Our Story

Sozo began in 2017, born from Kara’s deep passion for fitness and her heart for serving others. The name Sozo means "whole, to make well, to heal, to restore and renew" — a reflection of our mission to uplift and transform lives through fitness and community. What started as a humble personal training space in our kid’s playroom quickly grew organically through word of mouth. It wasn’t long before we outgrew that first space, moving through several locations until finding our home in Chapin.

From the beginning, our vision was clear: to create a space that offers a variety of fitness opportunities for people of all ages and fitness levels. But more than just a gym, we wanted to build a place that feels welcoming, uplifting, and encouraging—a space where everyone feels they belong.

This isn’t just a business for us; it’s a calling. It brings us pure joy to hear members, clients, and guests say, “I’ve found my people here,” or, “I never imagined I would enjoy coming to the gym.” These words fuel our passion and affirm that we’re on the right path.

Paul plays a vital role, working both behind the scenes and on the gym itself—there’s always a project to tackle! When we’re not working, you’ll often find us working out at Sozo, sharing in the same joy and sense of community that makes Sozo special.

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For us, Sozo is more than just a gym. It’s a family, a mission, and a testament to the power of community. We’re honored to continue growing with and serving in the Chapin community.