Liezyl Ribeiro didn't set out to build a fitness festival. She set out to change her city. What started as a fight to make a difference on Chicago's South Side has grown into Strength in the City, a nationwide fitness and wellness movement now thriving in 14 cities, with Denver playing a major role from the very beginning.

In this episode of the Sweat Community Podcast, Liezyl, the Creator of Opportunities behind Strength in the City, shares how one grassroots idea became one of the country's most recognized fitness festivals. We talk about why Denver's fitness community is unlike anywhere else, why collaboration beats competition, and how local fitness studios, instructors, and wellness businesses are building stronger communities together.

We also dive into Strength at the Rocks, Denver's newest fitness experience at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and what to expect at this year's festival.

In this episode:

• How Strength in the City grew from a Chicago passion project into a nationwide movement
• Why Denver became the second city, and what makes its wellness community so special,
• How competing fitness studios come together to build community
• What it takes to produce one of Denver's biggest fitness festivals
• Why creating opportunities, not competition is the focus

🎟️ Save 50% on your Strength in the City Denver ticket with code SWEAT at checkout.

link to tickets: https://sweatpals.com/event/strength-in-the-city-festival-denver/2026-07-25?aff=sweat-community-podcast

Learn more at strengthinthecity.com.

For more Denver fitness studios, wellness events, and exclusive local deals, subscribe to the free newsletter at sweatcommunity.com.

Follow along:

• Strength in the City: @strengthinthecity

• Strength in the City Denver: @strengthinthecity.den
• Sweat Community: @sweat__community