When I left you with the “A Silent Struggle” post, I noted that exercise was one of the ways I work out the stressors of life. Specifically, my bicycle is really where I have found solace, but in May of 2020 I did not want to ride my bicycle through my community, based on past scenes of crisis that were stuck in my head. So I put the bicycle in it’s resting place, in my garage, and went looking for an alternative. My son had just joined Unbroken Fitness, and came home raving about it. So, I thought let me give it a chance and joined.
Unbroken Fitness is a CrossFit style gym located in an industrial park warehouse in Spring Hill, Florida. It’s a sweatbox with large fans for relief from the Florida heat. It was exactly what I needed. I spent the Summer inside that warehouse working on strength training, mobility, and cardio. And it worked.
One of the scenes that gets stuck in my head is a horrible traffic crash that happened in July of 2011 where one of my men, a friend, died in the line of duty. For the first time in many years, I did not even think about the crash until the day before the anniversary of the incident. And even then, it wasn’t all consuming as it usually is.
I enjoyed Unbroken Fitness so much that I asked Natalie, the owner, if she would share a little about herself and her gym.
Me: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
Natalie: I’m a 40 year old single mother of two amazing girls. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, I’ve lived in Florida since 2004. I graduated from Alvernia University (Reading, PA.) in 2002 with a BA in English & Communications. I was inducted into the Alvernia University hall of fame in 2013 as a duel sport athlete, field hockey & softball. When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my family, bike riding, and taking naps.
Me: I understand you are a teacher, can you tell me about your profession?
Natalie: I started my teaching career as a substitute teacher in Maryland and moved to Florida to teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Language Arts at Fox Chapel Middle School. Now I’m in my 17th year in Hernando County. I was selected as Fox Chapel teacher of the year in the 2007-2008 school year. I also helped open Explorer K-8 in 2009 and have been there ever since teaching 7th and 8th grade Language Arts. The very best part of teaching is the kids. Middle School years are tough, influential years but I have a knack for reaching them with the rapport I create with the kids. They know I love them like my own and would do anything for them. When I see former students out and about and they light up and get excited to give me a hug I know I’ve done something right! Maybe they have even learned a thing or two :)
Me: How did you get your start in CrossFIt and what made you open a gym in this community?
Natalie: I have always been into fitness, so the Summer of 2010 I was back home in Maryland and a friend suggested I try out a new local CrossFit gym. After one workout I KNEW this was something I wanted to bring to Hernando County. Not many had even heard of CrossFit at the time, so I started training out of my garage, learning as I went along. After traveling to other CrossFit gyms in the Lutz and Tampa areas, I was excited to bring that kind of positive community fitness to Hernando County! I envisioned creating a supportive, positive, fun, motivating gym that was different from anything else in the tri-county area.
Me: Can you share your biggest challenge as an entrepreneur?
Natalie: Building something from the ground up with a small budget, in a lower economic area, that was relatively unheard of at the time.
Me: Can you share your biggest challenge as a coach?
Natalie: To always bring the same high energy to every class. It can be hot, muggy, rainy…or I can feel tired, blah, etc., but I always want to bring a positive, high energy level to every class. People depend on me for that! And I always want to make Unbroken Fitness the very best part of their day!
Me: What motivates you to juggle being a mom, a teacher, and an entrepreneur?
Natalie: I have always been a high energy, driven person that strives for success in everything that I do. As well as being able to help as many people as I can. Hence being a teacher and a coach. But I am also raising two beautiful humans that are the future of this world. They motivate me to do better, to be better, and to never give up. They solely depend on me to provide for them in all ways and I refuse to let them down.
Me: Do you have any big plans for your business?
Natalie: To continue to grow in members, in community and coaches. And by community, I would like to do more charity, and/or volunteer work for first responders, children, the homeless, the greater good.
Me: Can you share your biggest achievement as an entrepreneur?
Natalie: Running a successful business since 2011. Through all adversity, I have kept on moving forward and I am still standing. Many people have doubted me but I am still here and still doing good.
Me: Can you share your biggest achievement as a coach?
Natalie: Pushing people outside their comfort level to to achieve what they never thought would be possible. Each time a member learns a new skill or achieves a new one rep max , I feel very gratified because of their success.
If you find yourself in Hernando County, Florida and in need of a gym, drop in and visit with Natalie and Unbroken Fitness. I’ve since put my membership on hold and gone back to my bicycle but I’ll be back in a few short months to sweat the Summer away. Natalie, thank you for all that you do. It is appreciated.