Johnette Cruz leads a stretch during a class at Sweat Shop.
Waylon O’Donnell | Daily Journal
After losing her job as a nurse five years ago Amy Skirvin needed a new passion.
The feeling of loss was “like a really bad breakup.”
At that low point, one idea called to her.
“I have always loved dance, fitness and working around women,” Skirvin said. “The universe pushed me out of my nest, so I figured that I’d give it my best shot.”
Overcoming several obstacles, including doubts from her friends and loved ones, Skirvin was focused on starting a life as a fitness and nutrition entrepreneur. She began leading classes in a Franklin park and eventually moved her business into the basement of 10 Pins duck pin bowling alley.
In May 2020, Skirvin acquired a former yoga studio at 299 S. Main St. and Sweat Shop was officially born. The fitness studio focuses on maintaining an inclusive environment that nurtures the physical and mental health of women in the community.
“I always try to maintain a ‘Non-mean-girl atmosphere,” Skirvin said. “We give each other encouragement. Everybody, no matter shape, size, color, religion or politics, is welcome in this room. We all need health and we all need to feel good about ourselves. Women are so hard on themselves. It takes a while to understand what ‘progress over perfection’ means. Even if you are making just a little bit of change, it is going to add up over time.
“I always tell my clients to do their best and forget the rest.”
Skirvin challenges women to complete daily challenges to keep themselves motivated. Her coaching is individually tailored to each of her client’s personal goals, she said.
Sweat Shop offers fitness classes, nutritional guidance and group coaching. The ages of current clients range from their 20’s to 70’s.
The instructors target practicality and encourage all progress, Skirvin said.
Johnette Cruz, a native of Brooklyn, New York who owned her own studio in Fishers connected with Skirvin on social media. She works as an instructor at the studio and focuses on one-on-one personal training.
“It is so down to earth and refreshing to come to a place where you can really be yourself,” Cruz said. “Sometimes you have to put on a fake façade with all of these smaller gyms who are trying to impress people. We don’t hide behind anything, which I completely love.”
Cruz teaches strength, pilates, boxing, yoga and professional dance fitness classes including ballroom and Latin dance.
Bekah Crawford, Skirvin’s assistant and sister, has worked at Sweat Shop since May 2021. Crawford said Skirvin is an incredibly authentic person to be around who strives for the success of every client.
Crawford has also gone on her own weight loss journey at Sweat Shop, she said.
“I have struggled with weight my entire life,” Crawford said. “I was always tall and overweight. The first time I stepped on the scale, it didn’t work. Thanks to Amy’s personal assistance, I have lost 115 pounds over the last two years. You feel a sense of freedom that you never thought was possible when you start to reach your goals.”
Megan Jewell, a Sweat Shop client, said that one of Skirvin’s greatest skills was holding individuals accountable.
“She’s not going to coddle you,” Jewell said. “She is going to push you, make you stronger and help you believe in yourself. I have lost 50 pounds and kept it off. For me, it has completely changed my whole lifestyle. When I get sad, now I go for a walk. Amy baby-stepped me through it.”
One of Skirvin’s primary ambitions is to strengthen the women in the Franklin community. Sweat Shop supports several other local small businesses that are owned by women.
The fitness studio hosts a multitude of events throughout the year including burlesque workshops and various socials. The stronger women are in the community, the stronger the community is as a whole, Skirvin said.
Her coaching is geared towards helping women feel like they belong, even if they feel like they are lost, she said.
“We are here for women who lost their confidence or lost themselves,” Skirvin said. “Our theme this year is ‘Be you.’ We want people to find themselves again. When we do before and after photos, it is their eyes that change even more than their body. There is a light that comes back on in a person. That is what we are trying to do.”
Sweat Shop is open Monday through Thursday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays from 6:30 to 11 a.m.
