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 to learn about the work they are doing. 

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

Fitness meets Anti-Diet Culture

We got a chance to chat with Leah of High Garden about life post Tornado. What we learned, there's beauty and purpose in pain.

March 3, 2020, is a day many Nashvillians will never forget. The night of the tornado destroyed many homes in North Nashville, East Nashville, Germantown, and surrounding areas. High Garden Tea, located on Woodland St. in East Nashville, unfortunately, did not remain untouched. 

High Garden Tea is a social enterprise, founded by Leah and Joel Larabell. The mission of High Garden is to reconnect us with the plant wisdom we instinctively hold. Many became familiar with High Garden for ten years through the herbal and tea shop. The shop was an experience like no other in Nashville. You could walk in the shop and mix some of your favorite herbs and enjoy a flight of kombucha, among many other offerings. That was until the tragic tornado struck. 

Leah and Joel first received news that the tornado damaged their building from their landlord. At that point, their brains would not allow them to imagine anything more than a few broken windows. However, when they arrived at the location, their eyes met the unimaginable. More than broken windows, the building had merely crumbled to pieces. If you saw the images circulating social media, you can attest that it's a scene you can't forget. Though unforgettable, it's not the thing Leah remembers most about that morning. 

What she remembers most is beauty.

When Leah and Joel arrived at High Garden, at least thirty people had already beat them there. They showed up with care and love to help recover and clean up what survived the storm. That's the beauty Leah remembers! She describes, "at that moment, I think I truly learned how to love people." Leah grew up more connected to her squirrel and plant families, so it was easier for her to relate to nature than people outside of her immediate circle. However, that morning of the tornado revealed the beauty in humanity she had never seen before.  

"That's the main thing I remember about that morning. That piece of my heart getting filled up." - Leah Larbell

When it crumbled, Leah and Joel knew they were not going to be able to rebuild ten years of what they grew for a long time. The tornado forced them to begin a new path. As they stepped back a little from the "business" side of things, the next path for High Garden began to be revealed. 

With lots of patience and humility, Leah and Joel are slowly learning and understanding this new path for High Garden. Their goal is to make plants and herbalism more accessible to everyone. They envision a world where there's a plant person in everyone's home.  They are making it happen. Today you can experience the many offerings of High Garden in many ways. Here's how:

__High Garden Online Store:__ Via the High Garden online store, you can find a wide range of herbal infusions and teas. Their products are more than just items; they are creations that grew out of years of study. They hope that through these offerings, they can shine a light on the power and benefit within the world of plants.  

__High Garden’s School of RootWisdom:__ To dive deeper into herbalism education, you can take a deeper dive by enrolling in High Garden’s School of RootWisdom. The first year of the herbalism program is titled PlantFolk Herbalism. This program is at student capacity, but there are more programs to come, so stay connected. 

__Upcoming Podcast:__ Leah and Joel announced to us that they are working on a podcast. No official premiere date has been released yet, but I'm excited for the fact that we will literally be able to learn about herbs on our commute to work! 

There's purpose in pain, and while hearing the recovery and resiliency story of Leah and Joel, it's hard to argue otherwise. Purpose isn't revealed at once; it's revealed in moments. That morning of the tornado was just the beginning of a greater purpose being revealed. Through the pain of the tornado, they could reimagine this vision and purpose of High Garden in more incredible ways.

Be sure to keep up with all the latest news and High Garden's journey by subscribing to their mail list at highgardentea.com and by following them on Instagram @highgardentea.


Beauty Along A New Path

High Garden Tea

Beauty Along a New Path

On March 3, 2020, one of the first businesses in East Nashville was destroyed... but they recovered! Here is their story!

March 3, 2020, was a night Nashville won’t forget. A deadly tornado ripped through much of Middle Tennessee, destroying many homes and businesses, and unfortunately taking lives. That night seven tornadoes swept through Middle TN. The EF-3 Tornado struck at 12:30 in the morning and brought much damage to Davidson County. At a traveling rate of 57.3 mph, the tornado spanned a total of 60 miles impacting the John C. Tune Airport area, buildings from Cockrill Bendray and Briley Parkway, TN State Prison,  TSU, and Germantown. The tornado only intensified as it made its way towards East Nashville, causing unthinkable damage. There was EF-3 damage to businesses and other buildings in the Five Points area and EF-2 damage to homes in the Lockeland Springs and Barclay Drive neighborhoods. While many could only imagine how devastating such an experience could have been, others didn’t have to imagine it; it was their lived through experience.

Though tragic, it warms my spirit to hear how business owners were so resilient afterward. 

Among these stories of resiliency is  Gym 5, one of the first businesses in East Nashville. Gym 5 is East Nashville’s original locally-owned and operated full-service fitness club. On the night of the tornado, GYM 5 suffered an estimated half million-plus in property damages. Everything from the floors was destroyed, only the original flooring from half the building remained. Because of the extreme damages, GYM 5, which had been in operation for 15 years, was forced to temporarily shut down. This put a strain on the local business owner, Adam Wright.

During the shutdown, they did not charge their members monthly fees; at the same time, they also lost existing members. Thankfully, they were still able to keep and pay all of their employees. Wright goes on to highly esteem his employees as being an essential part of overcoming these challenging times. The tornado and the shutdown, put GYM 5 in a tough situation, but they weathered the storms. With the support of the community and employees, GYM 5 was ready to reopen with a smaller version of the gym after 1.5 months. By August, they were ready to fully open, ahead of the mandates inflicted by the pandemic. 

One of the biggest changes that the new GYM space has seen is an upper-level cardio mezzanine. Gym goers can now enjoy their workout with an East Nashville view overlooking downtown Nashville through the large garage windows. Additionally, the GYM offers an abundance of other spaces and equipment to fit your interests in staying fit and active.For instance, their outdoor workout space was one of my favorites! This was one of the first parts of the Gym to reopen. Move Nashville got on the scene on a beautiful 60 degree winter day, and I can say we all wanted to enjoy a workout in the outdoor space. 

Gym 5 also offers workout programs, which include: boxing boot, boxing, spin class, power lunch, TRX Cross-Training, and Strength and Conditioning. 
Wright and many others are glad that the Gym is back up and running. Amid the pandemic, it’s been a space to help the Nashville community stay active and healthy. Gym 5 is not just a reputable gym in East Nashville; it can now be seen as a symbol of the strength and resiliency in Nashville. 


Weathering the Storm

gym 5

GYM Recovers From the Tornado

Get the inside scoop on the latest Juice and Yoga Studio in Nashville

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

Activate Your InnerG

No Longer a Crossfit Gym - Why the Update?

Urbn Fitness East Nashville

What’s your favorite season? I mean, when it comes to food? Mango Season has to be among my favorites. I love walking down the grocery aisles and seeing all the mango varieties. I would usually go to Nashville’s Farmer’s Market for my favorite produce, but Mangoes aren’t grown in the South. Mangoes thrive in tropical climates and plant hardiness zones 10b-11. 

## What is plant hardiness zones?

Plant hardiness zones are tools to help growers determine what fruits and veggies will thrive in their city and state. Zones are determined based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones. It is common for many seeds to have a label with the hardiness zone on the back. For example, if you pick up a pack of cucumber seeds, you’ll most likely see zone 7 on the back, which is Nashville’s hardiness zone!  

However, what if you’re not planting anything, you’re more so just shopping at your local farmers market enjoying the fruits of their labor? Well, it is still good to know what fruits are in season and equally important, how to pick them! So, I thought I’d share my top picks for Nashville’s summer season!

### Top Picks:

__#PeachSeason –__ When picking peaches, here’s one rule to live by, DON’T SQUEEZE! Squeezing the peach can actually cause it to bruise and ruin its flesh. A better indicator of if it’s ready to eat is its color and smell.  I wouldn’t recommend smelling it unless you have already purchased, especially considering we’re amid a pandemic. But you don’t need your nose in this case because your eyes can tell you a lot! A peach free of bruises with good vibrant color is usually a good pick! It's noted, the more vibrant the color (on the red part of the peach), the sooner it’ll be soft. 

__#GrapeSeason –__ I heard through the grapevine that a good shake will help with the right pick! When picking grapes at your local market, give the bag a shake. If grapes stick together, that’s a good sign. You don’t want to pick grapes that easily fall off the stem. Also, don’t be afraid to pick grapes with that white residue. It's not dust, pesticides, dirt, or powder; it is a natural yeast, referred to as bloom. Bloom is an excellent indicator of freshness!

__#PearSeason -__  Pears may be one of the most beautiful fruits. It has nothing to do with its shape or color, but the way it ripens. Pears are one of the few fruits that ripen from the inside out – isn’t that inside out beauty! And once it’s ripe, you can bite into sweet pear-fection! So how can you tell if it’s ripe from the outside? The neck of the pear is a good indicator. Press on its neck, and if it yields to pressure, it is time to enjoy! On the opposite end, if the pear's body is soft to touch, it is likely overripened! 

__#NectarineSeason –__ Nectarine is like the identical twin to the peach, minus the fuzz.  Similar to peaches, you can tell a nectarine is ready to eat just by looking at it. And you can tell which one may have a better flavor by paying attention to its undertones. Nectarines with a gold undertone will have a better flavor than nectarines with a greenish undertone.

__#ApricotSeason –__ Do you prefer sweet or tart? Don’t worry because you don’t have to choose between the two when you bite into ready to eat apricots. Apricots have a sweet flesh with a hint of tartness. It is like the perfect balance. You know you’ve picked a good apricot when it has a beautiful yellow-orange color and is slightly soft to the touch. 
All of this talk about fruit has got me in the mood for some local picks. No matter the season, you can always support your local farmers. For more information on picking fruits and vegetables locally, visit the Pick Tennessee website www.picktnproducts.org 


What’s your favorite season? I mean, when it comes to food? Mango Season has to be among my favorites. 

Growing Season

Picking tomatoes at Nashville farmers market

Nashville Farmers Market

How to Pick Fruit and Veggies

Catch up on this awesome virtual event where we learned how to make brunch bean burgers.

GRITS Brunch and Learn

Quick workout and introduction to 80/20 Fitness in Nashville

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...

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