A new wellness studio is opening this spring in Owensboro, introducing a rare blend of hot Pilates, reformer training, and power plate vibration workouts.
Sweats & the South, located at 1734 Sweeney Street next to the former Gene’s Health Food location, is the creation of Owensboro native Ashton Roark. The studio will serve as an expansion of Roark’s Nashville-based brand, Revive Nashville, and will be the first in the area to offer fitness classes using power plates.
Roark is also an ambassador for Power Plate USA and said her passion for wellness started years ago in Los Angeles, where she ran a nonprofit that supported people in the entertainment industry.
“I’ve always had a heart for helping people live more grounded, holistic lives,” Roark said. “Fitness was a big part of that for me.”
After experiencing health issues related to bone density and frequent fractures, Roark discovered power plate training while living in California.
“After using the power plate for four months, I no longer had broken bones — and that’s been over seven years now,” she said.
She said power plates are certified medical vibration devices used by professional athletes and those seeking low-impact, high-efficiency training. She added that in just 20 minutes, users can complete the equivalent of a one-hour strength session while also improving circulation, reaction time, flexibility, and serotonin levels.
“It’s great for people with neuropathy, circulation issues, or even those needing a mental health boost,” Roark said. “It activates up to 94% of your muscles and helps break down lactic acid, so you’re not sore after a workout.”
In addition to vibration training, the studio will feature traditional reformer Pilates classes and both heated and non-heated mat Pilates. The bottom floor of the new facility will house reformers and power plates, while the upstairs will be dedicated to hot Pilates sessions.
Sweats & the South will operate on a class-based membership model, similar to Pure Barre or Orangetheory Fitness. Members will be able to purchase class packages or sign up for a full membership once the schedule launches this spring.
Roark expects to offer about 30 classes per week and is currently building her local instructor team.
“We’re training our first team at the end of January,” she said. “Ideally, we’ll have six to eight instructors certified across different methods. Power plates and mat Pilates are quicker to certify in, but reformer certification takes about three months.”
Roark was the first to introduce hot Pilates to Nashville and said she’s excited to bring the same energy and innovation to Owensboro.
“It’s something people really enjoy,” she said. “And once they try the power plate, they’re hooked.”
Those interested in joining the teaching team can text their resume and video audition to 310-903-8229.
For more information, visit revivepilatesandplates.com or follow @joinsweatsobky on Instagram.
