The Sweat Factory Kickboxing Gym Opens on Springfield Avenue

The Sweat Factory in Summit is a new kickboxing gym on Springfield Avenue that makes sure members are learning the right ways to work out by teaching them the proper forms and techniques.

Owner Emerson Laohoo came up with the idea for The Sweat Factory after visiting a kickboxing gym location in Brooklyn to take classes and saw that the instructor was doing things 80 percent wrong.

As a three time state champion in Martial Arts, Laohoo knew the proper forms and techniques of kickboxing and felt he could open a kickboxing gym where he could teach the very strict forms and techniques he already knew very well.

Laohoo said he took classes in the Brooklyn gym for about eight months and realized very quickly what he had to offer from spending 23 years as a martial artist.

Prior to opening The Sweat Factory, Laohoo worked as a trained for three years at Equinox Gym in Tribeca and really enjoyed it, he was not looking to leave Equinox until he walked into the Brooklyn gym and became fascinated with the whole idea.

It took about one year and four months for Laohoo to find the perfect location in New Jersey, being from Staten Island he never really knew about Summit, but he now realizes he could not have found a better spot.

“Every week we have people signing up,” Laohoo told Patch. “We’ve been trying to keep busy.”

As The Sweat Factory continues to sign up new members, they also are trying to get more involved in the community including participating in Ladies Night Out on April 9 and the Summit Street Fair. Laohoo said they are also working on cross promotions with Lululemon and the Summit Running Company.

“We’re very big on helping other businesses because I know how it is,” Laohoo said. “It is really about the people.”

The Sweat Factory opened about a month and a half ago and offers three membership options: one month, three months or one year.

According to Laohoo, classes are held in the mornings, early afternoons and early evenings, but if they see a higher demand for later evening classes they will add them.

“We are really here for whatever the community needs,” he added.

In addition to cardio kickboxing classes, The Sweat Factory also holds a strength and conditioning class and a class for children, which trains both the mind and body.

On The Sweat Factory’s website, it states, “There are no bad clients, only bad Trainers.”

The other trainers at The Sweat Factory include, Frank Caruti, Ricardo Datts and Luis Collazo. 

Caruti has been in Martial Arts for 33 years and holds a black belt USA GoJu, a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do and a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, as well as other fitness certifications.

Datts is an ultimate fitness personal trainer, a dedicated vegan for 20 years, professional body lifter and more.

“Fitness is a holistic process; to get the full benefit it should include the physical, nutritional, mental, and functional aspects of life,” Datts is quoting saying on the business’ website.

Trainer Collazo has 15 years experience in boxing, three years in Tae Kwon Do and has trained with professional boxers. He also works with children coaching them in multiple sports. 

You can read more about the trainers, including Laohoo on The Sweat Factory’s website.

Laohoo encourages anyone to come and try kickboxing, he added that is a fun way to work out while also learning the proper punching and techniques.

“Come and try it,” Laohoo said. “We just want them to try kickboxing.”

The Sweat Factory is located at 485 Springfield Avenue.