There are many things that are so much better with friends. For Brittani Rettig, exercising is one of them. Rettig, who earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, worked as a consultant at Deloitte before opening her boutique fitness studio, GRIT Fitness, in January. During her consulting days, she traveled constantly, ate out for almost every meal, and struggled to make time for exercise. Her career change transitioned once she started focusing on her overall wellbeing and created her popular blog “GRIT by Brit,” where she shares her workouts and health tips. She has amassed a large following since launching the blog in 2012, creating a community that has grown to include GRIT Fitness. Rettig’s passion for health and fitness has led her to influence clients through her encouraging, no-frills workouts.
Why is group fitness important to you?
I believe there’s power in numbers. When you work out with a group, you can benefit from shared energy and positive vibes, allowing you to achieve more than you can alone.
What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is the ability to generate positive energy. The end result of that positive energy supports you and everyone around you.
How do you live “well?” Any advice for readers?
I think there are three elements to living well:
- Love your body – My parents always taught me that I was blessed with one body, and it’s my duty to keep it healthy and fit. I try to drink lots of water, eat my veggies, and stay active.
- Feed your soul – I find it difficult to stay motivated without connecting to a purpose greater than myself. Lots of people think wellness is about getting smaller, but I believe it’s about generating positive energy and finding an inner strength that reflects a larger-than-life spirit.
- Serve others – To truly be well, I encourage everyone to prioritize serving others.
Favorite class at Grit Fitness?
Oh man, that’s like asking a mother to pick her favorite child! I’ve spent the past three years creating our seven original class formats, so each has a special place in my heart.
Favorite local outdoor activity?
Most definitely our classes on the W Dallas Hotel’s 16th floor wetdeck. Even before I opened GRIT Fitness, I started leading free community workouts there on the weekends. I’m a strong believer that fun, high-quality fitness should be accessible to everyone, regardless of his or her income level.
Favorite healthy restaurant in Dallas?
I really enjoy True Food Kitchen, but in the spirit of being honest, you’re more likely to find me at Café Brazil enjoying pancakes and flavored coffee. I’m human, too.
