From personal training to digital workouts, boutique fitness center brings new offerings downtown

Oct. 17, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Pendar Properties.

A gym unlike any other in Sioux Falls has opened in downtown’s Cherapa Place development.

SISU Fit is on the first floor of The Dakota Flats, 324 N. Reid Place.

The modern boutique fitness center was developed in consultation with a group based in Los Angeles, said Anne Haber, a partner in SISU Fit.

“This space is designed for many different users — from corporate members to residents, the general public that lives or works nearby or really anywhere in town — so we’ve structured it to adapt to those many types of people.”

SISU is a Finnish word that means “courage, resilience, the will to carry on,” Haber explained. “And I think that fits with the Nordic design of the mass timber build that it’s in. There’s a sense of warmth to it. It speaks to health and wellness, with natural woods and pops of green.”

The fitness studio is a partnership with Annie and Chris Mello, owners of CPMFitness.

“It is state of the art and one of the nicest gyms honestly I have ever been in,” Annie Mello said. 

“I have envisioned a modern health and fitness facility that could incorporate a ‘lifestyle’ brand, not just a gym. It has luxury and sustainability all into one. So I absolutely love it. I can’t sleep at night because I am so excited to get there!” 

The gym is open 24 hours and includes a pod-like system connecting you with more than 14,000 digital workouts.

“You can pick from Pilates to yoga to HIIT, running and hiking — there are so many options,” Haber said. “And then you’re not conforming to a time. So come in whenever it suits your schedule, and you’ll still have that motivation and instruction.”

Unwind in the on-site sauna or take advantage of an outdoor feel to your workout as a garage door opens to the Cherapa courtyard, and some equipment will be offered outdoors.

“This allows you to try all sorts of fitness activities,” Haber said. “We have all-digital cardio equipment, we have some rowing equipment and will be adding more, and we have many options for strength training.”

SISU Fit also offers fitness assessments, nutrition consultations and access to many exceptional fitness trainers “with tons of experience,” she continued.

“We’ve worked with everyone from teens to those in their 80s, so you can sign up for one training a month or do it every day if you want. It’s easy, and it’s fun to then pair with the digital equipment.”

SISU Fit “is truly unique in Sioux Falls because it’s the first gym of its kind here, blending fitness with a more holistic approach to wellness and longevity,” Mello said, noting the combination of exercise, nutrition and recovery services along with cutting-edge technology such as wearables.

“What sets SISU apart is that it’s bringing the kind of innovation you typically find in big cities right here to Sioux Falls, offering a comprehensive approach to health and fitness that wasn’t available here before,” she said.

“At SISU Fit, you’ll immediately notice the state-of-the-art facility and top-tier equipment, but what truly sets us apart is our ability to deliver personalized results for individuals at different stages of life. Whether you’re a working professional in your 30s or 40s striving to balance a busy career and personal health, SISU Fit offers flexible access hours and trainers who can create customized programs to prioritize your fitness while managing stress.

“For those in their 50s and 60s, we provide a focus on long-term wellness, strength and longevity through tailored nutrition plans, appropriate strength training and added recovery options like sauna treatments,” Mello said. “At SISU, we support your goals no matter where you are on your fitness journey.”

The space also will host classes and likely will expand them to the broader Cherapa Place development, Haber said.

“We think there are multiple areas in this development that could host classes, and we’ll be organizing challenges as well,” she said. “Our rucking challenge this summer was very fun and well received, so look for additional ways to connect with SISU and make fitness fun.”

The partnership between CPMFitness, which closed this week at the Western Mall, and SISU Fit is a natural one, Mello said.

“For years, CPMFitness has been evolving towards a service model that aligns with what SISU is already bringing to the market,” she said.

“Instead of shifting directions, we saw an opportunity to merge our staff, community and 11 years of functional fitness experience with SISU’s vision. Together, we’re combining our strengths to create something greater, integrating over 60 years of coaching expertise into SISU’s new model.”

Many employees who work in the Cherapa Place development enjoy access to SISU Fit as an employee benefit, “and we are able to talk with other interested businesses about corporate packages,” Haber said.

“We’re excited to introduce people to the space and encourage you to stop in and learn more.”

To learn more and book a studio tour, click here.