The Sweat Social: Changing New Orleans' Reputation

Working out at Woldenberg Park

When you think about New Orleans, chances are you probably don’t associate it with health and wellness. For hundreds of years, classic dishes like beignets, red beans and rice, and muffulettas, as well as copious amounts of alcohol, have defined a good vacation in New Orleans, with many people accepting their fate of arriving home a few pounds heavier. For those trying to change their diet or simply become more physically active, the city is a hub of temptation, and one can easily feel like there is no hope of sticking to a normal routine while visiting.

In recent years, New Orleans has been slowly changing that unhealthy image, with more vegetarian- and health- friendly restaurants popping up all over the city. Outdoor workout areas around New Orleans have become increasingly popular, set up by companies like FitLot, which aims to improve public health by setting up fitness parks around the country. With workout classes as well as the opportunity for the space to be used recreationally and for free, it allows for a community of fitness and wellness to be created. Still, the city has its reputation, and change will take time, but The Sweat Social is trying to help it along.

A fitness enthusiast does donkey kicks at the W Sweat. Stretch. Swim. event

After spending years traveling for work, as well as a year traveling for pleasure around Asia, co-founders Rupa and Manoj Mohan came up with the idea for The Sweat Social. Noticing the difficulty of maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle on the road, they figured that New Orleans would be the perfect place to set up shop. Speaking of the company’s conception, Rupa says, “The Sweat Social was born from our two greatest passions – travel and fitness – and our mission is to provide travelers solutions to becoming and staying healthy and fit on the road.” Starting by renting a lot at Woldenberg Park on the Riverwalk, Rupa and Manoj began a fitness journey that they have brought people from all over the world on with them.

Offering thirty-minute workouts every day of the week – sometimes more than once a day – The Sweat Social caters to travelers looking to fit in a quick workout in the morning, allowing them to easily continue their day of sightseeing. One look at the company’s Facebook page, and it is obvious that these workouts don’t mess around. Though only ten people have written reviews, each one is five stars, and the comments make it clear that the clients feel they have gotten what they paid for. “…It will feel like the longest half-hour of your life,” writes one reviewer, while another warns, “Don’t pass this class up!” Rupa says that most of the feedback has been similar, and that more and more visitors have been signing up every week.

Co-founder Rupa Mohan teaching at the W Sweat. Stretch. Swim. event

Though the daily workouts keep Rupa busy as she teaches every class, she has been working hard to create partnerships with other businesses in the New Orleans community. The Sweat Social has recently partnered with local chapters of many big businesses, hosting free Thursday workouts in collaboration with Lululemon at the W for the month of September, with $5 drinks and pool access available afterwards to attendees. Lindsay Byboth, store manager at Lululemon who worked with Rupa and Manoj to put the event together, says that The Sweat Social’s community aspect is what is so beneficial to them, and will help them be successful in a city like New Orleans. “Their goal of bringing people together in the city was something that so closely matches what Lululemon is all about, so it was just a matter of time to find out how we could pair up for an event,” she says. And she’s right. Bringing in full classes to the W every week for three weeks, The Sweat Social is starting to find its footing among it’s intended demographic.

A full class at the W Sweat. Stretch. Swim. event

While Rupa and Manoj are hoping to help people stay fit on the road, they also want to make sure their clients aren’t getting stuck on Bourbon Street for the entire time they spend in New Orleans. At the end of every workout, clients can look forward to a raffle, where they have the chance to win gift cards and coupons to restaurants all over New Orleans, from the Marigny to Mid-City. In September, the Sweat Social’s founders partnered with Morgan Ford, New Orleans’ senior community manager at Yelp, for a special free event that was a part of Yelp’s “Yelp Gets Physical” series. Morgan began speaking with Rupa and Manoj a few months before the event, and she found them to be a perfect choice. “The Sweat Social was a natural fit since it provided a unique high-energy workout regiment combined with fun giveaways and a more social interaction than your normal fitness classes,” she said. Held at Longue Vue House and Gardens, the event included a free tour of the mansion’s gardens following the workout, as well as a complimentary breakfast.

Clients at the "Yelp Gets Physical" event at Longue Vue House and Gardens

The Sweat Social is making an impact in New Orleans, and slowly but surely, locals and travelers alike are taking notice. One walk-in to the W event said that she “had never worked so hard in her life,” but that she would be back. While that is most likely an exaggeration, it shows the impact that the Sweat Social is having on its clients. Though they find the workouts a challenge, they appreciate having to work hard, and feeling like they’ve earned whatever it is they choose to indulge in. New Orleans is taking baby steps toward becoming a healthier city, and while The Sweat Social is helping it along, it also aims to keep the charm that comes along with the city’s culture of delicious food and drink. Work hard, says The Sweat Social, and reap the rewards.

An attendee wins in the post-workout raffle

For more information on how to join a class, visit www.thesweatsocial.com.

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