We were lucky to catch up with Natalie Padgett recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Natalie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

When coming up with the idea of Grit, I wanted to create a one of a kind workout where anyone would feel welcomed with a real sense of belonging. Fitness and working out looks so different for everyone, so I wanted a space where they felt like they could thrive in and unlock their fitness level. I’ve been to studios where I felt like an outsider, like I was not “cool” enough to be there, and been told upon check in, “I hope you can keep up”. I believe we can be our own biggest critic, it’s imperative that an instructor lead fitness studio be uplifting and motivating.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I started teaching fitness classes in 2013. After moving to Colorado I got my 200 hour Yoga certification, then proceeded to get certified in Lagree and VersaClimber. I love the fitness industry because it is the first place where someone can really start their change mentally and physically. Having a good space that encourages a person to thrive and become healthy in all aspects is really inspirational.

Grit’s definition: Choose to do the tenth rep when it would be easier to just do nine. Choose to create when it would be easier to consume. Choose to ask the extra question when it would be easier to accept. Prove to yourself — in a thousand tiny ways — that you have enough Grit to get in the ring and do battle with life.

At Grit we believe that everyone needs balance and cross training in their fitness regimen. That is why we offer three different modalities that all compliment each other to bring you that balance throughout life. VersaClimb is a full body, low impact, high cardio. Lagree is full body strength training modality that is also low impact. Yoga connects the mind and body through breath using low impact and full body movement.

What I believe sets Grit apart from other fitness studios is the instructors and their desire to truly help and uplift every single person that comes into the studio. The classes are challenging.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Opening Grit came with a lot of set backs. Being a local sole owner and operator finding a building was the first obstacle. A lot of commercial buildings wanted franchises in the spaces. Once the location was found the construction was another HUGE obstacle. Being in the middle of covid and right out of lock down, a lot of contractors were getting sick or unavailable. My husband, myself, along with some good friends became the contractors. Grit at first became an idea between two friends then business partners. After we opened my business partner decided to go a different direction without much communication. After learning through multiple different sources but not through them, that she was no longer staying active in the business I learned to pivot and take over. Opening and operating the studio has really taught me what the true meaning of Grit is and what it means to have perseverance and patience. I have also learned that I can not control everything, that has probably been the hardest lesson so far.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a group of people is always tricky. I feel like I still have a lot to learn in this area. The team is one of a kind. They all have respect for one another and really do not have any discord. They up lift one another rather than nit-pick at the others teaching abilities. I believe I have gotten very lucky with who is now instructing at the studio and we have moved away from the drama of other instructors. I believe the best advice I have is that people behave similar to the person that is leading them. I do not entertain the need for drama or the believe one person is better than the other. I strongly believe we can all learn from one another no matter the length of time spent in the studio or behind the mic. Everyone can learn. When you take out “favorites” or the space for people to talk poorly about a peer, then the morale becomes uplifted and clear.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gritfoco.com
• Instagram: gritfortcollins

Image Credits
wildbliss photography