Have you ever calculated your BMI and discovered that you were "underweight" or "obese" and then pondered solutions on how to become "healthier." My deepest sentiments to anyone who's had that experience because the B.M.I. is B.S. For one, weight isn't a direct indicator of one's health. Two, the person who created the BMI had no medical background. Jacques Quetelet, the creator of the BMI formula, was a mathematician. His whole aim with the BMI was to determine what the "average man" looked like. His data was collected from WHITE European men, suggesting that anything outside of the "ideal" was inferior. So, another reason why the BMI is B.S. - it is rooted in racism. 

The racist BMI isn't any surprise to owners and staff at GetFIT 615. GetFIT 615 is an anti-diet culture and actively anti-racist fitness space located on Music Square.  They recognize the racism embedded in diet culture and uphold anti-diet and anti-racism values. When I learned what this fitness gym was all about, to say I was intrigued would be an understatement. And after speaking and meeting with the Co-owner Jess Thompson, Founder Kate, and Personal Trainer Squeeze, I can tell you this was more than just "word-seasoning" being sprinkled on their name to sound "woke." They are about their business and what they say!
I encourage you to check out the gym for yourself, but in the meantime, I'll walk you through some of my favorite things about GETFIT 615. 

__They're not about the "call-out" culture.__
At GetFIT 615, they have boundaries and respect yours. I'll explain. Have you ever been to a workout class that you were not feeling, but the instructor made you feel pressured to stay? Even worst-case scenario, the instructor called you out when you decided to leave (this real-life happened to Kate). Well, you don't have to worry about that at GetFIT 615. They have a 10-minute rule. The rule is, if you get to the gym and still aren't feeling the workout after 10 minutes, they ENCOURAGE you to honor those feelings. You are welcome to come back at a later date. No judgment!

__Empowering is more than just a buzzword.__
No doubt, with great instructors like Jess and Squeeze, you will engage in workouts that will empower you physically, but I think one of the great things about the community here is that they cultivate more than just physical strength. It's something about being empowered through freedom.  Each class, a workout is written on the board to aid with structure; however, if you are not feeling one of the exercises, you won't get the side-eye for not doing it. The liberty to choose workouts that work for you is encouraged. You also have the freedom to go at your own pace without an instructor breathing down your neck. 

__You won't break the bank!__
You can try the gym for two weeks for ONLY $14. They also have something called Open Gym on Saturdays. Open gym is for members and non-members, and one of the coolest parts about it, you pay what you can to attend. During open gym, you can try out equipment, work out outside, get some advice from Squeeze, and experience all the vibes of this unique fitness gym.

__The bottom line
At GetFIT 615 …__
You can walk in without being pressured into being on this strict meal plan that promises you you'll lose weight just to fit a "standard" that is inherently racist and biased. 

You can walk in and feel empowered not just because you're getting stronger but because you are being equipped with the tools to help you make your own choices regarding your fitness. 
You can walk in knowing that you are welcomed regardless of your size, race, sexual orientation, and fitness level. 
You can walk out knowing that you are part of a community that advocates for change.
I could go on and on about why I'm so hyped about this place, but I want you to experience it for yourself. Head over to [getFIT615](https://getfit615.com/) to learn more. 

GetFIT615 is an Anti-diet culture, anti-racism fitness gym located on music row in Nashville, TN, and to say this place is a vibe would be an understatement. We  got to spend some time with co-owner of the space, Jess Thompson, to learn more!

Fitness Meets Anti-Diet Culture

GetFIT615

Have you ever found yourself searching for a place where you felt like you were represented and included? For Chief Juiceista and Head Yogini, Nielah, that was her story. Nielah moved to Nashville by way of Atlanta, and when she arrived, she struggled to find a yoga studio where she felt represented and included. Though disappointed, Nielah did not allow this to halt her health and wellness journey. Instead, it empowered her to take control of it, and while in front of the steering wheel, she soon arrived at the door of Egyptian Yoga. Egyptian Yoga was new to Nielah, but as she learned and practiced, she fell in love with it for many reasons,  one being that through this ancient practice, she saw herself.  It soon inspired her to create a space where all body sizes, fitness levels, and skin colors were included. Talk about representation! Her passion began to spill over, and after many years and some birthing pangs, this vision began to manifest. InnerG Juice and Yoga was born.

InnerG Juice and Yoga is a one-stop-shop for your juicing needs and yoga flow. The studio offers handcrafted,  cold-pressed juices as well as diverse yoga experiences. After engaging in a session of Egyptian Yoga, you can hydrate on InnerGOAT, one of Nielah's first and favorite juices.  But maybe Trap Yoga is more your thing? No problem. It's understood at InneG that "There's levels to this shift." So, The diversity that Nielah once longed for is reflected in the diverse offerings of yoga classes and juice types for all different levels of yogis and taste pallets. They've even created a system called level G, a simple way to decide which juice or yoga flow is right for you.

InnerG is all about juice and Yoga. However, their mission goes beyond the kitchens of the juicers and floors of the yoga mats. They're on a mission to build better habits that make better people who develop better communities. Historically, systemic racism has contributed to inequitable access to grocery stores, health care, and wellness spaces among many African American communities. So, the core of their mission is about making wellness spaces more accessible to all communities.  InnerG aims to help bridge this gap in many ways, one by going outside of the studio's walls. They have plans to launch  Vitality Zones, wellness pit-stops serviced by cold-pressed juice vending machines, and pop up yoga sessions servicing the Nashville community!

The community is the "why" behind InnerG Juice and Yoga, so it is just so perfect that the studio will be among some other excellent black-owned businesses in North Nashville. Literally in their backyard, you can find  Slim and Husky’s, The Southern V, Willie B’s, and Minerva. So, the next time you're on your way to pick up a V-thang Slim pizza, make a mental note of the studio. Space is still under construction, but the vision is coming together. And as things continue to unfold and come together, we hope to give you an exclusive sneak peek of its opening. The opening date is being planned for the Spring! However, you can order your juice from home or schedule a virtual yoga sesh in the meantime. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and activate your Inner G!


Learn how to activate your "InnerG" from the newest yoga and juice studio coming to North Nashville!

Activate your InnerG

Nielah Burnett

Can you remember the first time you ever set foot in a gym? My first time went something like this: My eyes met marathon trainers going full speed on the treadmill, guys were huddled at the squat racks, and I heard heavyweights hit the floor mat. I then became full of even more anxiety. But I had made it that far, so I could not turn back. The only problem was, I did not know where to begin. And when I did begin, I felt judged for misusing the equipment. 

Am I the only one who has been there before?

Thankfully, all of those insecurities, anxieties, and reluctance that could accompany a new gym visit go out the window at URBN fitness. URBN Fitness is a new and trendy gym located in East Nashville. Urban Fitness was once your local CrossFit gym, but it has since evolved! High-Intensity CrossFit workouts aren't for everyone, so Urbn Fitness coaches are proud to have created goal-focused workouts that are energetic, fun, and dynamic in movement pairings. You can experience one of these workouts in one of URBN Fitness' core group classes. 

The coaches also develop personal programs for clients interested in more specific coaching and training. An "In Body" machine is used to capture lean body mass, body fat percentage, BMR, and intra and extracellular hydration levels to develop specific client lifestyle guidelines. The coaches would rather “assess and not guess” about what each client needs to reach their particular goals. 

Speaking of the coaches, URBN Fitness comes to life through the leadership of dedicated and passionate coaches, so let's meet them!

__Brandon Koechlin__ practices what he preaches and will help you balance life and fitness. His mission is to present fitness to you for its life-changing abilities. Fitness has changed his life, and he is confident it will change yours too. His motto is #MoveWellFirst

__Celia Stefanini__ loves to have fun while moving with a great workout and encourages everyone who steps foot into Urbn Fitness to do the same. She helps you find fulfillment and freedom through workouts. She believes you can fulfill that craving for health and strength through movement. 

__Kyle Lampi "Lampsauce"__ brings some extra musicality to the group. You can find him practicing his handstands or working on music in the studio outside of the gym. He has a strong background in sports, CrossFit, and weightlifting.

All the coaches are dedicated to helping you "feel your best and look good naked"! 

Now imagine an Urbn Fitness Gym experience. You walk through the gym doors of Urbn Fitness, and you’re greeted by a crew member in the new lobby. As a spectator in the lobby, you would see ahead of you Nashville locals enjoying an energetic group workout, thanks to the lively coaches and the music from the new surround sound! - That sounds way better than my first-time gym experience! 

Are you ready to check it out for yourself? Good news, Urbn is currently offering Free trial classes so that you can start movin' at no cost! Also, there is no commitment to join, it’s month to month.  

Visit their website for more information. Let's start movin'! [www.urbnfitness.com ](https://www.urbnfitness.com)


Urban Fitness is a great east Nashville Crossfit Box!

Urbn Fitness

weight lifter

This morning, you woke up another day older, let’s celebrate! Though some of us have our different reservations about getting older, I love how Betty Freidan described aging - “Aging is not ‘lost youth,’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.” And part of that strength is found through movement! In fact, exercise is proven to aid in healthy aging, helping sustain one’s independence longer. There’s no one magic anti-aging exercise, but activities that focus on strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility are known to improve health and physical ability. Pilates naturally involves movements and routines that focus on those things. 

## What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility; developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century.  At first glance, Pilates can be intimidating and perceived as “hard.” A person may think they have to have a certain amount of flexibility before they can even start. However, that’s a myth! Don’t get me wrong, Pilates can be challenging, but it is very modifiable, so all levels of experience and all ages can participate! Take anti-aging Pilates, for example. 

Anti-aging Pilates has become a thing. Last year Dr.Oz featured some “Anti-aging Pilates” routines on his show. And I recently saw a headline that read “Is Pilates the New Botox.”  It is trending! Anti-aging Pilates in the media may be partly clickbait and entertainment, but I can’t argue with the facts. Pilates can aid in healthy aging! 

For example, in a study that examined the effects of Pilates on seniors, Pilates helped improve their overall health (1). Researchers used a wellness scale, a quality of life questionnaire which measures overall status and well-being, to gather baseline data. Then, each participant completed a 50-minute Pilates session three times a week for 12 weeks. The first half of the study consisted of mat Pilates exercises, while they used bands in the latter half. Some activities included pelvic clock, spine stretch forward, swan, and saw. At the end of the 12 weeks, the participants completed another wellness scale. What the researchers observed were significant improvements in physical, spiritual, and emotional wellness among the participants (1). These results demonstrate the positive impact Pilates not only has on one’s physical health but their mental health as well, both of which are equally important as we age. 

More specifically, studies have shown Pilates can also improve bone density. This is important as we age, considering changes in our bones can impact our posture and walk and cause slowed movement. Low bone density, also known as osteopenia, increases one risk for breaking bones.  1 in 3 women over the age of 50 and 1 in 5 men will experience osteoporotic fractures. 

In a Clinical Research study, Pilates was found to help improve Bone Mineral Density (BMD) (2). This specific study observed postmenopausal women who had been recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. Forty women were divided into two groups - the pilates group and the control group. Within the Pilates group, the women completed 1-hour Pilates classes three days a week for 24 weeks. Each session included a warm-up, main exercise routine, and a cool down. The exercises grew in level of difficulty every three weeks. Props such as bands and balls were added towards the latter end of the program. At the end of the six months, the BMD lumbar region was scanned with DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), measuring bone mineral density using spectral imaging. The results showed that the pilates group had a significant increase at BMD values after exercise compared to the control group. Impressive, right!

Each day as we get a little older and a little wiser, be encouraged to start moving! Any exercise will aid in healthy aging, as long as it’s done safely. If you are interested in trying out Pilates in Nashville, Marathon Pilates has expanded and opened the doors to their new location on 12 South on late this past September. They offer group classes, privates classes, and virtual classes. Visit their website and learn more today! 

1.	https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4849491/
2.	https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282244628_The_effects_of_Clinical_Pilates_Exercises_on_bone_mineral_density_BMD_physical_performance_and_quality_of_life_of_women_with_postmenopausal_osteoporosis 


This morning, you woke up another day older, let’s celebrate! Though some of us have our different reservations about getting older, I love how Betty Freidan described aging - “Aging is not ‘lost youth,’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”

Healthy Aging & Pilates

Reformer Pilates

As I pass the blue wall, which is home to the iconic, colorful hot air balloon, I take time for a photo op. I also leap for joy because I know that just a few steps ahead of me is one gym I’ve been longing to visit – that is 80/20 fitness! 80/20 fitness is a local gym studio owned by couple Kevin and Jade Bazille. 80/20 Fitness was founded on the ideals that a healthy lifestyle requires 80 percent nutrition and mindset and 20 percent fitness.  The Bazille’s ditch the fad diets and shortcuts to encourage their clients to achieve sustainable lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes require more than just a good workout regimen and meal prepping. The Bazille’s agree it takes accountability, focus, intentionality, and a positive MINDSET. In fact, they know first hand what an impact a shift in mindset can make!

Kevin admits that before 80/20 was born, his focus was everywhere. Though he has always had a passion for fitness, which stemmed from his love for sports, fitness wasn’t always his focus. Before 80/20 fitness was established, Kevin had multiple jobs or side hustles. He was even selling hair at one point! The entrepreneurial spirit was deep in him, but for him to be fulfilled and make a significant impact, the first mindset that he had to shift was his own. Kevin gladly credits Jade with helping him make that shift. His partner in crime, business partner, and wife supported him as he narrowed his focus and chose his calling.  They both believe changing lives is their calling, and 80/20 fitness is the outlet in which they do so!

The accountability they have established in their relationship is undoubtedly reflected in their business practice.  Each 80/20 fitness client can count on the support of their coaches, Kevin and Jade. It is their priority that they develop a client-coach relationship with everyone who walks into their doors. From sending accountability texts throughout the week to encouraging monthly weigh-ins, these are just a couple of ways the Bazille’s will keep you accountable. Additionally, the workout space is filled with visual reminders that will encourage you to maintain a positive mindset. Upon entering, to the right, you will see their word wall. The wall is filled with quotes from clients to inspire themselves and others. On the other side of the room is the selfie wall. After each workout, the client takes a picture, and it is later posted to the wall. The wall is a visual example of each client’s transformation. More motivation!

Clients aren’t the only ones who need motivation. With the ups and downs that come with running a business and just navigating 2020, Kevin and Jade make sure they also put certain practices in place that will ensure they maintain a positive mindset. When asked about things they do to maintain positivity, they expressed similar interest. They meditate, have date-nights, work out, and keeping the end goal end mind when things get hectic. 

Their positive attitude is definitely contagious and showed during my visit! I got to sample the 80/20 Fitness experience with a few exercises. Kevin and Jade took me through Deadlift Hammer Curls, Kneeling Rotation Shoulder Press, Weighted Lunges, and Squat Jump Ab Crunches. Through the demonstrations, each coach was very detailed, as well as informative. I learned that many of the exercises engage the core and also promote good posture. I also appreciated the positive feedback when my technique improved! You will appreciate the expertise they both share. 
Kevin and Jade are accepting clients for group classes and personal training.  COVID-19 protective measures are in place for in-person training. Masks are available, and chairs are located in between each workout mat to ensure everyone remains socially distanced. If you are not quite ready to hit the gym in-person, virtual classes are also available. Visit their Instagram page @80_20fitness to preview some of their workouts!


As I pass the blue wall, which is home to the iconic, colorful hot air balloon, I take time for a photo op. I also leap for joy because I know that just a few steps ahead of me is one gym I’ve been longing to visit – that is 80/20...