Hello friends – happy Spring! I’m so excited to share that my studio, GRIT Fitness, has been chosen as lucy’s studio of the month in Dallas! For the entire month of April, lucy will show lots of GRIT Fitness love at their store – yay for more marketing of our new business. Last week I got to decorate their bulletin board in the store window with GRIT Fitness stuff…what do you think (see below)?
After decorating the bulletin board at lucy Dallas – GRIT Fitness represent!
They also let me put flyers and business cards at their front desk for customers to pick up during check out. The BEST part is that all of my clients get to join me for a discounted shopping day on April 18th! We’ll stock up on cute workout clothes at 20% mark down from the full-price. This should be a fun opportunity for us to hang out outside of the gym.
And I got to leave flyers and business cards at the front desk
After placing our GRIT swag at the lucy Dallas store, Maria and I enjoyed a yummy lunch next door at True Food Kitchen. Maria teaches Flexin’ Flow and GRIT HIIT at our studio. We enjoyed the food so much I wanted to share some pics…
My SPRING VEGETABLE GARDEN salad with grilled chicken
Maria enjoying her Farmers Market Salad and “Hangover RX” juice consisting of Coconut Water, Pineapple, Vanilla & Orange
I always feel good about myself when I find real, natural food that’s tastes great. If there’s a True Food Kitchen near you, I highly suggest you give it a try! After our shopping day next Saturday, we plan to have brunch at True Food.
Well gang, that’s my good news for the day. I’m off to make my playlists for my classes this week – I’m teaching 10! Eeeeek. Wish me luck and have a Marvelous Monday. xoxo, Brit
Hello friends! Spring has officially sprung here in Dallas, TX. We enjoyed a gorgeous weekend of sunshine and 75 degree weather. Some of my friends even enjoyed time by the pool. I’m so glad that Winter is over and cannot wait to spend more time outside, especially partaking in outdoor workouts. This week I plan to hit up the Katy Trail and knock out this running and strength training circuit. I made the perfect 40 minute playlist to energize my sweat session – you should too!
In addition, my friends from Studio Hop and Lorna Jane NorthPark and I just finished planning the premier fitness event of the season! We are hosting a free outdoor workout at NorthPark center on Saturday, April 11th at 10:30am. If you live in Dallas, you should DEFINITELY join the party! There will be a lot of sweat, a lot of shopping and a lot of smiles! What’s not to like? So grab your yoga mat and a friend and join the party. CLICK HERE to RSVP at the Facebook event page.
Hey guys! I hope you’re staying warm and dry! It seems like 80% of the US is covered in ice and snow – even us Texans! However, we are still bringing the heat at GRIT Fitness! Yesterday, we kicked off the week on a positive note by NOT canceling our scheduled classes despite the rain/ice storm. That turned out to be a great decision because several of our clients popped in the studio ready to sweat. We had an awesome time and definitely brought some heat to the his cold weather!
Our member, Kelli, showed her GRIT by rolling to Turbo Kick class during yesterday’s ice storm in her hubby’s big body truck!
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, so here’s a quick run down of what happened over the weekend…
On Friday, I taught my usual noon Turbo Kick class. Shout out to my friend from the Junior League of Dallas, Emily, who’s also a fierce member of our fit family at GRIT fitness (in the middle of the photo below). She took her first Turbo Kick class last Friday and loved it. In her own words, “This is what is must feel like at a rave…with music blasting and lights flashing”…she also suggested we start using glow sticks during Turbo Kick classes and turn the lights off. haha. I like it!
My Turbo Kick rock stars! From left to right: Lew, Jenny, Emily, Me, Kelli
On Friday night I enjoyed a fun yet healthy dinner with my girlfriends at Dodie’s Cajun restaurant in Dallas. I had a decision blacked salmon salad and several glasses of Pinot Grigio. Perfect way to wind down after a long week!
My yummy blackened salmon salad from Dodie’s on lower Greenville, Dallas, TX
On Saturday I taught my usual spin class at BEYOND Pedaling and PiYO (now “Flexin’Flow”) class at GRIT Fitness. My friend Jackie, fellow instructor from my days at 24 Hour Fitness, did the honors of guest teaching our Dance Cardio class – it was a hit! Here’s a link to a little video clip of the fun: Post by GRIT Fitness.
Midday I did a little dance of excitement because the new business cards I ordered finally arrived – yay! What do you think?
My new biz cards with my fitness photo on them! Not sure if photos on biz cards are tacky, but whatever, I like it!
Later I stopped by Dallas North Park Mall because THE Lorna Jane, founder of Lorna Jane Active, made a pit stop in Texas. It was great to chat with her and get a little photo op. I loving meeting fellow girl BO$$’s – very inspiring!
Me and THE Lorna Jane posing with my LJ Diary at Dallas North Park mall
I wrapped up my Saturday by doing absolutely nothing. Sometimes going on chill mode is a great thing, right? On Sunday I slept in, went to brunch with some friends and then get back to work making playlist, writing our weekly newsletter and preparing for the awesome week that I’m now enjoying.
Before I go, I want to share this new Tabata workout I created! At Fossil corporate HQ, I recently started teaching a Tabata bootcamp and I LOVE IT! Tabata is a form of High Intensity Internal Training (HIIT) created by Japanese scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata. You can CLICK HERE to read more about the history of Tabata. 1 Tabata circuit lasts 4 minutes, but it’s super intense. The structure of the 4 minutes is as follows:
Workout hard for 20 seconds
Rest for 10 seconds
Complete eight rounds
Brit’s Total Body Tabata Workout
I highly encourage you to give my Total Body Tabata workout a whirl. It consists of 5 Tabata rounds and can be completed in 30 minutes. Expect to burn up to 500 calories – woo hoo! Enjoy! xoxo, Brit
Hello friends! Happy Monday! I’m intrigued by SELF Magazine’s 21 Day Time Makeover Program, so I jumped on the bandwagon and I want to share my experience with you guys. The program requires you to take a short quiz to the find the right time makeover program for your personality type. As expected, one of the recommendations for my Type A personality is to “chill the eff out.” As a result, I decided to get more serious about my personal goal to allocate one day per week to just “chill.” Yep, that’s right, I’m making time to do absolutely nothing.
My recent transition from corporate America to opening my own fitness studio had been SO exciting a but a bit exhausting. Now I teach up to 13 classes per week and when I’m not teaching I’m doing marketing, training instructors, selling memberships, installing water fountains, cleaning toilets…the list goes on and on. Here’s a few pics from the studio that we took over the past few days…
Thursday night’s hip hop class was a huge hit! My little sister, Kortani AKA Tootie, is a fierce dance instructor!
Here’s a little video clip of the choreography our clients learned in their first hip hop class. Not bad huh?
I as so excited that my friend Anna recently moved to Dallas from Boston. We met while she was in high school in Ithaca, NY. I volunteered as a youth leader at Bethel Grove Bible Church while I was in college at Cornell and she was in our youth group. Now she’s all grown up, living in Dallas and engaged! Small world 🙂
My amazing friends have continued to send me pretty flowers and gifts – so blessed to have a strong support network!
While I had a crazy busy grand opening week at the studio, I did however, devote my entire Sunday to just chill (we don’t have Sunday classes at GRIT Fitness yet). Contrary to popular belief, it was actually a lot harder than I thought…
I started the day by making my coffee and watching a church service online. It took so much power to not turn on my laptop, but I succeeded. I then sat on my couch for a bit and folded some clothes until lunch time. My friend Dan and I enjoyed a fun Sunday brunch at Henderson Tap House and caught up over several mimosas – that was a great decision 🙂
When evening rolled around, I couldn’t help myself so I started analyzing the customer feedback surveys from our first week of classes and outlined enhancements we are going to make at GRIT Fitness this week. I only spent a couple of hours on this, so I’m still proud of myself as I spent the rest of the day just chillin’ (wink wink). I hope to do better next Sunday – will keep you posted! xoxo, Brit
Couldn’t help myself, finished the day doing just a little bit of work…I’ll do better next Sunday
If you had a Time Makeover, what would you make time for?
Happy Monday friends! OMG what a weekend. I’m happy to share that we had a VERY successful launch party for my fitness studio, GRIT Fitness, with over 300 members of the Dallas community coming out to show their support and share their positive energy. I couldn’t have asked for a better grand opening day and my heart is SO full! Here are a few pics from the party (I’ll post official photos once the photographer finishes uploading them!) …
On Friday, before the party, I set up the front desk with fresh flowers and an official announcements of our grand opening special offers. Unlimited memberships from only $75/month – a steal!
Then my Pastors (Stephanie & Robert Canady from All Nations Fellowship Church), family and friends came to the studio to pray for me, my team and our business. My mission is to use fitness to help people live life more abundantly and have hope for their future! We prayed that GRIT Fitness will ALWAYS stay committed to its mission.
On Saturday we got the party started – woo hoo! I was so happy that my dear friend Frank, the W Insider from W Dallas Hotel, graced us with his presence and brought some W swag bags for our guests!
I was SO HONORED that Gail Warrior, the CEO of Warrior Construction and Warrior Elements joined the party despite tearing her achilles tendon early that morning. She’s so inspiring and I hope to be as successful of a business woman as she is!
Flowers, cards, gifts and words of encouragement filled the lobby from my dear friends and family. I feel so loved and continue to bask in gratitude for my support system.
My #dreamteam and I snuck out from the party for a few minutes to take 1 official celebratory photo – we are NOW OPEN FOR FITNESS!
Today we will offer our first classes at the studio – I’m excited (and a little nervous). All but 4 classes are already sold out so we are getting ready to rock a packed house tonight. There are a still a few spots left in our Thursday & Saturday classes, so if you live in Dallas BOOK NOW!
I’ll post some pics of our fitness fun, but now I have a finish my playlist! Talk to you tomorrow – I have a fierce core workout in the mix for you.
Hi friends – Happy Monday! First and foremost, my apologies for the lack of blog posts last week. I’m not a believer in excuses, so I won’t give you any. I’ll just do better 🙂
On a brighter note, I’m back to frequent blogging now that most of the renovation and employee on-boarding activities at my new studio, GRIT Fitness, are complete! WOO HOO Being a full-time entrepreneur is WAY more time consuming than working in corporate America, that’s for sure. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. I’m so excited to wake up everyday and get after my long to do list. But before I get to work today, I’ll take a minute and share all of the great progress that was made last week…
Custom wall art & sound responsive lighting installed!
So one thing I’m learning a lot about is obtaining city permits. UGH! We finally secured our “green tag” of approval for all of the renovation work that was done in the studio so now we can “legally” open for business. Our super cool, sound responsive DJ lights were installed last week. Also, the custom wall art of motivational sayings were hung. Last we set up the sound system and started blasting some music. For the first time, I could feel the vibe I’ve been trying to create for my clients. I can’t wait until the first class on Jan. 19, 2015!
Entry way photo wall filled will images from my classes over the past 3 years! (still missing one pic in the upper left corner. That one is coming soon)
After getting the studio’s interior set up, I started decorating the entry way. This is a still a work in progress but here’s a sneak peak at the photo wall I’m putting together. I got these frames at At Home (formal Garden Ridge) for only $9.99 each! Then I took photos from my piyo and turbo kick classes over the past three years and had them blown up into black & white poster-size prints. As time progresses, I’m going to add instagram photos from our clients when they post them with hashtag #nogritnopearl – fun huh? Yesterday a I bought a hot pink bench and some other decor for front desk. I’ll post pics of that once I finish 🙂
Me and my sister, Kortani our dance cardio instructor, posing for a selfie after orientation. Hey Girl Hey!
On Friday and Saturday I hosted orientation for my fierce, fabulous crew of instructors. Starting off, we will be a team of 10 (including me) to teach over 20 classes per week. We went over the studio policies, “GRIT Etiquette” and had a fun photo shoot. I’m so grateful work with such a fun, high-energy fit family.
Well, that’s the run down. I’ll be back later this afternoon with some healthy holiday cocktail recipes. Until then, HAPPY MONDAY! xoxo, Brit
Gobble Gobble – Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you’re enjoying some well-deserved food and fun with family and friends. I know I said I was going to check out until Monday, but I have to make sure I share my special Black Friday sale!
As you probably know from all of my “studio renovation” blog posts, I’m so grateful for the upcoming grand opening of my new fitness studio, Dallas Grit Fitness! Starting today I’m offering an exclusive pre-sale 40% discount on class passes. This offer is good through FRIDAY ONLY (tomorrow)!
CLICK HEREto purchase your discounted 10 Class Pass for $100 (reg. $170)
CLICK HEREto purchase your discounted 20 Class Pass for $180 (reg. $300)
Dallas Grit Fitness will open to the public on January 19, 2015. We offer over 20 classes per week each led by energetic, nationally certified instructors including me! From PiYo, Turbo Kick, Dance Cardio, Power Yoga and Body Sculpt we have it all, making us Dallas’ ONLY one-stop shop for fun, fierce fitness. Trust me, you definitely want to be a part of our “gritty” family!
I hope you take advantage of this unique opportunity to prepare for a happier, healthier 2015!
BLACK FRIDAY BONUS: You can also grab a copy of my signature Grit by Brit Ultimate Body Burn home workout DVD for $12.50 (50% discount). CLICK HERE to access the online store. Enter discount code: TTTVV5E5 at checkout. Enjoy!
Hey guys! I hope your week is off to a good start. I was feeling pretty chipper this morning, but then the reality of the MASSIVE AMOUNT of work I have to do to get my studio set up hit me like a ton of bricks – AHH! From writing the press release, conducting instructor orientation, planning the grand opening party and finishing renovations, I don’t expect to sleep much in the next month. The frustrating part is that so much of what needs to be done I can’t do by myself. Having to rely on others is definitely giving me a life lesson in humility. Alas, lots of progress is being made so I’ll rejoice in that regard. We have come such a long way! Remember when we started with the demolition work?
Oh hey – we have mirrors! Let me take a selfie
The most recent accomplishment is mirror installation! Alpha Glass company installed the studio mirrors last Thursday! They really open up the space and make it feel like real studio. I think this is the most excited I’ve been so far.
Tomorrow the electricians will come and install additional power outlets, lighting and the sound system. I’m really excited about the lights because they respond to the bass in the music 🙂 I went to Guitar Center and totally geeked out from all of the lighting options (see below). Finally, I decided to buy the Ultrabar colored lights. Can’t wait to have these installed tomorrow!
Checking out all of the cool studio lighting options! So fun
After Thanksgiving the real fun begins – decorating! While decorating seems simple, it also requires professional help – UGH! Is there any particular fitness studio decor that you like? If so, post a comment and let me know!
Image: Grinning from ear to ear at the site of new activewear! My favorite 😉
Happy Fitness Fashion Friday my friends! Yay for the upcoming weekend. I have been teaching a crazy schedule this week (5 spin classes in 2 days!) So I’m VERY ready to relax and unwind this weekend. Before I head out, I want to share some photos and thoughts from a recent fitness + fashion event.
Last week I was super excited to receive an invitation to special clothing line debut from a local Dallas designer, Gail Warrior. Gail is a high-profile, Dallas-based entrepreneur and founder of The Warrior Group, a commercial general contractor, and the Heart of a Warrior Charitable Foundation. She’s also a lifelong fitness and healthy cooking enthusiast, so creating the Warrior Elements clothing line was a natural fusion of her professional experience and her personal passions for health, fitness, fashion and motivating others.
The clothing line debut took place at Equinox Preston Hollow and was super swanky. Not only did I get to check out awesome new activewear from a local Dallas designer but I also enjoyed delicious treats and “mocktails” (i.e. healthy non-alcoholic cocktails) throughout the evening.
Enjoying yummy goodies at the Warrior Elements Debut!
As for the Warrior Elements clothing line, I liked the consistent theme of Earth, Wind, Fire, Water. Each item in the collection is a associated and color-coordinated with one of the elements. For instance, the blue workout clothes are a part of the Water collection. Most importantly, I loved the positive vibe I got from Gail and her team. There’s nothing more important than good energy – right?
Here are a few more photos from the evening. If you’re looking for new activewear this holiday season be sure to check out Warrior Elements. Let me know what you think! Until then, I’ll catch up with you on Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend! xoxo, Brit
Checking out the Warrior Elements Women’s Activewear – lots of fun styles to choose from
Crystal Pollard (left) and Gail Warrior (right) posing for the camera. Crystal is a fellow group fitness instructor with me at 24 HR fitness – we go way back 😉
Models showing off the Warrior Elements Activewear
Ladies getting their shopping on – wonderful night of a food, fashion & fun!
Image: From left to right, my friends Ashley, Julie (instructor), me and Andria after our Brawl workout. I was happy to rock my Fire Cracker capris from Lorna Jane!
Hey friends – happy workout Wednesday! I hope your week is going well. I’m working away at my new studio, Dallas Grit Fitness. We are in full swing decorating and getting ready to welcome our fierce, fabulous instructors for orientation in 2 weeks. I’m excited and honored to have the most energetic dancers, trainers and yoga instructors join my team!
In honor of workout Wednesday, I wanted to share some insights from my recent visit to The Barre Code Dallas, Design District. Turns out The Barre Code Dallas Master Trainer, Julie, was actually the Group X Manager of 24 Hour Fitness who auditioned me for my very first fitness instructor position! When I walked into the class and saw that she was teaching, I totally freaked out. Such a small world!
While The Barre Code offers several barre formats my friends and I decided to try out the “Brawl” class because it seemed the most intense. “Brawl, which has been recognized by SELF magazine as one of the best workouts in the country, is an intense class that combines cardio kickboxing sequences with strengthening work for the thighs and glutes.” As a Turbo Kick fanatic, of course this is right yup my alley!
Here’s a quick run down of my experience…
The Class – Brawl is a 50 minutes, high intensity cardio kickboxing class. We did the whole class in socks – no sneakers! Fortunately the floors are a soft rubber that you can bounce on. About half way through the class, we got down on the ground and did 10 minutes of core, thighs and booty toning exercises. Then we ended class with one final cardio push and a cool down.
The Instructor – So I may be biased because I know Julie and personally like her style, but she was awesome! I always appreciate fitness instructors who actually do the workout with the class and practice what they teach. Julie rocked it out!
Music – We kicked, punched and jumped around to a mash-up of Top 40 music. It was remixed into a continuous flow that synced well with the moves. The sound system was great – I could feel the beat!
Who was there – Barre Code is a women’s only gym. Most of the ladies in our class were in their 20’s and 30’s and all dressed in super cute activewear.
Loved – The high energy of the class. We never stopped moving!
Hated – I didn’t bring a towel and had to creatively wipe my sweat on my clothes.
Final Verdict – After class I was drenched in sweat, my thighs were on fire and I had a smile on my face – the 3 signs of an effective workout! I highly recommend.
My friend Ashley, invited us along for the day. She’s a regular at The Barre Code
Ladies checking in at the front desk for Brawl class!
The studio was perfectly accented with thematic fitness equipment – gotta love pink kettle bells 🙂
Afterwards we were sweaty and tired so we treated ourselves to a yummy dinner at Ascension
