Rising Stars: Meet Haley Struxness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Struxness. 

Hi Haley, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
WERQ is the wildly addictive cardio dance workout based on pop and hip-hop music. WERQ classes are offered nationwide and the very first studio just opened in May 2021! We also offer virtual classes for anyone in the world to tune into. We hope to make the world happier through dance! 

Oh gosh ….my story… how long do you have?? 

I had been managing a gym in Chicago, teaching cardio salsa and fitness classes several times a week, and taking hip hop in my free time. Back then I posted a lot of my choreo on YouTube. After getting 1M views on a particular video and seeing the routine used worldwide in Zumba classes, I decided I should create my own fitness format. I pitched the idea – WERQ – to my sister who is a long-time dancer, and she immediately got the idea…a pop and hip-hop music-driven cardio dance workout where you get to sweat and WERQ the dance floor! After creating a training program for other fitness instructors, I certified the first batch of WERQ Instructors who would begin teaching WERQ classes in their area. At the time I had also applied for a trademark on the name. 

I began with 50 or so WERQ routines and a handful of instructors from IL, MI, and WI. Today, there are 1,200 routines, 2,000 instructors in close to 50 states, and hundreds of gyms and studio across the country offering WERQ classes. There are even classes offered in the Philippines! 

Most recently, we opened the very first WERQ Dance Fitness Studio in Kansas City (where I grew up). I have traveled from NY to LA to Dallas to Miami checking out fitness studios for the day where I could design my own. I’m so excited to open this boutique fitness studio here in my hometown! There’s nothing like it in the Northland! 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
LOL. No. The best part of being a business owner is the freedom of being your own boss. The hardest part is facing your failures and missteps head-on. It’s humbling. 

I have bootstrapped my business for the most part, so at many points, cash flow has been a major roadblock to growth. I’ve taken calculated risks to grow my business without running out of money. Fine-tuning and juggling projects based on the resources available to get them done is hard for a dreamer like me. When I have a vision, I want to see it built out quickly and in the best way which takes hella money. I’ve learned over the years to ride the ebb and flow of cash a little more patiently. Emphasis on little:) 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My career began in Environmental Science with a 9-5 professional job for several years. After seeing how much passion I had for fitness, I jumped to the fitness industry and managed the Group Fitness Program at Cheetah Gym for many years. It is there that I was able to build my vision for WERQ and launch the program in 2011. After I had my second little girl, I decided to commit more time to growing WERQ and doing in-home personal training. There were a few years in the beginning where I worked very hard to make ends meet doing in-home personal training and teaching many classes week. In 2015 I was able to hire help and pay myself a little bit. WERQ just celebrated 10 years! I have 2 full-time employees and many contractors across the country who propel WERQ. 

I’m known for an intensely fun workout:) I create the life I want through moving my body and helping others find themselves through dance (or lose themselves through dance!). I am most proud of the impact WERQ has had on so many people’s mental health including my own. There is nothing like the feeling I have when someone tells me that WERQ saved their life. So many people say that WERQ has made them feel strong when they were weak, found when they were lost, happy with their bodies instead of judgmental, connected more to themselves….it goes on and on. 

I think what sets me apart from others is I do the thing. If something sounds fun or exciting to me, I go for it (for better or worse!) I hope people reading this might feel inspired to go for it too! Whatever their “it” is…life is short and we ought to get after it! 

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The fitness industry is forever changed by COVID. We all had to get digital or die. I don’t see virtual and online solutions going away. I just see it enhancing what has been traditionally offered which is exciting to me because maybe more of us will feel compelled to move and live well now that access is easier. No matter what, people will still have to put in the physical work, but access to fitness and health resources is convenient and affordable for more and more. 

I also see more and more fitness professionals becoming their own brand and boss. I love this! Many fitness instructors are women and to see more money, freedom, and ownership happening for them brings me a lot of fulfillment. 

In 10 years, the fitness industry will be valued more for its ability to lessen the burden on our healthcare system. And the connection between exercise and mental health will be much more clear. It’s my hope that more and more Americans will seek and find the best way to keep them moving, happy, and connected with community. 

Pricing:

• $5-25 for online classes (Anyone in the us)
• KC Locals – $15 drop in
• KC Locals – $29 for 2 weeks of unlimited classes.

Contact Info:

• Email: thestudio@WERQfitness.com
• Website: WERQfitness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/werqfitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/werqfitness
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/WERQfitness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/WERQfitness