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Killer Fitness, a unique workout studio in Burbank, California, is offering a thrilling twist on traditional exercise with its horror-themed workouts, including the popular "Slashercise" class. The studio, which also functions as a gift shop, was inspired by a fake horror film concept and aims to blend fitness with the adrenaline rush of horror movies.
Co-owner Vanessa Decker leads the signature "Slashercise" class, where participants engage in an hour-long workout featuring movements reminiscent of iconic horror film scenes. During the class, participants use props like plastic chainsaws and fake knives to enhance their strength training. The workout is set against a backdrop of looping horror film clips featuring characters like Freddy Krueger and Pinhead, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Decker and her partner Ama Lea were inspired by a 2017 art installation called "Slashback Video" and the underground classic "Linnea Quigley's Horror Workout." This led them to create a fake horror film titled "Slashercise," which eventually became a real workout class after gaining popularity on platforms like Shudder's "The Last Drive-In With Joe Bob Briggs."
Killer Fitness opened in May and offers 20 exercise classes a week, including "Horror Yoga" and "Fitness Ghouls." The studio also hosts evening film screenings and community events, creating a vibrant space for horror enthusiasts and fitness fans alike. Decker's online persona, "Horror Vixen," has helped her amass a significant following, further boosting the studio's popularity.