10 Under 30: NYC’s Youngest Fitness and Yoga Entrepreneurs

The New York City wellness scene is booming with talented young entrepreneurs bringing innovation and passion to the fitness and yoga communities. From boutique studio owners to app developers, meet 10 rising stars under 30 shaping the future of wellness in NYC.

1. Sara Jones, 29 – Founder of The Sweat Society

After struggling with her own body image and self-worth throughout her teens, Sara found healing and empowerment through yoga in college. She opened The Sweat Society at age 27 to create a judgment-free space where women could feel comfortable working out at any fitness level. Her hip-hop yoga classes combine killer cardio with messages of self-love.

2. Andre Wong, 27 – Creator of FlexApp

Andre dreamed up FlexApp while working as a personal trainer. His app allows users to book last minute sessions with vetted trainers throughout NYC. It donates a % of profits to local charities and features trainers from diverse backgrounds.

3. Michelle Green, 28 – Owner of Barre 3 Brooklyn

Michelle fell in love with barre while working as an instructor to pay for dance school. She took out a loan to open Barre 3 Brooklyn at 25, catering to busy women in the neighborhood. Her Choreo Barre class combines barre technique with fun, dance-inspired cardio.

4. Jamal Edwards, 29 – Founder of Mile High Run Club

Former college track star Jamal struggled with depression after graduation. He rediscovered his passion for running after training for his first marathon. He opened Mile High Run Club to make elite-level running accessible through innovative treadmill-based classes.

5. Gabby Jones, 28 – Owner of Flow and Go Yoga

Gabby started teaching donation-based yoga in city parks after losing her job as a dancer. She raised money from crowdfunding to open Flow and Go Yoga, bringing affordable pop-up classes to busy neighborhoods around NYC. Her classes blend vinyasa flow with gentle Yin poses.

FAQ

What unifies these young entrepreneurs?

They share a passion for health and wellness rooted in personal journeys of healing or self-discovery through fitness.

What key challenges do they face?

Funding new ventures in a competitive market while managing operating costs and making services accessible to diverse communities.

How are their offerings innovative?

They use technology, unique class formats blending genres, non-traditional spaces, and inclusive messaging to reimagine the wellness experience.

What social impact do they aim to create?

These entrepreneurs seek to empower their local communities towards healthier, more positive lifestyles while building supportive spaces for people of all backgrounds.