As its name implies, Synergy 180 in Ocean Beach harmoniously blends yoga, high-intensity fitness, and an in-house health bar to create a holistic exercise experience for all.
Owner-operator Sofia Laasiri Whitfield started out 10 years ago as a Zumba instructor in a small Minnesota gym.
“I was in college and I always loved dancing,” Laasiri Whitfield said noting she was impressed by how her charges were “getting results, losing weight and becoming happier.”
Pointing out she was “seeing how much working out was changing her client’s lives,” Laasiri Whitfield added, “I went from teaching Zumba to teach group classes and doing one-on-one. I realized, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
After running her own fitness studio in Minnesota for 2 1/2 years, then taking a break to travel for a year, Laasiri Whitfield moved to San Diego with renewed purpose.
“The concept itself (Synergy) derived from the studio I used to own,” she said. “It was all high-intensity. But then I started practicing yoga and strength, and that’s when I realized, there isn’t a studio that offers what we offer.”
The fitness entrepreneur said her students exercise by alternating between high-intensity cardio and strength training, before finishing with cool-down yoga instruction, where her patrons are “able to get a little more flexible and stretch out.”
Group sessions at Synergy 180 typically range from four to 14 people. Sessions are 45 minutes long and include a five-minute warmup before the workout. “It’s 30 seconds on, 10 seconds off for about four or five rounds,” noted the fitness instructor. “We’re weaving in the high intensity and the strength, going through one or the other.”
Dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells are used in strength conditioning. With yoga, Laasiri Whitfield noted, “You’re focusing on stretching, mobility, and breathing. With all of those blended together, it gives you the perfect fitness workout.”
Synergy 180 accepts drop-ins as well as allowing regular patrons to pay by the class, the month or even by the year. Male and female clients range in age from 16 to 70.
“People are looking to take their fitness to the next level, or try something different, or they’re sick of having three different memberships to different studios and just want the all-in-one-package,” pointed out Laasiri Whitfield.  Vili’s Health Bar Sharing space in Synergy 180 is Vili’s Health Bar, run by Margaryta Gvritishvili, who just moved in recently.
“One of the main things I have is a healthy version of coffee,” said Gvritishvili, who previously worked in Hawaii. “We have smoothies with all-organic ingredients and homemade vegan desserts and are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.”
“Being able to grab a smoothie after a workout from Margaryta, that is convenience,” said Laasiri Whitfield adding, “Everything is completely fresh and organic as well.”
“The biggest thing I want people to know is, you have what it takes,” concluded Laasiri Whitfield. “We have the power to change our lives. You can 100% do that through fitness and eating right.” Synergy 180 / Vili’s Health Bar
Where: 4861 Newport Ave. 
Info: synergy180.com, 619-838-6906