Sept. 21, 2023

This paid piece is sponsored by Pendar Properties.

The first thing to know about the new fitness studio coming to Cherapa Place is that it’s much more than a traditional fitness studio.

SISU Fit is designed as a hub for wellness services within the downtown development and beyond, offering fitness, nutrition, personal training and corporate wellness.

“A focus on complete wellness is driving our entire approach to Cherapa Place, and this is going to be both a center of that and an extension of it,” said Anne Haber, co-developer of Cherapa Place.

“We want to show the residents, employees and visitors of Cherapa that we’re mindful of their overall health – physical, mental and emotional – and the services offered at SISU are going to support that.”

Anyone can become a member at SISU Fit, which will offer more than 5,000 square feet on the first floor of The Dakota, a mass timber structure at Cherapa Place that will include luxury apartments on the upper floors.

It also will serve the development, which includes apartment and condo residents as well as hundreds of office workers.

“We are bringing something very special to downtown Sioux Falls and to the Cherapa community that has never been done before,” said Annie Mello, longtime fitness leader and co-owner of SISU Fit.

“It’s the first boutique gym of its kind in the region.”

Modeled after outstanding fitness centers on the West Coast, SISU Fit will bring premium training, virtual, strength, cardio and functional fitness equipment in an architecturally enhanced facility.

An indoor and outdoor sauna included with membership will offer unique healing and rejuvenating benefits.

“This is going to be more than a place to work out – it’s going to create a community that will foster and support the diverse needs of the people who join,” Mello said.

Mello brings more than 20 years of experience to her role, including a decade of owning CPMFITness, where she worked with more than 2,500 clients and offered more than 150,000 training sessions.

“I help working professionals prioritize their health and get in incredible shape,” she said. “I love to show clients how fitness and nutrition can make not only a positive impact on your body but on your life – especially in such stressful times.”

Additionally, a team of experienced trainers and nutrition experts will be waiting to mentor and motivate clients, along with SISU Fit’s tailored wellness programs for businesses.

“We offer programs that focus on physical health, mental health, stress management and mindfulness to help your team achieve a more balanced lifestyle,” Mello said.

“And that lifestyle experience will extend to nutrition with grab-and-go options on-site and SISU Fit-approved nutrition items on restaurant menus, in addition to meal plans to fit all clientele.”

SISU Fit plans to open next summer.

“This is just one example of our approach to retail leasing at Cherapa Place,” Haber added. “As we fill in our available space and make future announcements, you’ll see there’s a clear theme that we want to work with businesses helping to enhance the overall health of our community.”