In an unassuming space along Sepulveda Boulevard in Culver City, lives are changing. Only a few months ago, Jennifer Bouras called her partner, Siavash Fashi, about a small vacancy and a dream. The couple had aspired to open their own fitness studio for years and they jumped at the chance when it came their way even though neither had ever run their own business. Today, Six Pax Gym is an impressive, fully functioning fitness studio with cardio equipment, free weights and resistance machines – and two owners who are happy to have located in Culver City.
“You should have seen this place when we started,” gushed Bouras, “it was a concrete slab.” As they began building their business, people from the neighborhood started to take an interest in helping them out. “People in Culver City have been so generous,” she enthused. “People have brought us things to help us out: a printer, paintings for our wall – even a dog!”
Fashi and Bouras have been giving back to the community as much as it’s been giving to them. They train local Special Olympics athletes, help them lose weight and compete in the games. “Autistic children need to be attended to in a unique way,” said Fashi. “We try to provide an atmosphere that’s comfortable for them.”
Since Six Pax Gym has opened its doors, the results have been dramatic for the couple and their clients. A former taekwondo champion, Fashi switched to pumping iron after an injury forced him to quit the martial art. Still a competitive bodybuilder, Fashi trains his clients with the same passion and intensity he brings to his own workouts. As a result, the couple brings in clients from around the Los Angeles area. “One guy drives an hour and a half to get to us,” noted Fashi. “That’s how much we mean to our clients and it feels really good to be helping people out. It’s so different than working at a corporate gym – much more rewarding.”
“We have a client that was so heavy he could barely lift his legs, let alone fit in his car comfortably a few months ago,” said Bouras. “In only a few months, he’s lost so much weight that he’s moving around easily and can slip into his car without a problem. It’s great to make such a positive impact on someone.”
Six Pax Gym is located at 4313 Sepulveda Blvd. To learn more about their training and weight management/nutrition consultations, visit their website at sixpaxgym.com.