my Sweat Fixx team members for all their support and kindness while welcoming me to the team!

Member of the Month: Tamieka Lauz

Tamieka has been with Sweat Fixx almost since the beginning – back when we had Battle Fixx classes! She has been able to show love to both our Arlington and Wakefield locations and taken such a wide variety of instructors- taking over 240 classes to date!

Each and every instructor agrees that when Tamieka is in class she will be one of the hardest workers in that room – lifting heavy and pushing herself on the rower. She comes with a positive and strong attitude and helps to level up the entire room.

When we switched to virtual classes, Tamieka did not let that slow her down or break her routine. She kept signing up and showing up – it helped her to keep a sense of “routine and normalcy”. This did not go unnoticed, and the Sweat Fixx crew was so excited to have Tamieka be our member of the month!

How did you first hear about Sweat Fixx?

My best friend raved about this new studio she went to that I would absolutely love. She told me about the 3 for $30 package so that I could try it out. At the time, the Wakefield location ‘the OG studio’ was the only location so I ventured from the city to see if all the hype was real. PS It is…!!!

What keeps you coming back?

Honestly, I tend to get bored with workouts and my body plateaus pretty quickly. I keep coming back class after class, due to the workouts constantly changing.  I never feel that I have hit my comfort zone or feel bored. If anyone says to me ‘I am bored with the workout’ my suggestion would be to switch the instructors around or the type of class, as each instructor has their own twist on the Sweat Fixx method. Coincidentally my physician is also a ‘SweatFixxer’ and she fully approves their workout class types and even suggests dependent on my personal health goals which workouts to switch to.

What’s one thing that you look forward to every time you come to a class?

The energy the instructors and fellow workout buddies bring to the class! I definitely have my moments when I would prefer to sleep in past the 5:30am class but then I remember the only workout I regret is the one I missed.

What motivates you to be stronger?

The instructors and the body positivity that is constantly exemplified in the variety of body types at Sweat Fixx. I have constantly struggled with the media version of “fit”, what is the ideal weight and where I am in comparison to these expectations.

With the help of Sweat Fixx, I have finally thrown that “ideal” out the window. Instead, I focus on listening to my body, giving it what it needs and challenging it to be stronger. You will constantly hear Elise yelling at her classes ‘Okay, I know you all can level up! One more rep, grab a heavier weight and try it, hold that plank one more second!’ This motivates me to be stronger because I think to myself it does not hurt to try and even if I struggle, I can always try again when I get stronger.

When you aren’t crushing it on the rower or mat, where can we find you?

You normally find me on a plane…. I travel a lot between work and personal. I very much love exploring new cities. Now in our new world you can find me at home working remotely for a biotech company focusing on bringing novel first in human treatments to clinic for pediatric metabolic rare diseases.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Real Housewives of Atlanta and Married to Medicine are my guilty pleasures. I will pause an episode or re-watch it if anyone interrupts my shows.

What are you most proud of accomplishing since you first came to Sweat Fixx?

After years and years of yoga classes I was able to hold the crow position; thank you Erica! I finally trusted myself to do it without worrying about falling on my face which I did anyways, and it was not that bad.

One tip that you would give to someone who is coming to Sweat Fixx for the first time?

I remember after my first class (BattleFixx with Michelle) I thought, I do not know if I can keep taking these classes it was so hard. My tip is do what you can do, no one is judging you and everyone in the class is focusing on their own workout so there is no pressure!

Anything else you’d like to add?

During these times where everything feels a bit uncertain, this community rallies behind each other and the classes give a sense of routine and normalcy. I would encourage anyone to add Sweat Fixx classes to their routine for the added mental benefits.

Let’s Celebrate – Cinco de Mayo Style!

Cinco De Mayo is right around the corner and I wanted to share some of my favorite Cinco De Mayo dishes with my favorite party people!
For any signature Mexican dish you always need some good guacamole! My favorite is guacamole that has a little spice and extra lime!
Ingredients:
2-3 ripe avocados
1 lime
1 seeded chopped jalapeño
1/4 diced red onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (obviously can leave out if you don’t like too much 🔥)
I use my mortar and pestle but you can totally use a bowl and a fork or mash potato masher! This part is super easy, mash up the avocados, juice the lime, and add all of the spices, the jalapeño and the onion. Mix it all together until the consistently you’re feeling for your guac! You can also get fancy by adding some of these additional ingredients:
  • mango, pineapple, pomegranate, chopped tomatos
  • pepitas, toasted almonds
  • any type of soft cheese
  • greek yogurt or sour cream
  • chopped chipotle in adobo (if you like it smoky)
  • bacon, chorizo!?
Next up, the main dish! I love these crispy bean mini tacos! They are super easy and delicious especially with a giant scoop of spicy guacamole on top! I only use bean in mine but you could definitely add some shredded chicken or pork to your taco.
Ingredients:
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 15 ounce cans of black beans (rinsed & drained)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/3 cup tomato juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
First, in a separate pan than where you are going to fry your tacos; heat up some olive oil, your minced garlic, taco seasoning, and onion powder (two to three minutes is great). Then add the drained and rinsed black beans, tomato juice, and salt. Stir while singing the Macarena and taking a few sips of your margarita until everything is combined! You want to give your beans some time to cook, occasionally stirring and dancing for about 10 minutes. You know they are finished when most of the liquid is evaporated. Almost like how your margarita has “evaporated” and you need to go make a new one.
After your black bean mixture is finished you are going to heat up oil in your cast iron (it’s okay if you don’t have cast iron but I think it works wonders with frying up these tasty little tacos). Once you oil is poppin’ you are going to scoop some of your bean mixture into your tortilla and fold it in half. Now, drop it (in the oil) like it’s hot until they are golden brown on both sides! By now you should have your next margarita ready and you can go enjoy your tacos!
Happy Cinco De Mayo! Don’t forget to tune in live for Battle of the Jess’ for a good ass kicking and then margarita 101 right after class on May 5th!
See you there! Cheers!

Member of the Month: Jacqueline O’Brien

Jacqui has been a client of Sweat Fixx since almost the beginning – she will hit her 3 year mark next month! She began in Wakefield and took a lot of the later evening classes. When we opened our Southie location she was able to switch there and continue to crush classes and become a huge part of the Southie crew. She started making connections to help create the welcoming, but competitive environment that is unique to Sweat Fixx.

Jacqui shows up ready to work and most importantly, with a positive attitude and a smile! Not only is she a badass on the rower, her laugh is contagious and she always brightens up the room! She is so supportive and encouraging to everyone around her – clients and instructors both love having her in class!

 

How did you first hear about Sweat Fixx?

I first heard about Sweat Fixx from my friend, Jaclyn Bossi! It was shortly after the grand opening in Wakefield and I was excited to try something new! After just ONE class, I was hooked and became a regular in the 7:30PM classes. I was so excited when Elise decided to open the Southie studio as it was closer to where I worked!

 

What keeps you coming back?

Sweat Fixx is not your regular fitness class. It’s so much more than that.  It’s a community of dedicated, hardworking, and inspiring people. The feeling of working out with all of these people is what keeps me coming back!

What’s one thing that you look forward to every time you come to a class?

Aside from the kickass workout, seeing all of my favorite people that I’ve met along the way including but not limiting to Jeannie, Terri, Brian, Christine, Deb, Blake, Molly, Anna, Elise, Alli, Michelle and Jen! Everyone including the instructors comes from all different backgrounds. They all show up every single day to not only make themselves stronger but to build up the people around them.

 

What motivates you to be stronger?

Besides getting my butt into shape to marry this handsome guy in September, I would have to say my sister, Mal! She is my biggest cheerleader and someone I look up to both on and off the rower. From always reminding me what the heck is happening in GRIT to encouraging me to lift heavier and row faster. I’m very grateful that we are able to take class together.

When you aren’t crushing it on the rower or mat, where can we find you?

I’m extremely fortunate to have a job that I truly love. Working in Cardiac Surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital has taught me a lot but most importantly to cherish and be grateful for the small things in life.  

If I’m not working, I love spending time with family and friends! In the summer, boating is my favorite thing to do!

 

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Puppies and wine!

 

What are you most proud of accomplishing since you first came to Sweat Fixx?

Becoming stronger both mentally and physically, hitting a PR, squatting “one inch lower”, being able to plank for 2 minutes, completing a 10K, lifting heavier and actually being able to do a push up!

 

One tip that you would give to someone who is coming to Sweat Fixx for the first time?

Don’t think about it. Just sign up and show up! You will not be disappointed.

 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you to all the incredible people that make SF what it is! 

 

“The New Normal” – Finding balance, routine & a new snack idea!

This is a tough time for everyone. Stress, worry and fear are common feelings for many people. It is hard with the unknown and uncertainty of it all. Sweat Fixx really wants to be able to bring any sense of normalcy and routine to you all during this time. We have received great feedback on the live streamed classes but we wanted to provide a little more insight for you all.

We asked 3 of our crew to tell us a few of the ways that they are staying on track, staying sane and just simply getting through this chaos. Jackie Doherty, Jaclyn Bossi and Natalie Malinowski have answered a few questions to give you some insight into their days and routines.

How are you keeping a routine during this chaotic time?
JD: I am trying to incorporate as much normalcy as I can into this time. Meaning, writing my to-do lists for work and for life in my planner, writing a meal plan for every week and a workout schedule to stick to. I try to hit at least two 6:30 AM live streams a week to stay with my normal morning workout schedule. No matter what, I get up early on Tuesdays (because I miss teaching my morning classes!) and can’t fall out of that routine!

JB: During this crazy time, my routine has changed a lot. The best part of this change though, is that I have finally *slowed down*. I feel like my days were always rushed, mind going a mile a minute. Now maybe I sleep in a little more than I used to, but I get to enjoy my coffee (while it’s still hot) without rushing out the door. My favorite part of my routine is my SF Live classes each day. I am a regular “nooner” every day. This is when I carve out an hour of my day at 12:00 dedicated to getting my FIXX!

NM: Keeping it super simple. If we can get up, brush teeth, get dressed and make our beds, that’s enough for most days! I have two kids, Evie is six and Carson is four, we probably do an hour or so of “school” each day and fill up the remaining time with as much snack and outdoor recess as we can.

What’s one thing you do for yourself each day?
JD: I take a walk. I try to explore different routes in my neighborhood and try to take one or two walks a day. The fresh air helps clear my mind, and I get to take a break from working from home, which sometimes is hard to do!

JB: Besides my daily live fixx, one thing I do everyday that makes me SO happy is watching Schitt’s Creek in the morning with my cup of coffee before I start my day. 🙂

NM: For me, moving my body helps alleviate so much stress, frustration, fear, etc. so I try to make that happen daily. Whether it’s a killer Sweat Fixx workout, some yoga, a walk, I try to make it happen when I can. I also easily forgive myself when I can’t, because, well, it’s a pandemic and we’re all just trying to do the best we can.

What’s some advice for people that may be struggling with staying on track?
JD: I keep telling myself that this will end and everything will go back to normal, so you want to make that transition as easy as possible. So try to stick to a routine, setting goals on a Sunday for the upcoming week has really helped me. We all have a little extra time, so why not use it for ourselves? This doesn’t mean you need to workout 3 times a day, 7 days a week – but it does mean you can challenge yourself to get that extra workout in, or wake up early and sweat if you haven’t tried that yet. But also, don’t be too hard on yourselves for having that after work beer/wine or for binge watching a show. Now more than ever, we need balance.

JB: One piece of advice I have is to not be so hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time. And pick a Live Class and just DO IT. You won’t regret it.

NM: Haha, what does “on track” even mean these days?!? Showing yourself a lot of grace and compassion is my best advice. In sharing the daily struggles of life with other moms I am close with, we can’t even believe how day to day, even minute to minute, our emotions and attitudes can change. Take a deep breath, allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling, and then maybe try to let it go because no one knows how to do this “right”.

What’s your favorite class on the LIVE stream?
JD: I think Grit is my favorite. I think the different blocks and challenges are so exciting to get through. I always find myself dripping sweat like 4 minutes into class, and everything always flies by. It’s so fun!

JB: My favorite live stream class is HIIT! I love getting my heart rate up each round. It is SO fun and goes by SO fast.

NM: I am and always will be a Sculpt girl, however, Grit is also totally great!

What’s the most creative object you’ve used for a “weight”?
JD: My 17 pound West Highland Terrier. She is the best lap dog, so anytime I am in a wall sit, she’s with me, in my lap for that extra challenge!

JB: My best “weight” has been a gallon of water or large wine bottle.

NM: After one of the infamous towel sculpts I’m not sure I could even lift a weight for a week! I was lucky enough to have a set of 5 lb. dumbbells and a 15 lb. kettlebell at home, so I’ve been making them work, but man do I miss a good set of heavies <3

What’s your favorite quarantine snack and/ or drink?
JD: This would have to be a tie between red sangria and a frozen waffle with peanut butter & dark chocolate chips on top. I have both multiple times per week!

JB: My favorite quarantine snack is fresh cut fruit (bananas, strawberries, blueberries) topped with coconut shavings.
And let’s just say I’ve really perfected the best margarita.
Cheers! Can’t wait to see you kicking ass on the stream!

NM: So my aunt who’s been stuck in quarantine in Bridgton, Maine has been perfecting the pudding shot, and I literally drove 2.5 hours last weekend to pick up another batch, think flavors like pumpkin, mudslide, and salted caramel…safe to say that’s absolutely been my most favorite snack!

Stream 360 and Live Stream Q&A

Sweat Fixx- Q&A Stream 360-Live streams

Hey Crew! 

We’ve had a bunch of questions regarding our Streams so wanted to clarify and answer as best we can to get you set for our Steam 360s as well as our Live streams! This will hopefully make it easier for you to navigate and get some great workouts in while you are at home. As always, you can reach out to us at any time, and we will be more than happy to help!

1. STREAM 360- (ACCESS ANYTIME! NOT LIVE)

How do you sign up for Stream 360?

Jump on our website: At the top you will see a button for our Stream 360 – click on that! If you scroll down, you will see an option for one video for $10 (good for 24 hours), or you can sign up for a monthly Stream membership in which you would have access to all of our pre recorded streams for $39 for the entire month.

Note this is a DIFFERENT login then for your normal Sweat Fixx classes. You can not use class packs on this separate platform.

If you buy a stream 360 does it work for the LIVE classes?

Unfortunately, no. That is a separate platform and cost. 

2. LIVE STREAMING (ACCESS DURING LIVE CLASS TIMES) 

How do I sign up for Live Streams?

Signing up for the Live Streams is just like signing up for your regular Sweat Fixx classes. You can use your class packs, purchase an individual class, or use your unlimited monthly membership – just as if you were coming to the studio! Don’t worry. If you are only ClassPass or GymPass, you can use that to sign up too! 

How do I join the live stream? 

A link will be sent to you via email a ½ hour before the class starts. Please make sure to check your spam folder if you haven’t received the email from Sweat Fixx as it sometimes can make its way in there. If you still have not received the email, please email your home studio managers for the link:
Amesbury, Beverly: michelle@sweatfixx.com
Arlington: elise@sweatfixx.com
Southie: danielle@sweatfixx.com
Wakefield: carly@sweatfixx.com

I do NOT want to be on camera!

No problem at all! In this stream, there is an option to turn your camera off. Of course we would love to see all of your smiling (and sweaty) faces, but we also understand that not everyone likes to be on camera. Please know though you are just a small square on the screen and if everyone is doing the workout like we hope, you won’t be stared at – unless the instructor wants to call you out to get one inch lower ;). Kidding… well maybe. 

I have a barking dog at home and loud kids! I don’t want to be distracting.

We’ve got that covered too! Once the actual class starts, we mute everyone so you can only hear the instructor. We keep you unmuted before the class so you can chat with your fellow Fixxers (but you can also mute on your end). We will also give you time at the end of class to chat and talk about a job well done if you want. 

Do I need any special equipment? 

For our Stream 360, we have lots of different options for body weight only, minibands, water bottles, towels and weights. For our Live Streams, you only need yourself and possibly a towel or water bottle. We are working hard to keep things interesting and challenging so depending on how long this goes for, we may add in some weight or band options. Stay tuned. 

When will you be offering live classes?

As of right now we will be hosting a 6:30AM, 9:00AM, and 12:00PM class. We have a couple of evening pop ups planned. We are likely adding a 6pm evening class as well so don’t worry night-time warriors! 

In this time of uncertainty, we want to have a space for our clients to feel healthy, happy, and safe! We are so excited to have this opportunity when you can’t be in the studio for us to be able to connect with our loyal crew. As always, any questions, comments or concerns please feel free to reach out to us!

Nervous to try a Stream? Here are some things our clients are saying:

“That virtual class was a life saver today for my sanity- and it’s only day 1! Looking forward to streaming some of the other ones too”

“Can’t wait to get back in the studio with you but I’m really grateful for everything you guys are doing to make sure we still get our butts kicked!”

“I honestly feel like having this normalcy is going to be so great for everyone… to be able to start my day this way was amazing”

“This morning was awesome!!!! Arms are already sore”

“Did the 6:30 this morning and loved it. I am terrible with technology, but I was there sweating all along <3”

“I am honestly so impressed how quickly you all put together such an incredible LIVE workout series to keep clients engaged and excited to workout in such a stressful and scary time! I needed that this morning and can’t wait to work out with all of you again”

“In true Sweat Fixx fashion, you have built an even stronger community”

“Seeing my crew definitely helped keep me going”