Walking into a gym for the first time can be terrifying. Whether it’s feeling out of place, not knowing how to use the machines, or worrying about being judged, the fear of the unknown stops so many people from starting their fitness journey. In this episode, I get real about my own experience—going from a Division 1 college athlete to feeling like I didn’t belong in a gym at all. I share what it was like to start from scratch, how intimidating it felt, and why I kept showing up anyway.

We also dive into why so many people struggle with gym anxiety and, more importantly, how to break through that fear. From not knowing what to do, to past bad experiences, to just feeling like you’re not “fit enough” to belong—these fears are real, but they don’t have to stop you.

At Rare Breed, we do things differently. We’ve built a gym experience that makes stepping through the doors as easy and welcoming as possible. In this episode, I break down our step-by-step onboarding process, from the No Sweat Intro (a zero-pressure, no-workout chat) to the On Ramp Course and Personal Training options that help you feel confident and safe in the gym.

If you’ve been avoiding fitness because walking into a gym feels too overwhelming, this episode is for you. It’s scary—but it’s worth it. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Tune in, get inspired, and take that first step. We’re here for you. 🎙️💪

In this episode of Fitness Beyond the Binary, I share how I built Rare Breed from the ground up, the rapid growth we’ve had, and the challenges of running a gym. From investing in mentorship to selling my car and emptying my savings, this journey has been anything but easy.

I dive into the heart of our success—staying true to my mission of inclusivity, building a strong community, and keeping toxic gym culture out. But let’s be real—owning a gym is hard. Taxes, finances, and boundaries? No one preps you for that.

Join me as I unpack the grind, the growth, and what it truly takes to build something bigger than yourself. IM OUT. 🎤

In this episode, I get real about the journey that led me to open Rare Breed—a gym built for the misfits, the outcasts, and the people who don’t always feel at home in traditional fitness spaces. I share how quitting my job with no plan, struggling to find work that valued me, and years of dealing with discrimination in several spaces pushed me to create something different. Rare Breed isn’t just a gym—it’s a community where queer folks, beginners, and anyone looking for an inclusive, empowering space can get strong, build confidence, and thrive.