Jiggle Studio brings body-positive fitness and fun to Fourth Avenue

Staff

Jiggle Studio brings body-positive fitness and fun to Fourth Avenue
Trainers and owners of Jiggle Studio gather at the grand opening on Fourth Avenue: Ricky Taylor (kickboxing), Vanessa Stewart (Xtreme Hip Hop Step, a modern step aerobics class), Sharlene Wellington (creator and owner), Jackie Tuorto (co-owner), Hanna Nelson (yoga), and Kimmi Stephan (Pound, a drumming cardio workout). Photo by Craig Reid

Under a bright bubble-gum pink awning on Fourth Avenue, Jiggle Studio held its grand opening with music, snacks, and a series of playful mini-classes that set the tone for what owners Sharlene Wellington and Jacqueline Tuorto call a “community space for movement.”

The new fitness studio, located next to Minnie’s Bar, aims to offer an alternative to traditional gyms with its no-pressure, body-positive approach.

The slogan says it all: “Stay fat, get fit.” For Wellington, who comes from a background in the bartending business, the idea was to create a studio that celebrates every body and focuses on joy rather than weight loss.

“There are so many places that make you feel uncomfortable with your own body,” she said. “Here, it’s about moving a little, laughing, improving mental health, and making friends.”

Classes start at $20, with discounted class packs that don’t expire for a year. Tuorto, a lifelong dancer and certified pilates instructor, said the goal is affordability and variety.

“You don’t have to go to five different studios,” said Tuorto. “We’re not just yoga or just pilates or just kickboxing. We’ve got Pound, we’ve got Xtreme Hip Hop Step. We’ve got these amazing classes that you won’t find anywhere else. Just come and move your body.”

The opening night reflected that ethos. Neighbors sampled the Hangover Cure stretching class — served with a cup of warm vegetable broth — and instructor Kimmi Stephan led a Pound class using weighted drumsticks and music to get heartbeats thumping.

Stephan made a point of inviting our readers who may not speak English to try a class.

“Music is a universal language. Even if we don’t speak the same language, you can still feel the beat and have fun with it,” Stephan said. “That's what we're all about.”

Local resident Chloe Goodhart, who has taken classes with Stephan for years, said Jiggle stood out immediately.

“It’s really fun and inviting,” said Goodhart. “The bright colors make it feel welcoming, and it’s been a great way to finally meet some neighbors I’ve seen around for years.”

With ten classes a week currently on the schedule and plans to add Zumba, pilates, and social nights like salsa dancing, Jiggle Studio is positioning itself as more than just a workout spot.

“We want this to be a place where people come back because they had fun,” Wellington said.