TikTok is loving Wolf’s Blood Fitness for its women-focused mission

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TikTok users can find everything from tarot card readings and air fryer recipes to pet clips and how to master the perfect split squat on the app. Deep in the corner of fitness TikTok, somewhere between “shy girl” workouts that keep ladies out of sight and videos demystifying claims that weightlifting makes women appear “bulky,” is a clip from Wolf’s Blood Fitness, a boutique gym in San Antonio hellbent on empowering women in the workout world.

So far, the video has reached more than 13,000 TikTok users, and that’s just likes alone. Gabrielle Foy, who co-owns the Bandera Road gym with Erik Lewis, is seen preparing the gym for the day as Cumbia Buena, a song by Grupo La Cumbia that’s gone viral on TikTok, plays.

The video doesn’t expressly share Wolf’s Blood’s mission but TikTok users picked up on the theme quickly, asking if its exclusive to women, about pricing, and more.

Wolf's Blood Fitness, created as a safe space for women to workout, is now open at 7007 Bandera Road. — Wolf’s Blood Fitness, created as a safe space for women to workout, is now open at 7007 Bandera Road.

Courtesy, Wolf’s Blood Fitness

Foy and Lewis say the idea to open their fitness business started while they were coworkers at a chain gym. When the coronavirus pandemic started in 2020 and forced the fitness industry into a hiatus, Foy and Lewis started thinking seriously about their business plans.

Foy tells MySA Wolf’s Blood started as a response to “problem areas” she experienced in larger gyms as a trainer and woman.

“The sexualization, being uncomfortable, being taken advantage of with contracts, and just the lack of education,” she explains. “People come to personal trainers to be helped and be educated, and not to be taken advantage of.”

The business partners launched the first iteration of Wolf’s Blood in rented spaces that at times felt too cramped. They moved into their 7007 Bandera location in April, giving them more room to hone in on their mission of empowering women. While the gym is catered to women, it’s open to anyone.

The owners think part of the reason the video of the gym took off on the platform was the design. Lewis, a 1980s baby, says he wanted to create a gym with imagery that reflected the strength of women. The gym has a 1980s theme with hot pink and teal walls and logos that look as if they came out of a comicbook from the era.

“I grew up playing video games with strong female protagonists. My favorite movie growing up was Aliens with Lieutenant Ripley, so I had nothing but badass strong women to look up,” Lewis adds. “So I decided to kind of run with that idea of making our logo being our superhero woman. She’s strong. She’s not dainty. She doesn’t need anyone’s help.”

Lewis says he and Kyle Hartman are aware of the struggles women face in the gym. They’re also dedicated to creating a comfortable environment for all of their clients to workout in.

@getitwithgab #sanantonio #gymowner #businessowner #personaltrainer #grouptraining #gymtok #fittok #fyp ♬ Cumbia Buena – Grupo La Cumbia

“Our motto here is ‘no creeps.’ You don’t have to worry about that. You’re safe, you can do a squat, a deadlift,” Lewis says. “The whole idea is a safe spot for for women or anybody else who feels that they’ve been harassed and sexualized at the gym.”

Foy says in addition to waking up to a wave of TikTok notifications on July 6, the day after the video was posted, the gym also received new requests for consultations.

Wolf’s Blood offers small classes led by Foy, Lewis, and Hartman. They’re also looking to hire another female trainer at the gym. The owners point to a few perks, like free consultations and late classes starting at 9 p.m., that weren’t shown on the viral TikTok. Prices for a class pass start at $125 a month or $140 a month for personal training.