The story of Lafayette’s very own Sassy Fitness Studio all began when Heather Kannal was on her way home from a pole dancing class in Indianapolis.
“To be honest, my first class was not fun, and I did not want to go back,” said Kannal. “But my friend insisted we use our five class pass we had already purchased.” So, she gave it a second chance and went back. She’s glad she did.
“The second class was a life-changing experience for me,” Kannal said. “For possibly the first time in my life, I felt strong and a bit sexy.” She wanted everyone to feel this way, but there wasn’t anything comparable in Greater Lafayette. That’s when the idea to open a studio in her own community came to mind.
“The name of our studio was actually my husband’s idea and I loved it,” said Kannal.” My husband has been my biggest supporter.” But there was a time before the studio opened where Kannal began to get cold feet, ice cold feet. “I told him (my husband) that no one would take a 43-year-old mom of four, who was definitely not a size 0, seriously,” Kannal said. “He said that I was exactly why this would work. People would be comfortable with me and the fact that I am about as real as they get, instead of a young, tiny person who has never had children.”
He was right. By just being herself, Kannal proved that pole dancing is for everyone. With the studio located on Lafayette’s south side, people from all walks of life, all ages, all sizes, all everything have paid a visit to Sassy Fitness Studio. Kannal encourages anyone 16 years old and older to stop by. “We want a place for adults to feel comfortable learning something new and a bit sexy,” said Kannal.
After several years in the making, Sassy Fitness Studio is preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary. Kannal said she loves her job and her clients. “Everyone at Sassy becomes family,” she said. “I promise you that you’ll have never been to a more welcoming place.”
If you’re interested in learning more about what Sassy Fitness Studio has to offer, head over to wellnessliving.com/login/sassyfitnessstudio. No membership is required and classes are offered both individually and in packages at a discounted rate.