• Sections
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Education
    • Fashion
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • MVMA
    • Perspectives
    • Travel
  • Shop Local
    • Arts & Culture
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Dining & Cuisine
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Financial & Professional Services
    • Florists, Gift & Specialty Shops
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • Real Estate
  • Calendar
  • Dining Guide
  • Advertise
  • Login

Merrimack Valley Magazine

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Perspectives
  • Travel
← Back

Generations – The Joy of Movement

Nicole Fasciano
photography Kevin Harkins
Published July 20, 2021
Share:

SLS Fitness Offers an Individualized Approach to Whole-Body Wellness 

Sherri Laffey Sarrouf long dreamed to use her passion for whole-body wellness and fitness to build an inviting fitness center where people of all ages and demographics would find a home-like atmosphere. With a holistic approach in mind, Sherri took her 20 plus years of experience and knowledge in the strength and conditioning industry and translated it to one of the Merrimack Valley’s most unique and innovative fitness centers — SLS Fitness. Its flagship site is located in Lowell, Mass. 

Within a year of opening in 2010, what started as a small, 7,500-square-foot fitness center exploded to 18,000 square feet. From the beginning, it felt as much like a community as a gym — a place where individuals and families feel safe and welcome during their personal wellness journeys. SLS Fitness offers a variety of classes and workout programs tailored to individual needs and goals. Classes and programs include yoga, boxing, mobility, strength and conditioning, MMA and spinning — appealing to everyone from hardcore athletes to seniors. Her pioneering science-based conditioning program, Metabolic Effect, has proved to be one their most popular offerings for those looking to balance their hormonal responses and thus regulate appetite, improve mood and develop strength. Sarrouf has personally studied with Jade Teta, Metabolic Effect’s creator.

 

Beyond classes and the latest fitness equipment, SLS Fitness also features infrared saunas, chiropractic and corporate services and an organic juice bar. In addition, members have access to rehabilitation programs such as physical therapy, which Sarrouf notes can decrease the chance of injuries and allow for a safer workplace wellness environment. 

Sherri Laffey Sarrouf instructs clients at SLS Fitness. Her pioneering and individualized approach to fitness appeals to everyone from hardcore athletes to corporate clients. Sarrouf’s approach continues to evolve — this fall, she’s opening an organic cafe that will bring fresh, healthy food to their flagship location on Chelmsford Street in Lowell.

Sarrouf’s emphasis on primal and ancestral movements, generated from everyday actions like walking, pushing, lifting and bending, serves to limit needless injury — this is something gym rats often forget — and keep the workouts fun and uplifting. Distinguishing the difference between the joy such a holistic wellness approach can have on the body versus modalities that focus on unrealistic fitness patterns, unhealthy dieting and excessive training is something Sarrouf considers critical for long-term vitality. 

The center’s character is reflected in the unique look of their facility. After all, members are expected to form realistic and obtainable goals during their journeys. Sarrouf says it is part of her mission to help the 70% of people who may not feel welcome at a traditional box gym. To illustrate this approach, their specialty programs include a boxing program for Parkinson’s patients and one for participants over the age of 65.

That’s not all. Sarrouf is involved in a partnership with Lowell General Hospital’s oncology program, and the SLS Fitness team manages corporate fitness programs and facilities throughout the Merrimack Valley.

When the pandemic started and fitness centers were ordered to close, there was no doubt in Sarrouf’s mind that her 40 employees would not be laid off. Instead, she strived to adapt. She and her team decided to move classes, personal training and programs to a virtual setting. 

Beyond the gym, Sarrouf is involved with philanthropic efforts. She is the founder of Fitness for a Cure, which has raised over $6 million dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Accompanied by her son, Stephen, and her daughter, Elizabeth, the family together teach different types of fitness and dances to over 120 kids on the team during these successful fundraising events. 

Coming in the fall of 2021 will be the new SLS Cafe, which will offer creative and nutritious organic food options. As she has already accomplished much when it comes to addressing the physical aspect of whole-body wellness, she sees this as a new beginning.   

SLS Fitness
Lowell, Mass.
(978) 459-5959
SLSFitness.com

Share:
Related Articles
12 Days of Holiday Gift Guide – Day 9!
Customized Fitness
The 495 – This Week’s Episode – Henri Marchand
The 495 – This Week’s Episode – Melvern Taylor

SLS Fitness

345 Chelmsford Street, Lowell, MA 01851
Website
Directions
(978) 459-5959
Read More →

SLS Fitness

SLS Fitness is dedicated to supporting your holistic fitness journey through expert training & classes. We believe in changing the way you feel, play and move. With programming for the entire family, there is something for everyone. We teach fitness to all ages and levels and provide coaching for strength training, yoga, stretch & mobility, boxing, kids boxing & strength training, 65+ programming, fitness for Parkinson’s and much more! The variety is endless and the community is top notch. Experience SLS for yourself either online or in person - Make us your last stop for fitness. 345 Chelmsford Street / Lowell Mass. / (978) 459-5959 / SLSFitness.com
Address
345 Chelmsford Street, Lowell, MA 01851
Website
Directions
(978) 459-5959

Current Issue

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premier source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Sections

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Bridal
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • MVMA
  • Perspectives
  • Travel

Links

  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Regular Contributors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Valid on new memberships during the month of September 2020.

 

Newsletter Signup

MERRIMACK VALLEY TODAY: Noteworthy. Local. News. (Launching May 2021)
Wellness Wednesdays
Eight Great Things To Do This Weekend (Thursdays)
NoteWorthy - Happenings, Movers & Shakers (Sundays)

Orangetheory Methuen is celebrating it’s one year anniversary with an
Open House, Saturday June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join your friends and neighbors to learn more about the fastest growing workout sensation in the nation. Tour the studio. Meet the coaches. Enter to win a 10 pack of classes. The first 20 people who sign up for a free class at the event will receive a free bonus class, no obligation. 

Click here to learn more! 

Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901
Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Free Class for first-time visitors and local residents only.