We were lucky to catch up with Danheisha Harding recently and have shared our conversation below.
Danheisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. undefined
Declaring my gym as women only.
Creating a women-only gym as a female trainer was both a powerful business move and a meaningful way to support my community. Many women feel uncomfortable or even unsafe in co-ed gym environments due to unwanted attention, fear of judgment, or a lack of privacy. By offering a space exclusively for women, I create an atmosphere where clients can feel secure, supported, and more willing to focus on their health goals. There’s also a clear market demand for such spaces, especially among women who are beginners, recovering postpartum, or simply looking for a more encouraging and inclusive environment.
As a female trainer, I bring valuable insight into the specific needs and challenges women face in fitness — whether it’s understanding how to train around hormonal cycles, addressing postpartum recovery, or debunking myths around strength training and body image. This positioned me to build tailored programs that resonate deeply with my audience. A women-only gym also allows me to foster a strong sense of community, where members uplift each other and stay motivated. This kind of supportive culture often leads to higher retention rates and stronger word-of-mouth marketing.
From a business perspective, focusing on a women-only space helped me to carve out a unique niche in a crowded industry. It allows for more targeted branding and marketing, which can attract a loyal client base that feels aligned with your mission. Beyond the business benefits, creating such a space contributes to a larger social impact — helping women feel empowered, confident, and prioritized in their fitness journey. This combination of purpose and profitability makes a women-only gym a compelling opportunity for me as a female trainer.
Danheisha, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Danheisha Harding, and I’m a proud native of Dayton, Ohio. After spending five years living and working in Cleveland, I made the decision to return home — not only to be closer to family, but to give back to the very community that raised me. I’m a graduate of Chaminade Julienne High School and the University of Cincinnati, where I competed at the collegiate level in Track and Field. My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology, a Master’s degree in Social Work, and certifications in Chemical Dependency, Personal Training, and Group Fitness.
My journey into health and fitness began in 2016 when I became a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor. While my professional background spans social work and community care, fitness has always been a foundational part of my life — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I’ve witnessed firsthand how health and wellness can transform individuals, families, and communities, and I’ve made it my mission to support others in building sustainable, healthy lifestyles that work for them.
In December 2023, I made the tough but necessary decision to close my gym in Dayton. However, this marked the beginning of a new and more focused chapter. In February 2024, I proudly opened Built and Bodied, a women-only gym in Cincinnati, Ohio, designed specifically to empower women through movement, community, and education. This space is more than just a gym — it’s a sanctuary where women can feel safe, supported, and seen.
Built and Bodied offers a range of specialized programs tailored to the unique needs of women, including pre-natal and post-natal fitness, women-focused strength training, and mental wellness integration that acknowledges the very real pressures women face when it comes to body image, anxiety, and societal expectations. We’re deeply committed to promoting body positivity, empowerment, and creating affordable, accessible membership options for all women — no matter their background, age, or fitness level.
What sets me apart is the integration of my experience in mental health and social work with my passion for physical fitness. I understand that wellness is not one-dimensional; it’s a balance of mind, body, and spirit. My programs reflect that, and my clients feel it. I’m most proud of the safe space I’ve created — one where women can show up as they are, challenge themselves without fear of judgment, and grow stronger inside and out.
To anyone considering working with me or becoming part of the Built and Bodied community, I want you to know that this is more than just workouts — this is a movement. It’s about building strength, confidence, and resilience — together. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to level up, I’m here to support and guide you every step of the way.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
First and foremost, I’ve always led with authenticity. I show up as myself — not trying to fit a mold, but instead building genuine relationships with the women I serve. Clients can sense when someone truly cares about their well-being, and that trust goes a long way. My background in social work has helped me connect on a deeper level, allowing me to approach fitness through a holistic lens that considers mental health, life stressors, and personal circumstances.
Consistency has also played a major role. Whether it’s been through classes, personalized training, or just being present and available for my community, I’ve made it a priority to show up — even through tough seasons, including closing my Dayton gym and rebuilding in Cincinnati. That dedication didn’t go unnoticed, and it helped solidify my reputation as someone who is reliable, committed, and here for the long run.
Another major factor has been creating a safe and empowering environment specifically for women. Built and Bodied isn’t just a gym — it’s a space where women can feel seen, heard, and supported without judgment. That alone fills a major gap in the market and has created a strong word-of-mouth effect. When women feel safe and uplifted, they tell other women — and that organic growth has been invaluable.
Lastly, I’ve always stayed focused on impact over hype. While trends come and go, my mission remains the same: to help women build sustainable, healthy lifestyles. I’m proud that my work speaks for itself, and that real results — not just physical, but emotional and mental — have helped solidify my reputation in the fitness and wellness space.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building your audience on social media by sharing your workout journey, daily lifestyle, and being real and transparent is a powerful way to connect with people authentically. When you’re just starting out, the key is consistency and honesty. Share your progress, struggles, and wins — not just the highlights. People are drawn to authenticity, so don’t be afraid to show the behind-the-scenes moments, whether it’s a tough workout, a rest day, or simply what you’re eating or thinking about. Over time, your audience will begin to trust you because you’re relatable and human. Try to post regularly, even if it’s just a quick story or caption — consistency helps build familiarity. Engage with your audience genuinely by responding to comments or DMs and supporting others in your niche. Use relevant hashtags and geotags to expand your reach, and don’t worry about perfection — the more real you are, the more people will resonate with you. Most importantly, focus on providing value, whether it’s inspiration, motivation, or simple entertainment. It takes time to grow, but if you stay committed to sharing your journey with honesty and passion, your audience will follow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.builtandbodied.fit
- Instagram: bodiedbyheish
- Facebook: Heisha Harding
- Twitter: bodiedbyheish
