Hidden Gems: Meet Casey Vanac of The Sweat Box

Today we’d like to introduce you to Casey Vanac.

Casey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have NEVER been athletic, I have never been “thin”, and the gym has always been a scary and intimidating place for me. I was training for a 5k and would run a couple of minutes on the treadmill at a local gym, and then walk around for 45 minutes trying to look busy. One day when I walked past the group fitness room and heard loud music and sticks. I was SO intrigued, yet so nervous to try out this crazy workout called Poundfit. The pound is a cardio-based class with lightly weighted drumsticks where you become a part of the music.

I took my first class and fell in love! After a few weeks of taking pound, the instructor was headed to college, and it wasn’t offered anymore. I decided to get certified to become a Pound Pro. My passion for this workout grew. I was teaching in multiple gyms, I’d go into schools, have classes at churches, with girl scout groups and detention centers- I’d have class anywhere I could talk someone into letting me hold a 45 minute class to beat on their floor with some sticks and work out- I was there!

I became certified in spin shortly after, and then group fitness certified, and then I earned my training certification.  Covid happened and it was almost a blessing in disguise for me. Since gyms were shut down, I started an online group and offered virtual classes. During this time I realized if I can get 50 people to join me for an online class with glitchy service, on a tiny screen, during one of the scariest times in our lives- I knew I could find a couple of people to join me for live classes as the world began to reopen.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road! It has been more of a roller coaster for me! Besides running a business, I also work full time as a manager of a restaurant- so when I am not knee-deep in classes, class preparations, or any of the paperwork that comes along with it, – I am working my full-time job. Some of the struggles for me is finding enough hours in the day. My days start at 4 am, and I am usually not home until 8-9 pm most nights.

Another “struggle” has been the growing pains that I never expected! When I opened, I bought 10 spin bikes, thinking I’d never fill them. After 2 weeks of being open and selling out consistently, I went up to 15, and now I am at 22 bikes and most spin classes have a waitlist. It was almost like I never prepared myself for my business to succeed. When I opened The Sweat Box I just kept thinking to myself “what if I fail”? I was preparing myself for the worst, and never expected TSB to grow so quickly and so rapidly.

As you know, we’re big fans of The Sweat Box. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The SweatBox is a group fitness studio where we celebrate every BODY. Our motto is “Come as you are”! My goal is for you to feel welcomed, and like you belong from the moment you walk into the door. We offer 30+ group classes a week, taught by 11 certified, knowledgeable instructors. We take pride in our workouts, designed for every fitness level. We offer Spin, Pound, Pilates, Zumba, Barre, Yoga, Yoga Shred, Rockstar Burn, and Spin and Strength classes.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
In October we sponsored a mile for The 24 in 24, and we are currently working with Asa’s Angels to fund Christmas Gifts for children in Lake County. We are always looking to collaborate- especially for the community! The SweatBox is always posting on our social media with events and fun things coming up! You can also find out more on our website. www.thesweatbox440.com or send an email to thesweatbox44060@gmail.com for any collaborations!

Pricing:

• First class is FREE!
• $10 Drop-in Classes
• $65 month of Unlimited classes ($70 starting Jan 1st)
• $120 for 4 personal training sessions

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thesweatbox440.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thesweatbox44060
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesweatbox44060