Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Juda.
Craig, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My business partner (Leonard Chung) and I were both in finance for 20 years and saw a void in the fitness market. We both wanted to work out with our children but couldn’t find a studio/gym that allowed or welcomed youth. So we left our careers to start WOLA,- group fitness for both youth and adults, located in the heart of Los Angeles at 3rd & Fairfax across the street from The Original Farmers Market and The Grove. We have two studios, one for youth (6-12) and one for adults (13+). Our program changes daily and is full-body so every day is a unique wholesome experience. We’ve consulted extensively with Dr. David Skaggs (Chief of Orthopedics at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles), Cedars Sinai’s Wellness Group, St. John’s Orthepdic Group, and multiple pediatricians in ensuring our workout programs are safe and effective for youth and adults.
As importantly, we strive to ensure all are guests are enjoying their workout experience via inspiring world-class instructors, custom-curated DJ tracks and fantastic service. Since opening a year ago, we have seen exponential growth, facilitating more class additions to our schedule such as a competitive youth athlete training program called WOLA Performance Academy (WPA); boxing-specific themed classes we call PHIGT and themed Aerobics/Dance classes. We’re excited our passion project has been so excitedly received by the community, having families of all ages working out and accomplishing their fitness goals together.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As a start-up business, there are always bumps in the road. However, when layered in with the disruption to an industry paradigm which our business proposes, it adds infinitely more challenges. That said, we both love a challenge and are fortunate to have recruited a world-class, passionate team that believes in WOLA’s mission as much as we do. We are focused on long-term objectives, recognizing we are in uncharted territory in educating a younger generation on the importance of incorporating fitness into their daily lives.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Wola story. Tell us more about the business.
WOLA was created as a cutting-edge group fitness journey for youth and adults to collectively invigorate their bodies, minds and souls through fitness. Our mission is to build closer relationships – between peers, families and community. We combine heart-racing cardio with muscle-toning resistance. Every day is a different journey- fresh, challenging & euphoric. Dual studios, DJ-curated beats, incredible instructors. We inspire, We encourage, We motivate, WE HAVE FUN!
During our signature FIT and SWEAT workout, guests (the WOLA Family) will enjoy a challenging 45-minute workout program, with specific focus on HIIT, core strength improvement and stretching/recovery. Our classes are primarily designed around circuit training, which allows programs to be different every day. We also offer specific classes that aid in recovery (RESET) and boxing skills training (PHIGT).
We believe we are the only fitness studio in the U.S. that has designated group fitness catering to both youth and adults. We also strenuously focus on safety and form correction, thereby limiting our class size (18 total) to less than half of most other group fitness studios. We strive to provide industry-leading customer service and have been rewarded with a very special community of employees and guests.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
With everything in life there is good and bad luck, luckily we have had good luck thus far being blessed with an amazing WOLA team. Every team member feeds off on another making coming to work that much more fun. Thinking outside the box and taking the risk to start something new that has never been done before needs some type of luck. What many people don’t see is the support system behind the scenes. Having family and friends to lean on in tough times and even giving high fives in the good times, makes a huge difference.
Pricing:
- We have a membership Scale keeping or rates lower than most studios- Single Unlimited Membership is $139. Family of 2 (family can be anyone, friends etc) $180, Family of 3 $245,
- Drop – in is $28
- Class Packages: 6pack- $168 ($27) a class. 10pack- $260 ($26 a class). 30pack -$600 ($20 a class)
First Class Free
Contact Info:
- Address: 7944 W. 3rd St
Los Angeles CA, LA 90048 - Website: www.wolafit.com
- Phone: 323-452-9748
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @wolafitness
- Facebook: @wolafit
- Twitter: @wolafit
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wola-los-angeles?osq=wola
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/WOLA/@34.0715168,-118.3652334,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80c2b93128f1ad8f:0xf4eb418e5c559e63!8m2!3d34.0715168!4d-118.3630447
Image Credit:
Mercedes Dean
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