The Workout LA Founders on Empowering Women Through Fitness

By: Valeria Ramos

The start of a new year inevitably brings millions of Americans to the doors of gyms, fitness studios, and workout classes. However, when breaking a sweat begins to feel like a punishment and numbers on a scale become more important than how one feels, attendance numbers inevitably dwindle. 

That’s where The Workout LA comes in. Founded by fitness pros and best friends, Nicole Haworth and Ashley Layfield, this online and in-person studio offers dance and pilates-based fitness classes that aim to empower women and promote self-love. 

Haworth and Layfield recently joined the podcast to share their inspiration behind starting a confidence-based fitness studio that offers online and in-person classes.

With impressive resumes as professional dancers and celebrity trainers, Haworth and Layfield are veterans when it comes to helping others sculpt and strengthen muscles. 

However, feeling like there was something missing from traditional workout studios, the dynamic duo set out to create a unique fitness experience rooted in meaning. 

“What was missing was this driver of self-acceptance, in LA especially,” said Layfield “Because everyone is so concerned with how they look and what they put in their bodies, going to the gym can feel like a punishment. We wanted to make something where you’d walk away and feel really good about yourself.”

Although The Workout LA boasts a dance-based method, the founders share that attendees don’t need to worry about learning choreography, just feeling connected to their bodies and breaking a sweat to some music. 

“You feel like a dancer while you’re doing this great workout that’s set to high-energy, empowering music,” said Haworth.

Fittingly, The Workout LA plays a lot of Beyoncé. 

With a friendship as strong as their six-packs, Haworth and Layfield are a duo set on creating a business to empower women through fitness and self-love.

When it comes to growing their business, Haworth and Layfield adopt a tag-team mentality, each taking on responsibilities that cater to each other’s strengths.

The duo shared plenty of great advice for entrepreneurs throughout the episode, but the takeaway for those unsure of how to start, Nicole and Ashley preach movement over perfection.

“Your business idea doesn’t have to be perfect before you put it out,” said Haworth “Just start and adjust as you go.”

To learn more about The Workout LA’s story, listen to our conversation with Haworth and Layfield on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music.