There is nothing quite like building strength through the kettlebell method. Empower Fitness is proud to be the only dedicated kettlebell gym on the Central Coast. Our instructors are certified through StrongFirst®, the renowned system founded by Pavel Tsatsouline and rooted in the best of both Russian and Western sports science. These proven methods are trusted by professional athletes, elite military operators, and everyday individuals who are committed to building real, lasting strength.
In our group kettlebell classes, you’ll experience more than just a great workout—you’ll be coached through precise, technical, and safe movement patterns that prioritize longevity and performance. All classes are designed to be accessible and all-levels, meaning no matter your age, fitness background, injury history, or experience level, you’ll be supported every step of the way. Our goal is for every client to leave feeling successful, empowered, and stronger than when they walked in.
Welcome to Empower Fitness!
We are a boutique gym and Pilates studio located in San Luis Obispo, CA. Founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife team Clay and Casey Van Schoyck, Empower was created with a passion for serving the Central Coast community through tried-and-true, results-driven fitness methods.
Since opening, Empower has grown into a vibrant hub offering small-group training classes, private and personal sessions, and engaging events led by an exceptional team of Pilates and Strength & Conditioning coaches. No matter your injury history, current condition, experience level, or fitness background, we meet you exactly where you are.
Our mission is simple: to build strong, resilient people who are prepared for whatever life throws their way
Featuring San Luis Obispo’s premier Classical Pilates studio, Empower Fitness is the destination for exceptional Pilates training. Our instructors hold comprehensive 500-hour certifications, ensuring precise, effective, and thoughtfully balanced instruction.
The studio is fully equipped with Balanced Body’s Contrology® apparatus(@contrology.bb ) including Reformers, Wunda Chairs, Towers, and additional equipment unique to the Pilates Method. Clients progress through the Classical Pilates system as Joseph Pilates originally taught it—moving from Basic to Intermediate to Advanced exercises with the goal of becoming stronger, more balanced, more mobile, and deeply connected to the core, or as we like to call it, the powerhouse.
In addition to our Classical Pilates studio, Empower also offers a Contemporary Pilates experience. These classes honor the original system while incorporating modern modifications, creative sequencing, and dynamic choreography to support accessibility, muscle development, and variety. We also offer energizing fusion classes such as Strength Reformer Fusion and Cardio Jumpboard, blending Pilates principles with strength and cardio for a well-rounded, challenging workout.
This Sunday we are teaming up with @marcerroslo for Mats &Mimosas!! 🍾 Join us from 10am-12pm for a 60minute Pilates Mat class followed by light bites and drinks! Perfect way to spend the weekend! 🌸 See the link in BIO to sign up!!
From condo-camping to the beach, my mat practice travels with me everywhere and now I’m so excited to be returning to @empowerslo ! Starting Thursday 4/30 through all of May, join me for classical mat…toe corrector and magic circle likely to make some guest-starring appearances 👣
Happy Spring Empower Fitness!
We’re thrilled to announce Step into Spring, our four-week, community-wide challenge to get more steps, more friends, and more fun, because regular cardio, like brisk walking, is fantastic for heart health, helping improve circulation, lower blood pressure, weight management, and boosting mood, AND this event is a great way to move with us outside of the gym.
What’s the Goal
Week One: 6,000 Steps per day
Week Two: 8,000 Steps per day
Week Three: 10,000 Steps per day
Week Four: 10K + Steps per day
Join us on our Group Hikes to help get your steps in!
May 16th @ 10am: Johnson Loop
May 23rd @ 10am: Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mtn.)
How We’ll Track Progress:
- Wearables or apps: Fitbit, Apple Health, Google Fit, etc. Log your steps by taking a quick photo, and uploading to the PushPress App Social tab at day’s end.
- For non-wearable members: snap a photo of your pedometer and upload to PushPress Members App Social Tab.
- Quick tip: If you have mobility, injury, or other things that may inhibit walking, remember 2,400 steps ≈ 1 mile, so use a machine distance to estimate steps
Prizes!
- Grand Prize for the most steps in the month: Gift certificate to Running Warehouse for a new pair of shoes!
- Participation Prize: Free drink at a local brewery on Friday, May 29th at 4pm for those who complete at least 24 days of steps in the month.
DM us if you would like to be a part of Step Into Spring to receive a FREE SWEATBAND to wear on your walks and group hikes! Remember to tag @empowerslo on social media on your walks and hikes!
Did you know we have a FREE community workout the first Saturday of the month? You are invited to join the Kettlebell Club! This is a great place to work on technique, enjoy community, and get a good workout. We hope to see you there, this Saturday at 10am! Power to you! 💪🏻
another successful March MATness! Thank you all for participating and growing together this month! Congratulations to our winner, who completed with 276 points! What an accomplishment. Go team!! 🏆
Week 4 of MATness! Join us in studio for the last full week of MATness classes! 🦭🏊♀️🪃
Hip Circles
Swimming
Leg Pull Front & Back
Kneeling Side Kick
Side Bend
Boomerang
Seal Puppy
We’re still over here celebrating March MATness! Just one more week to go. Thank you to all our clients and instructors for making this month ✨magic ✨ on the mat!
Week 3 of MATness! Points are growing on the leaderboard! Join us in studio this week for more MATness classes ⭐️
Neck Pull
Scissors & Bicycle
Shoulder Bridge
Spine Twist
Jackknife
Side Kick Series
Teaser
