In this episode of Anatomical Gangster, Sue Hitzmann welcomes Helaine Knapp—founder and CEO of CityRow, and author of Making Waves: One Start-Up Founder’s Raw, Gritty, & Unexpected Journey—for a candid conversation on redefining wellness, building a brand from scratch, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

After a serious back injury led her to seek smarter, low-impact fitness solutions, Helaine launched CityRow in 2014, transforming indoor rowing into a full-body, accessible experience. Her journey spans a decade of grit, innovation, and resilience—culminating in the acquisition of CityRow by WaterRower in 2024. In her new book, she pulls back the curtain on startup life, offering raw insights into leadership, burnout, and the realities of being a woman founder in a male-dominated industry.

This episode explores:

• The inspiration behind Making Waves and the challenges of writing it

• How emotional resilience and mental health shape her approach to fitness

• Lessons from navigating male ego and startup adversity

• What CityRow’s evolution reveals about the future of wellness

• Advice for women entrepreneurs and aspiring founders

• The core message she hopes readers carry forward

🎧 Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts empowering and practical—perfect for anyone ready to rethink movement, leadership, and what it means to truly thrive.

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