The dance and exercise studio is tucked inside the PrimeLife Enrichment (PLE) building on Third Avenue, and it’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.
However, Sandy Rhodes with Revel Fitness hopes to change that.
Revel Fitness began in 2010 by the Schembres, a mother-and-son team who had a passion for dance. They were so successful that they opened a larger studio in Carmel just before the pandemic hit.
“Between construction on U.S. 31 and the pandemic, things became difficult, so they decided to partner with PLE to share space,” Rhodes said. “Eventually PLE became the parent company to Revel Fitness.”
When the mother-and-son team chose to retire, Rhodes, a decade-long instructor at the studio, was asked to manage it. In her new role, she’s looking forward to spreading the word and promoting all Revel has to offer in 2025.
PLE is a Carmel-based senior center offering activities, exercise classes and transportation for the elderly population. Many might not realize that after PLE closes for the day, the building comes to life with an entirely different group of people, with ages from 13 to 99.
“We are providing primarily dance and fitness classes including Zumba, Dance Fitness (top 40 music), Dance Fusion, LaBlast, Pound, Shine and more,” Rhodes said. “I always want to offer something different for the group, so I’ve signed up to be certified in things like Shine Dance Fitness, a combination of jazz, hip-hop and ballet.”
All of the classes have certified dance instructors offering a dance component, with cardio, toning, and an option for all abilities and ages.
For Rhodes, it’s more about the people than the numerous fitness classes they offer.
“I just love hanging out with the group and I love the new people coming in, and watching them transform into people who weren’t dancers but are having fun,” Rhodes said. “It’s always nice to hear that people don’t feel judged and the atmosphere doesn’t feel cliquish.”
There’s something about dance, according to Rhodes, that breaks barriers and diminishes self-consciousness.
“We’ve all been to a studio and it’s just silent,” Rhodes said. “You do your thing and walk out. At Revel it’s a friendly environment. When you walk in, you’re always greeted with smiles. People are going to want to get to know you. We get together monthly to celebrate birthdays or holidays too. We dress up and have a good time, and all of the classes come together.”
Forming friendships helps with accountability too.
Rhodes said it’s low-pressure and they don’t come off as overbearing, but if you join the group chat, she’ll post new classes to try, invites to events, and other ways to get involved.
Looking forward, Rhodes plans to host events outside of the Revel bubble, and find ways to share what they are doing with those who aren’t already members at the studio.
She also plans to open additional classes and opportunities.
“We’ll hold open sessions throughout the year,” she said. “You can come and see a variety of options so you can meet the instructors and learn a little more about the classes. The open sessions are free and just give people a feel for what we offer.”
In the meantime, there’s no need to sign up. Simply stop by during one of their many classes and check it out. The first class is free.
