‘Twas a night of sweat and soul.

While winter storm Niko painted the City white with over 10 inches of snow, the third annual Union Square Sweat Fest was on fire.  Presented by Union Square Partnership with FIT + LOVE, Sound Off™, and Insider Insights at W New York, the Union Square Sweat Fest is a week-long jubilee flashing the spotlight on Union Square’s health + fitness stage.  This year’s lineup included 65 event partners and over 40 fitness activities.   Mother Nature did not deter our wellness warriors from attending the opening event.  Sound Off Soul- a guided vinyasa session featuring Soulful House, Afro-beat, Neo-soul, and R&B- flickered the 7-day fitness flame with pride.

Picture this.

The W Hotel’s iconic 2,300 square foot Great Room was literally lit. DJ Lety Love set the sonic scene. Windows  stretched from the floor to the 23 foot vaulted ceiling. Violet and royal blue lighting saturated the space.   The sea of Sound Off headphones bedazzled like the futuristic cherry on top. Julie Serow of Laughing Lotus led the 60 minute yoga session. Each person was able to hear her voice through the wireless headsets at their own perfect volume. She was gentle yet firm. Julie scanned the group correcting and congratulating form as she shepherded each pose. Most of all,  she urged students to show up for themselves.

And they did.

But that wasn’t all.

Six lucky yogis scored gift cards and fitness passes. They claimed their gifts after finding raffle tickets tucked beneath their mats. Afterwards, guests were treated to a beauty + wellness collective.  The Red Door Spa, RPZL, Jolie Beauty Bar, NYX Professional Makeup, WTRMLN WTR, Arteasan, Kombrewcha, Core Hydration, Barnana, and Chloe’s Soft Serve Fruit Co did not disappoint. There were smiles and selfies at every turn. Guests went home with a Sweat Fest knapsack brimming with swag.  Indeed, the crowd of 100 left ready to preach the gospel of Sound Off Soul.

Want more? View the event photos on Facebook or jam to this groovy goodness from DJ Lety Love.