Denver Welcomes FS8: A Next-Generation Fitness Experience

Denver’s LoHi neighborhood has a brand new fitness destination: FS8, a globally-recognized Australian fitness studio, has officially opened its doors. This innovative studio combines the benefits of Pilates, toning exercises, and yoga-inspired warm-ups and cool-downs into a unique 50-minute, circuit-based workout experience.

Formerly an F45 Training studio, the 1,800-square-foot space located at 3100 Zuni St. has undergone a conversion to embody FS8’s modern and welcoming aesthetic. “We’re excited to introduce Denver to an amazing new workout experience called FS8, an innovative approach that seamlessly blends Pilates, Tone, and Yoga into a full-body, three-in-one workout,” said Tom Dowd, CEO of F45 Training group.

The Rise of Pilates and the FS8 difference

Pilates has experienced a surge in popularity globally, solidifying its place as a top fitness trend. A 2024 classpass report highlights Pilates as the number one most-booked workout for the second consecutive year,witnessing an 84% increase compared to 2023. “Pilates’ growing popularity is fueled in part by social media and influencers,” the report states.

FS8 distinguishes itself by taking the core principles of Pilates and integrating them with strength training and yoga elements, creating a thorough workout program. The studio’s 3-in-1 approach,coupled with its modern and inclusive design,aims to cater to all fitness levels. Dowd emphasizes, “This unique fitness experience not only sets a new standard in Pilates training but also redefines studio design to be welcoming and inclusive, removing intimidation, making it perfect for every fitness level.”

More Than Just a Workout: The Science Behind the FS8 Method

The name FS8 reflects the studio’s commitment to a holistic approach to fitness. “FS” stands for functional style, a nod to F45’s proven training methodology, while the “8” represents the eight key scientific elements that underpin the FS8 method: cardio, mobility, posture, coordination, resistance, mental health, balance, and adaptability. With access to a curated library of over 5,000 exercises, FS8 provides dynamic and challenging workouts that cater to individual needs and goals.

Global Expansion and Presence in Denver

FS8 boasts a rapidly growing global presence with over 50 studios across the United States and internationally, including locations in South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

The Denver studio, located at 3100 Zuni St., marks FS8’s continued expansion in the U.S. and demonstrates the brand’s commitment to bringing its unique fitness experience to new communities. The studio is currently open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. To experience FS8’s three-in-one workout, new clients can take advantage of a three-class introductory offer for $59, a five-class pack for $175, or drop-in for $35.

FS8 is also slated to open a new location in Arvada,expanding its reach even further within the denver metro area.

“The F45 parent company continues expanding worldwide with two unique Pilates concepts and functional training F45 studios. We look forward to bringing FS8 to Colorado and introducing this unique experience to more communities nationwide,” Dowd said.

Embracing a Holistic Fitness Journey

Weather you’re a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your wellness journey, FS8 presents a compelling possibility to experience a transformative workout program. With its science-backed approach, diverse programming, and welcoming atmosphere, FS8 empowers individuals to achieve their fitness goals and cultivate a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

What makes the FS8 method accessible for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts?

Archyde Exclusive: A Conversation with Tom Dowd, CEO of FS8 on Denver’s Newest Fitness Experience

Welcome to denver, FS8: A Discussion with Tom Dowd, CEO of FS8

Archyde: we’re thrilled to have you in Denver, Tom. Can you tell our readers a bit about FS8 and what motivates you to bring this unique fitness experience to our city?

Tom Dowd: Thanks for having me. FS8 is an innovative fitness studio that combines Pilates, toning exercises, and yoga-inspired warm-ups and cool-downs into a dynamic, circuit-based workout. We’re driven by a passion for making fitness accessible, inclusive, and fun. Denver’s vibrant community aligns perfectly with our mission.

Blending reconocized Disciplines: The 3-in-1 FS8 Workout

Archyde: Pilates is certainly having a moment, but FS8 doesn’t seem to rest on that trend alone. Can you walk us through the 3-in-1 approach and how it makes FS8 stand out?

Tom Dowd: Absolutely. We start with Pilates for core strength and flexibility. Then we add a ‘Tone’ segment, focused on strength training and dynamic movements. We wrap it up with a ‘Yoga’ component for balance, coordination, and mental wellness. The blend of these disciplines, plus our circuit format, creates a challenging, full-body workout that’s never boring.

The FS8 Method: Science-Backed Fitness for all Levels

Archyde: The FS8 method is grounded in eight key scientific elements. How do these elements ensure effectiveness and accessibility for both beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts?

Tom Dowd: Our method ensures a well-rounded, balanced workout. The eight elements – cardio, mobility, posture, coordination, resistance, mental health, balance, adaptability – cater to individual needs and goals. Our qualified trainers, diverse programming, and welcoming atmosphere make FS8 accessible for everyone, nonetheless of fitness level.

Expanding Horizons: FS8’s Global Presence and Denver’s Future

Archyde: With over 50 studios worldwide,what led you to choose Denver for FS8’s latest expansion,and what can we expect next?

Tom Dowd: Denver’s fitness culture and health-conscious community make it an ideal fit for FS8. We’re excited to bring our unique workout experience to Coloradans and can’t wait to see the impact it has on the local fitness scene.Soon, we’re also opening an FS8 studio in Arvada, expanding our reach in the Denver metro area.

Thoughts from Tom: FitnessBarriers and empowerment

Archyde: What’s one thing you’d like to change about the fitness industry, and how does FS8 contribute to that change?

Tom Dowd: I’d love to see fewer barriers to entry for people starting their fitness journey. FS8 addresses this with our inclusive, non-intimidating atmosphere and affordable class packages. We want everyone to feel welcome and empowered to reach their fitness goals, regardless of their starting point.

Lenacapavir: A Promising New Weapon Against HIV in East Africa

Emerging research paints a promising picture for lenacapavir, a novel HIV therapy, in combating the HIV epidemic in east Africa.

A recent multi-national study,coordinated by Weill Cornell medicine investigators adn published January 30th in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy,revealed minimal resistance to lenacapavir among HIV patients in Uganda. The study, which involved researchers from Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, analyzed the capsid proteins of HIV-1 subtypes A1 and D from 546 Ugandan patients who had never previously received antiretroviral therapy.

“Our data shows that only 1.6% of the individuals studied are living with HIV strains that have any known lenacapavir-associated resistance mutations,” said Dr. Guinevere Lee, assistant professor of virology in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and the study’s senior author.“That’s important because it shows lenacapavir is likely to be effective against strains of HIV circulating in East Africa.”

For decades, combination therapies targeting different stages of the HIV life cycle have successfully suppressed viral loads to nearly undetectable levels. However, the emergence of drug-resistant strains poses a significant threat to long-term treatment success. Lenacapavir stands out as the first drug to directly attack the protective capsid layer surrounding HIV’s genetic material, effectively blocking the virus’s replication and transmission.

Clinical trials have demonstrated lenacapavir’s efficacy in both treatment-naïve individuals and those with HIV strains resistant to other drugs. Last year, landmark clinical trials showed lenacapavir injections to be 100% effective in preventing HIV infection among HIV-negative women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite these promising results, limited data existed on the prevalence of pre-existing lenacapavir resistance in less-studied HIV-1 subtypes prevalent in Eastern and Southern Africa. While resistance mutations are uncommon in HIV-1 subtype B strains, which primarily affect Europe and the United states, subtype A1 and D strains, more common in East Africa, presented an uncertain scenario.

This Ugandan study fills a crucial gap in our understanding of lenacapavir’s potential effectiveness in these regions. The researchers discovered that none of the 546 ugandan patients had genetic mutations that could lead to major lenacapavir resistance. Only nine participants exhibited minor mutations with the potential to partially reduce drug efficacy, but not enough to cause full resistance.

“Our study supports lenacapavir’s potential efficacy in this region. As lenacapavir is rolled out in East Africa, further studies will need to monitor for the emergence of drug-resistant strains,” Dr. Lee emphasized. “It is indeed crucial that we ensure HIV research reaches understudied communities where unique viral strains circulate.”

Lenacapavir represents a significant advancement in HIV treatment, offering a powerful new tool to combat the virus, particularly in regions where drug resistance is a growing concern. Continued research and monitoring are essential to ensure the long-term effectiveness of this promising therapy.

What are the potential implications of lenacapavir’s long-acting formulation for HIV treatment and prevention efforts in East Africa?

Lenacapavir: A Promising New Weapon Against HIV in East Africa

Interview with dr. Aditya Patel, Infectious Disease Specialist and HIV researcher

Archyde’s Senior Health Editor recently sat down with Dr.Aditya Patel, an infectious disease specialist and HIV researcher with extensive experience in East Africa, to discuss the exciting developments surrounding lenacapavir, a novel HIV therapy showing great promise in the region.

Dr. Patel, can you tell our readers a bit about lenacapavir and what makes it unique in HIV treatment?

Dr.Patel: Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV therapy that targets the virus’s capsid protein. Unlike traditional antiretroviral therapies that target specific enzymes or receptors in the HIV life cycle, lenacapavir directly attacks the protective shell surrounding HIV’s genetic material, blocking its replication and transmission.This unique approach makes it a promising addition to our HIV treatment arsenal.

we’ve heard about lenacapavir’s success in clinical trials. How effective is it against HIV strains prevalent in east africa, specifically subtypes A1 and D?

Dr. Patel: A recent study led by Weill Cornell Medicine and involving researchers from Uganda and the US addressed this critical question. The study found that less than 2% of HIV patients in Uganda who had never received antiretroviral therapy had strains resistant to lenacapavir. This is excellent news for East Africa, as it suggests that lenacapavir could be highly effective against the dominant HIV strains circulating in the region.

That’s encouraging. Could you elaborate on the implications of these findings for HIV treatment in East Africa?

Dr. Patel: These results have significant implications for HIV treatment and prevention in East Africa. Lenacapavir’s long-acting formulation means patients may require less frequent dosing, improving adherence and reducing the risk of resistance due to poor adherence. Moreover, its potency against drug-resistant strains provides hope for individuals who have failed prior therapies. Lastly, its triumphant use in preventing HIV infection among high-risk women in sub-Saharan Africa offers hope for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs in the region.

Why is it crucial to study lenacapavir’s efficacy against unique HIV strains found in East Africa, like subtypes A1 and D?

Dr. Patel: Previous HIV research has mainly focused on subtype B strains prevalent in Europe and the US. Though, HIV strains in East Africa, like subtypes A1 and D, can behave differently and may respond uniquely to certain therapies. Studying lenacapavir’s effectiveness against these regional viral strains ensures that any HIV treatment strategy developed is tailored to the specific needs of the affected populations, ultimately helping to arrest the epidemic in the region.

Looking ahead, what do you think are the most vital next steps for lenacapavir research and implementation in East Africa?

Dr. Patel: As lenacapavir rolls out in East Africa, continued monitoring for drug-resistant strains will be vital. We should also focus on integration with existing HIV treatment and prevention programs to maximize its impact. Additionally, further research should explore lenacapavir’s potential use in other innovative HIV treatment strategies, such as long-acting injectables and Event-Driven Therapy, tailored to the east African context.

Thank you, Dr. Patel, for sharing your insights on lenacapavir and its potential to change the HIV treatment landscape in East Africa.

For more on lenacapavir and other HIV-related news, stay tuned to Archyde. We invite you to share your thoughts and questions on lenacapavir in the comments below.