Our unique strength and cardio classes are always changing. Because we want you to feel comfortable in your own skin, unique training classes are always adapting and changing. Hybrid classes are created for all fitness levels and customized to fit your needs and meet your goals. We create a plan that is all about YOU! Each session is a mix of strength training and cardio using one of the most efficient and effective means to fitness using a Concept2 rowing machine. We offer the best of both worlds at an affordable price. Philadelphia’s newest indoor rowing studio isn’t just a gym, it’s a community with results.
Rowbust Fitness is a safe space for all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Our fitness studio is our home, and now it is yours.
My Journey
I bought my first set of dumbbells at twelve years old. At such a young age, it was less about appearances and more about how I felt physically and mentally. I was dealing with anxiety and had a hard time managing my stress, so I started to use exercise as a way to feel better. I started to go to the gym and slowly learned how to do some exercises. I developed a routine, found some great mentors and friends. These workouts did so much more than what was on the surface. My creativity and confidence blossomed. My energy skyrocketed.
From then on exercise has remained an important part of who I am. I became a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor so I could share my experience with others. In 2020, I officially started my own indoor rowing studio so my clients could continue on their journey. I developed this unique program originally in 2007 which changed how people thought about fitness. Their success stories are an inspiration to others in search of effective workout that brings results.
Now I help others start their rowing journey.
Meet Our Trainers
Laura
Laura was born with many passions under her sleeves. But among these rare gifts, her devotion to fitness stands out. When she was a child, she developed a love for the art, and by age 12, she threw herself fully into the fitness world.
Her performance during her training was so impressive that she earned the coveted personal training and fitness instructor certification.
Laura holds a degree in business before moving into the fitness training profession. A few years later, Rowzone and its affiliated programs came to fruition. She never looked back ever since. She is a certified NASM PPFC, Concept2 master instructor, and she was also featured in Be Well Philly for her workout program as one of the best total body workouts.
Laura is sustaining her devotion to fitness with over 20 years of experience when she established her fitness studio, Rowbust Fitness, which is an indoor rowing studio combined with strength training.
Laura takes fitness seriously and she continued to advance its vast potential to her clientele. In 2007, she partnered with another studio and formulated a workout program for the outfit. The workout program also doubles as her current business model.
Her objective is to make her client see the beauty that the art brings. At her studio, guests always have fun while keeping fit. She weaves her creativity around her clients to fill the missing gap that her contemporaries in the fitness industry may be missing. She believes that fitness and being active hold numerous benefits. The promises of facing and overcoming challenges are beyond the esthetics. Fitness is an effective outlet for managing anxiety and stress.
The thought of “getting fit” can be intimidating to many people. The overwhelming feeling of not knowing what to do, not fitting in, and feeling judged are just a few examples. Just the thought of engaging in fitness activities is synonymous with back-breaking exercises, lifting tons of weight, and boring diet plans. But when others see misfortune, Laura sees opportunity.
Laura’s personality as a determined, driven, caring, and loyal individual always endears her to people who entrust their bodies into her care. The best part of coming to Laura’s studio is the warm feeling of belonging. The relaxed environment and the friendly ambiance will make you feel at home. Laura welcomes every guest with no feeling of intimidation or judgment on the image. Her studio is a fitness haven void of discrimination against race, social class, gender, religious belief, political view, culture, or disability. Your goal is Laura’s priority, to make your journey hitch free until your fitness dreams are accomplished.
With all the love in her heart, she is sharing her experience with others to enable them discover the hidden potential and reasons to live a healthy life. Seeing the indescribable joy that confidence and empowerment give to people always boosts her willingness to do more.
Robin
Robin Marcel Gillespie is a native of Philadelphia. Growing up in the Mount Airy section, she studied classical ballet during elementary and high school. At the University of Pittsburgh Robin took classes with the late Shona Sharif in African dance. This background that was the foundation of Robin’s fitness endeavors.
Since the early aughts, Robin has participated in certifications and workshops for everything from aqua aerobics to Zumba. Robin attained her first Personal Training certification from the American Council on Exercise. Since then she has taken courses from the National Academy of Sports Medicine in personal training and corrective exercise. Robin was also one of the first to be certified in Spinning (Madd Dogg) and Pilates Mat (PhysicalMindInstitute) in Pennsylvania.
During her 20+ year career with Philadelphia Sports Clubs, Robin was a Master Trainer, Group Exercise Coordinator, SilverSneakers liaison, Training and Development instructor, Summit presenter, High Impact winner in addition to teaching a variety of classes. She was responsible for invigorating the Small Group Training programs for two PSC locations. At a small dance fitness studio Robin created “Bey Body Moves”, which was featured in Philadelphia Magazine as a “must take” class.
Robin has been active in the small business community, writing grants and conducting business planning courses for high school students on behalf of The Business Center in Northwest Philadelphia. She also served as a change agent for Black Girl Ventures, an organization that helps Black and Brown female founders gain access to capital.
The pandemic did not prevent Robin from continuing in the fitness industry. She participated in a workshop for the Buff Bones method, which gave her more tools to better accommodate people with osteoporosis.
This spring Robin took an assisted stretching course and in September of 2023 Robin will join Balance Body’s cohort for comprehensively trained Pilates.
Sanjay
Sanjay is originally from Miami Beach, yet is currently majoring in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise and Sports Science at Temple University, where he also sits as the Events Coordinator for the Exercise and Sport Science and Kinesiology Association. He has been a competitive rower for 9 years and in that time has branched into coaching and training. Sanjay has coached juniors at Conestoga High School, The Germantown Friends School and Vero Beach Rowing Club. Sanjay has also coached learn-to-row, recreational and competitive masters at Bachelors Barge Club and Vero Beach Rowing Club.