Lifted, Supported, and Stronger Than Ever: How Sling Fit Studios Is Redefining Fitness in Texarkana

by: Michelle Horton

Picture this: you have driven past the same stretch of road dozens, maybe hundreds, of times. Tucked just a little off the beaten path on East 9th Street in Texarkana, Arkansas, is a building you have never really noticed—until one day, you hear laughter spilling out the door. Music thumps. Inside, people of all ages are bouncing, flying, stretching, sweating, and smiling. Not grimacing. Not competing. Smiling.

Welcome to Sling Fit Studios, one of Texarkana’s most unexpected and quietly transformative local businesses.

In a town full of traditional gyms, Sling Fit Studios stands out—not just for its bungee cords, yoga mats, and dance beats, but for its heart. At the center of it all is Colleen Woods, a longtime yoga instructor whose passion for movement, healing, and community ultimately led her to take ownership to ensure this one-of-a-kind studio did not disappear from Texarkana.

What started as a niche fitness concept has grown into a thriving, inclusive space where people come not just to work out—but to belong.

A Teacher at Heart, A Leader by Necessity

Colleen Woods did not set out to become a business owner. For nearly two decades, she has been a familiar name in Texarkana’s wellness community, teaching yoga for 17 years and earning certifications in kids’ yoga, prenatal yoga, trauma-informed practices, and aerial yoga. Beyond studio walls, she leads free community yoga classes three times a week, making movement accessible regardless of income or background.

That commitment to accessibility is no accident—it is core to who she is. Shortly after becoming the resident yoga instructor at Sling Fit Studios, Colleen stepped into ownership during a pivotal moment. “It was a critical move,” she says. “One made to keep our doors open and allow us to continue offering something that does not exist anywhere else in town.”

That decision was not driven by profit or prestige. It was driven by people.

How Bungee Fitness Landed in Texarkana

The Sling Fit story actually begins with another woman and another city. The studio’s original owner, Theresa, attended a bungee fitness class in Oklahoma City and was immediately hooked. She saw not just a workout, but a solution—an exercise style that was low-impact yet powerful, supportive while still challenging. Theresa brought that vision back to Texarkana, planting the seed for what would become Sling Fit Studios.

Texarkana has plenty of gyms, but few truly innovative fitness concepts—and even fewer that intentionally welcome beginners, older adults, or those recovering from injury or illness. Being situated in the Four States area has also worked in Sling Fit’s favor, drawing clients not just from Texarkana but from Louisiana, Oklahoma, and across Texas.

“We have had people drive over 120 miles just to take a class,” Colleen says. “Recently, ten women from Shreveport booked a private class together. That is exciting.” It is proof that something special is happening here.

So… What Is Bungee Fitness, Anyway?

Ask Colleen to explain bungee fitness, and she laughs—because she has been asked that question countless times. In simple terms, participants wear a rock-climbing-style harness secured around the legs and ribcage. Each person is paired with bungee cords customized to their body weight. From there, instructors guide the class through choreographed movements set to music.

The result? A workout that feels more like play than punishment.

The bungee cords support body weight, reducing stress on joints while still allowing for cardio, strength training, and core work. You can jump higher, squat deeper, and move more freely—often doing things you did not think your body could handle anymore. “It is supportive, effective, and honestly—it is a party,” Colleen says.

Clearing Up the Biggest Misconception

What is the most common myth about bungee and low-impact workouts? “That it is not a real workout,” Colleen says. However, anyone who has tried a class quickly learns otherwise. Low-impact does not mean low-effort. Sling Fit clients build muscle, increase endurance, improve balance, and burn serious calories—all while protecting their joints.

For those still sitting on the fence, Colleen’s advice is simple and powerful: “Just do it. Do it scared. It does not have to be a Monday. Show up for you.”

Fitness for Everyone—Not Just the Already Fit

One of Sling Fit’s defining values is inclusivity. This is not a space reserved for elite athletes or fitness veterans. It is a space for real people. Colleen and her team are intentional about meeting clients exactly where they are. That philosophy has led to creative adaptations, including one particularly meaningful example: a client who needed to complete workouts while seated. Instead of turning her away, Sling Fit modified the class—and, in the process, created a chair-fitness class that has since become one of the studio’s most popular offerings.

Sling Fit Studios offers a wide variety of classes designed to support both physical and mental well-being:

Bungee Fitness

The studio’s signature class and most significant draw. This low-impact, high-energy workout combines cardio, strength, and core training while being gentle on joints. Ideal for beginners, seasoned athletes, and anyone rehabbing or rebuilding strength.

Cardio Dance

A music-driven, feel-good class with easy choreography and major energy. No dance experience required—just a willingness to move and have fun.

Beatboxing

A rhythm-based cardio and strength workout fueled by dynamic beats and fast-paced intervals. Perfect for those who thrive on high energy and variety.

Hot HIIT

A heated, high-intensity interval training class designed to push endurance, maximize calorie burn, and build functional strength. This class combines high-intensity intervals with functional movements, helping participants push past limits while improving cardiovascular health. It is best for those who enjoy a challenging workout and want to level up their fitness in a powerful way.

Yoga (Multiple Styles)

From Hot Power and Foundations to Slow Flow, Ground in Grace, and special pop-ups like Yin & Pin, binaural beats, and Partner Yoga, Sling Fit’s yoga offerings reflect Colleen’s depth of experience and commitment to holistic wellness.

Future additions include Aerial Yoga, Kids Bungee, and monthly pop-up classes that keep the schedule fresh and exciting.

Creating a Safe Space for Transformations

For many people, walking into a fitness studio is more intimidating than the workout itself. Sling Fit actively works against that. From the moment someone enters the studio, instructors focus on education, reassurance, and encouragement. Movements are explained. Modifications are offered. No one is rushed or singled out.

Most importantly, the community takes care of the rest. Members cheer each other on. Small wins are celebrated. Consistency—not perfection—is the goal. That culture has helped countless people rediscover movement without fear.

While weight loss and muscle gain happen, the transformations Colleen treasures most are deeper. One story stands out: a student diagnosed with MS over a decade ago. When she began attending Sling Fit, she relied heavily on a cane. After a year and a half of consistent classes, she has built strength, improved mobility, and relies far less on assistance. “She has told us she feels better now than she did before her diagnosis,” Colleen shares. Stories like that are reminders that fitness is not about aesthetics—it is about quality of life.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Sling Fit Studios

For Colleen, owning Sling Fit Studios is more than a job—it is a blessing. “I am so thankful I get to do this every day,” she says. “Watching this community thrive and grow—it means everything.”

The future is bright and busy. Sling Fit is launching its Biggest Losers Challenge with cash prizes, expanding class offerings, and continuing to innovate with pop-ups and specialty events.

In a world of big-box gyms and online workouts, Sling Fit Studios reminds us why local businesses matter: they know your name, your story, and your potential. And sometimes, they help you discover strength you did not know you had—while suspended in midair, laughing, and supported every step of the way.

The best way to stay in the loop? Follow Sling Fit Studios on Facebook and Instagram—and better yet, stop by in person – located in the 82 Plaza.