We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abie Groes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Abie, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I think a lot of women in the fitness industry are seen as shallow or attention seeking simply because they share their bodies online. I share my body because I want others to see strong women. I don’t post it for attention or for views, I share it for the girls out there who are unsure of their bodies who need to see that it’s okay to be proud of yourself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started my blog as a way to share my own fitness journey with anyone who was willing to listen. I had gained a big following on TikTok and was constantly asked what my diet and training looked like. When I first started I had no end goal. I was just writing to write.

It became a space for me to help others while simultaneously helping myself.

My blog grew from being just about lifting to about all kinds of fitness and changing your life for the better. On any given week you can find 1-2 new articles as well as a recipes of the week with full macros included.

I also have a free 6 week workout plan available for download for those who want to get in the gym but have no-where to start. I give you the tools to create your own workout and meal plans so you don’t have to pay an expensive trainer every month. I help you find what works for you.

Something new I started last year was apparel, where I made clothes I’d want to wear with my own name on it. It’s expanded into a men’s and women’s clothing line, as well as accessories.

I write about self love and self care, manifesting, working towards your goals, and small mindset changes you can make. I realized fitness and health isn’t just on the outside, it’s on the inside too.

The thing I am most proud of is the fact that I kept going. So many people start businesses or have ideas that they never follow through on. I can admit that I’ve wanted to call it quits a few times. Not because I don’t enjoy what I do, but because life can be a bitch. I had the courage to be vulnerable and share a side of me no one ever knew about.

I think what sets me apart from other fitness ‘influencers’ is that I don’t bullshit. I show the not-so-perfect parts of my life. I show my raw, real emotion. I show my flaws. My TikTok bio says ‘don’t call me an influencer’ because I don’t want to be deemed as one. I’m me, and that’s what sets me apart.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Be you. I know that’s such a corny answer but its true. I tried doing the whole influencer instagram thing and they did not perform well. What I tell everyone who asks me how to build their social media is to post what YOU want to post. It will take off. Your people will come. Stop trying to be like everyone else.

Find what you want to share with the world and do it.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Share, share, share. reposting your friends business on Facebook, retweeting a product launch from a friend, tagging them in a screenshot took from their article are all ways you can support your creative friends. I get my hair done by a girl I went to highschool with (@alyrzhair), I buy all my supplements from a local Missouri based company (@s2faction), I get my business photos taken by a local photographer (@99mediaco).

You don’t ever have to buy anything in order to support someone’s business. Getting the word out there is honestly worth more than a transaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.groesgym.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/abiegroes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/GROES-GYM/100087973581061/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GROESGYM
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abiegroes?lang=en Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abiegroes/_created/

Image Credits
99 Media Co @99mediaco for all studio photos