My 2nd Business Pitch Contest

November 23, 2015 No Comments

Brit Rettig- Business Pitch at InnovateHer

Hey Friends! Last week my mom and I made road trip down to San Antonio, TX where I competed in the InnovateHER Women’s Business Pitch Competition sponsored by the SBA (Small Business Administration). It was a bittersweet experience as I practiced all week, picked out the perfect outfit and thought through all of the questions the judges may ask. Alas, I didn’t win 🙁

However, I felt really great about my pitch delivery. Unlike the competition I recently won at the Dallas Entrepreneur Center (DEC), this was a true “pitch” competition meaning I only got 2 minutes to speak and could only have 1 slide on the screen. That said I had to prioritize the most critical aspects of my business plan and immediately excite the judges. This experience definitely pushed me past my comfort zone and elevated me to a new level of public speaking and handling high-pressure situations. Also, I got to the meet the founders of these 4 awesome, female-owned start up companies – I highly suggest you check them out and show them some love!

The 5 Finalists – Me and the fierce female entreprenuers who presented our businesses to the judges – I was so inspired by their awesome ideas, passion & energy!

In the spirit of “keeping it real” I was super bummed about the outcome (I even shed a few tears when I was alone in the lady’s room). Honestly after watching the video of my pitch, there wasn’t anything I thought I could have significantly improved. Fortunately, my competitive nature is getting the best of me and now I’m even more motivated to spread the positive vibes of GRIT Fitness and impact women all over the world! #CantStopWontStop

Before I went to bed that night, I came across this post that gave me so much peace, hope and purpose.

“I want to be in the arena. I want to be brave with my life. And when we make the choice to dare greatly, we sign up to get our asses kicked. We can choose courage or we can choose comfort, but we can’t have both. Not at the same time. Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.”
― Brené Brown, Rising Strong

I remember being in my corporate career with my steady paycheck and awesome expense account and thinking to myself, “I want more than this. I want to take a risk with my life and pursue my dream.” Now I’m living boldly and there are several ups and downs, but boy is it exciting! I hope this quote positively impacts you as much as it did me.

Keep up the good work ladies and shout out to all of the #GIRLBOSS chicks out there! xoxo, Brit

Me and my Mama Kay enjoying margaritas and Mexican food on the San Antonio River Walk after the competition – you can find a silver lining in EVERY experience if you just look for it!

Inspiration & Motivation

Chase Your Dreams Ignore Your Fears

August 3, 2014 No Comments

Happy Sunday! I wanted to share a little inspiration to get your week started with a positive and optimistic outlook. “Chasing your dream” is much easier said than done. Especially, when you’re at a crossroads in your life and the opportunity cost of fully pursuing your dream is high.

In recent years, I’ve develop my own dream of opening fitness studio in Dallas. Each time I take a few steps forward, I take 3 or 4 steps back because my fears kick in. I often think to myself “I won’t make as much money,” “there are too many competitors,” “can I do this all by myself?”

I found this great article on Forbes.com that really hit home and gave me a little push to quit wallowing in my fears…

The 5 Way s to Overcome the Fear of Chasing Your Dream

By Steven Berglas at Forbes (click the link to read the full article)

Your fear of taking action is a result of watching yourself fail to act–not the other way around.
Your fear of losing a paycheck is exaggerated.
Your fear of launching a start-up stems from knowing someone whose new venture fell flatter than a crepe.
You won’t sacrifice a paycheck because it would be “wrong, reckless, irresponsible, etc.”
No one daydreams while watching a Super Bowl game that goes into the fourth quarter with the score tied.

I hope these 5 tips give you the same inspirational kick they gave me. In the near future I expect that my blog posts and your comments will reflect that we finally ditched the fear and went for it! Be on the look out. A Grit by Brit Fitness studio could open soon near you (wink wink)! Send me your positive vibes and I’ll send you mine. Have a wonderful week! xoxo, Brit

What’s your dream? How will you more actively pursue it?

Inspiration & Motivation

Courage to Live the Life You Want

June 8, 2014 No Comments

I saw this quote on my coffee cup after my morning Starbucks run. (FYI – I’m a grande bold, black w/a little cinnamon). Obviously I like the word “courage” because it’s kinda synonymous with “grit.” When I Googled the definition of I got, “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Courage is required to be vulnerable, say “no”, take risks and pursue our deepest dreams. I dig it.

However the Oprah quote on my coffee cup made me ask myself, “Am I really courageous?” Clearly I enjoy working hard and taking on challenges, but I’m realizing that true courage may actually require scaling back in some areas and focusing on the few things I really care about. Sometimes, I give myself a false-sense of being “courageous” when I’m actually just being “busy.” The reality is, it takes a TON of courage to acknowledge and pursue the life we really, really want. As you start your week, I encourage you to noodle on these questions. I am. xoxo, Brit

What does your “dream life” look like?

In what areas do you want to be more courageous?

Just for Fun

It’s all good #SundayInspiration

March 9, 2014 No Comments

Have a wonderful week. Stay positive and keep on truckin’! xoxo, Brit

Weight Loss

Spring Break Shape Up: 6 Tricks to Burn an Extra 200 Calories Per Day

February 20, 2014 No Comments

Hey gang! Spring is around the corner and I know that my inbox will be full of Spring time shape up requests. To keep us ahead of the last minute slim down dash, here’s my 6 quick and easy tricks to burn excess calories.

First, remember that in order to truly lose 1 pound of body weight, we must burn 3,500 calories more than we consume. Assuming your diet and activity remain consistent, adding these 6 tricks to your daily routine can result in losing 1 additional pound every ~18 days. Not bad huh? Also be sure to note that these estimates are based on 150-160 pound person. A lighter person will burn fewer calories and a heavier person will burn more.

Brit’s 6 Tricks

Stand up at your desk instead of sitting. Standing burns about 50 percent more calories than sitting. Standing at your desk for 30 minutes will burn about 72 calories (2X the amount burned while sitting). Standing instead of sitting for 30 minutes = 36 calories
Learn to Laugh. 15 minutes of laughter = 20 calories
Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Climbing two flights of stairs, three times per day = 30 calories
Dance in the mirror. Dancing is a fun, self-confidence boosting calorie blaster. So twerk a little something while getting dressed for work in the morning 🙂 Dancing for 10 minutes = 58 calories
Stretch in front of the TV. Doesn’t matter if you’re enjoying Scandal or the Bachelor, be sure to stretch instead of sit on the couch. 8-10 minutes of stretching = 31 calories
Choose the parking spot farthest from your building entrance. Walking for an extra 5 minutes = 25 calories

Total = 200 additional calories burned!

Just for Fun

Believe in Yourself: 10 Tips to Boost Your Self-Confidence

January 14, 2014 No Comments

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Confidence really is the “key” to… everything. After working in 2 totally different environments, full-time in a conservative corporate organization and part-time in a gym teaching fitness classes, I’ve noticed that in both contexts the most confident people always fare best. Notice I didn’t say the smartest, most experienced or even the most talented. For example, at my corporate job the person who speaks up in meetings and boldly takes on new projects is always first in line for promotion. Also at the gym, the fitness instructors who risk looking like an idiot to energize their class always have the biggest following. The consistent trait among these successful folks is a high degree of self-confidence.

The reality is that we all have insecurities. We compare ourselves to others and feel shameful at times (or at least I do). To me, it’s refreshing to see people who are fearless and confident enough to take a stand or risk failing. Seeing someone who believes in their self makes me believe in them too. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

That said I did some research on tips that can help us boost our self-confidence. Below are my 10 favorites. I hope these tips helps you as much as they’ve helped me.

10 Tips to Boost Your Self-Confidence

Sip coffee – Studies show that just a little coffee increases alertness, energy and confidence. But remember to skip the cream and sugar, no need for the extra calories.
WIN! do something you’re naturally good at – It’s great to improve on our weaknesses, but it’s really nice to be the best at something. Make winning a habit by doing something each week that you are naturally good at.
Stick out your chest – “Research suggests that people with good posture have more confidence in their thoughts than slouchers.” Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Quick-Confidence-How-to-Boost-Self-Esteem#ixzz2qPV2G9gB
Strut some stilettos – High heels make us stand up straighter and walk taller. Don’t be afraid to stand tall and be big! Throw on those pumps and “get on wit yo bad self!”
Blog – Sharing your innermost feelings online rather than in a personal journal can help us feel more comfortable with ourselves – flaws and all. There’s something powerful about taking the risk of sharing your thoughts and experiences with the world. The vulnerability required to blog can increase self-confidence.
Dance in the mirror – I find dancing in the mirror to be extremely liberating. I’ve told you guys over and over that I am not a great dancer, so watching myself let loose (and look kinda silly) helps me feel more comfortable in my own skin. Try it!
Savor compliments – Instead of dismissing compliments, simply say “Thank You” and then repeat the compliment in your head 3 times. It’s okay, don’t be shy 😉
Smile – “Social psychologist Laura Kray, PhD, has demonstrated that smiling, laughing and engaging in slight physical contact when negotiating can help you win the day.” Read more: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Quick-Confidence-How-to-Boost-Self-Esteem/5#ixzz2qPVIodQO
Sweat – Exercise gets endorphins flowing and increases serotonin which makes us feel good. It’s easier to be confident when you feel good. Also the physical benefits of exercise makes us feel better about our abilities and our appearance.
Write about a time you felt “powerful” – I was at women’s brunch a few months ago and the speaker asked the audience how many of us wanted to be powerful. Only only like 10% raised their hands. Then she asked how many wanted to be influential and like 90% raised their hands. I don’t get that? What’s wrong with being powerful? Powerful people with good intentions can make the most significant positive impacts! People possess power because others believe in them. Powerful people exude confidence! Spend some time writing about your most “powerful” moment to give yourself a confidence boost.

Fake it till you make it! xoxo, Brit

End of Year Top 10

2013 Year End Top 10

December 27, 2013 2 Comments

Wow! The New Year is upon us and I have so much so much grateful for. Most importantly, I’m so thankful for all of you who follow my blog and send me encouraging messages. There’s nothing more rewarding than connecting with you. Thank you so very much – be blessed exceedingly and abundantly!

This blog started out as a simple channel for me to share my hotel workouts and transformed into my passion-filled prized possession and platform to help us all live healthier, happier and more positive lives. Only a year and half since my first post, GRIT by Brit doubled in size to over 3,000 followers. The 2nd blogiversary is coming up in March. I have even greater expectations for 2014!

So now without further or do I present to you, 2013’s Top 10 Most Memorable moments:

Teaching my 1st Indoor Cycling Class – I got certified in Schwinn indoor cycling in 2012 but didn’t teach my first class until May of this year. It’s so crazy how teaching a new fitness format challenges me, takes me out of my comfort zone and feels exhilarating at the same time. Making playlists full of Jay-Z, Britney and Eminem is also really fun!
Grinning from ear to ear with excitement before teaching my 1st indoor cycling class – May 2013
Turbo NYC – While I was living in NYC for 7 months, I started a pop up Turbo Kick class in Flatiron. It quickly gained traction and my friends (old and new) joined me every Sunday to sweat and bring some heat to the bone-chilling NYC cold. This was a short stint, but boy was it sweet. Here you can read my reflections from my first Turbo NYC class: https://gritbybrit.com/2013/01/27/the-world-is-yours/
Rockin’ it out at my last Turbo NYC class in NYC – May 2013
PiYo on the Deck – When I was asked to teach weekly PiYo classes on the W Dallas Hotel Wet Deck I was like, “ah yea…I’m officially on the map!” This was huge personal accomplishment. Better yet, it was fun, free way that I could share mind-body training with my friends and other members of the Dallas community. Free. Fierce. Fitness = GRIT by Brit core values!
Teaching my 1st PiYo on the deck class – Summer 2013
Lose the Pooch Workout – I had no idea this workout would go viral on Pinterest, but it has! Clearly many of us are eager to work our lower abs and prevent a protruding FUPA. This will certainly be my cue to make more “Lose the Pooch” workouts in 2014. You can get the full workout here: https://gritbybrit.com/2013/03/05/lose-the-pooch-complete-workout-for-your-lower-abs/
Focusing on the FUPA! Lower abs workout – March 2013
GRIT by Brit Tank Tops – We have tanks now finally – yay! Not much to say on this one except that I’m glad I can now “reprezent my clique” in public. And you can too! Buy yours at my eStore: http://gritbybrit-shop.com/
Tank tops officially for sale! November 2013
New workout video with BOOYA Fitness – So in 2012 I released GRIT by Brit Ultimate Body Burn, which I hope you already rocked out. On New Year’s day 2014 I will release my new and improved 30 minute, high intensity, music blasting, cardio workout. Booya Fitness, an online fitness video subscription start-up company, was the driving force behind this collaboration. I’m so honored to be one of their featured instructors. You all must go sign up for your subscription today!http://www.booyafitness.com/
On shoot day with Booya Fitness – September 2013
Dr. OZ Cleanses – Holy Moly! I don’t know if I should be excited or concerned, but when I started posting reviews of the Dr. Oz cleanses, I got over 2,000 hits per day! Now I love a good cleanse, but I was amazed at our intense interest in cleanse regimens. Just remember, cleanses are a great one-off solution, but living a healthy lifestyle consistently (not only for a 3-day cleanse) is where the real work and the real rewards come.
Sharing my bootleg version of the Dr. Oz Juice Cleanse – Summer 2013
Blog makeover – So when I started GRIT by Brit I knew nothing about blogging (I think that’s still the case to be quite honest). However, this year I met an amazingly talented photographer/graphic designer who has become my creative director and my friend. Alivia Duran – thank you! GRIT by Brit is looking better than ever. You are a God-send! You can guys can check Alivia’s website: http://www.aliviaduran.com/
Old school GRIT by Brit blog header from 2012. But look at me now! haha
Sharing my Lean In Story – I heard Sheryl Sandberg speak at a women’s conference in April and I immediately felt a sense of duty to take more risks in my life and to also share my story with other women. On my way home from that conference, I wrote my Lean In story and submitted it to be published. If you haven’t read it, you can check it out here: http://leanin.org/stories/brittani-rettig/ (P.S. I wrote this with a great sense of urgency so there are a few typos – please read with a forgiving spirit).
My story about pursuing my fitness dreams on the official Lean In community site. Summer 2013
Being on TV (Good Morning Texas) – Huge thanks to Sporty Afros for being my fit friends and partners in crime on this. Alex and Whitney, co-founders of http://sportyafros.com/ have been my blog mentors and ongoing sources of inspiration. Thanks to both of you for sharing the limelight with me as you tackled the critical topics of natural hair and health. Together, we are going to win the war on obesity among women of color! Health OVER Hair!

Modeling "healthy hair" in light of a rigorous workout regimen on Good Morning Texas - May 2013 — Modeling “healthy hair” in light of a rigorous workout regimen on Good Morning Texas – May 2013

Well, that’s the end gang. 2013 has flown by, but it sure was good to me. I’m humbled and grateful for all of the blessings I’ve experienced. I wish you an amazing 2014 that exceeds your expectations – the best is ALWAYS yet to come!

Happy New Year! xoxo, Brit

Inspiration & Motivation

CHOOSE to think positive thoughts

November 13, 2013 4 Comments

You guys know I’m a sucker for inspirational quotes, but I saw this one and it really made me think. Not trying to get all “preachy,” but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and be mindful of our daily thoughts. Lately, the term “mindfulness” is a popular buzz word among inspirational speakers and spiritual thought leaders. Mindfulness simply refers to “awareness” – being conscious of what your mind is processing. This also means being conscious of negative thinking. We may think that negative thoughts here and there aren’t a big deal, but actually negative thinking can become nasty habit that’s difficult to overcome. In all honesty, it’s really hard (almost impossible) to always think positively. It take a lots of discipline and GRIT to train our minds to consistently look on the bright side. Fortunately, like with all things in life, we can train ourselves do anything we want – that’s beauty of being human – WE CAN CHANGE (we are not trees). I found this list of Negative Impacts of Negativity from Always Greater, LLC and wanted to share it – hopefully it encourages us to proactively choose positive thoughts and be mindful of the negative ones.

Negative thinking leads to…

A less worthwhile life instead of a more worthwhile life
Less confidence instead of greater confidence
Lower self-esteem instead of higher self-esteem
Less happiness and enjoyment instead of more happiness and enjoyment
Less feelings of strength instead of greater feelings of strength
Less energy instead of more energy
Less peace of mind instead of more peace of mind
Less success instead of more success
Less enjoyable social interactions instead of more enjoyable social interactions
Less health benefits instead of more health benefits
Less clarity of mind instead of greater clarity of mind
Less sensible mind instead of a more sensible mind

“Since you have a choice, it doesn’t make much sense to think in negative ways that hurt you rather than positive ways that help you.” – David Fonvielle

Just for Fun

Fierce & Fabulous

November 9, 2013 2 Comments

Hey hey GRIT gang! I hope you are enjoying a WONDERFUL weekend. I was just thinking, I’m so grateful that I discovered FIERCE fitness. Now I’m not talking about casually going to the gym or a nice easy jog every once in a while, I’m talking about sweat puddles, sucking air and shocking myself during workouts. Not only does fierce fitness improve my physical appearance, but it also makes me fabulous! By “fabulous,” I mean more confident, fun and optimistic about life.

If I can push through a tough workout, I can handle any curve ball that life throws my way – I’m sure of it. It’s amazing how the self-confidence, resilience and GRIT from overcoming a physical challenge spill over into all aspects of my life.

If you have been casually going through the motions, today I challenge you to take it up a notch! You are stronger than you think. Be FIERCE and be FABULOUS! Lots of luv, Brit

“It’s better to commit and go for the gold, rather just show up for practice everyday” #GRIT

Inspiration & Motivation

Strong to the Finish Line – Weekly Inspiration

September 16, 2013 1 Comment

Happy Monday! No matter what you are going through, keep your head held high, be strong and keep pushing forward. You never know how close your are to reaching your reward! Wishing you a wonderful week. Lots of luv, Brit

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

– Galatians 6:9