Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Whitaker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Fit with Nat started in 2013 when my very own fitness journey was at its peak! The changes I experienced physically where amazing, but more than that….what changed on the inside is what I want to share with others! Have you ever met someone who was so convinced that their genes wouldn’t allow them to hit their goals….my famous words were “It’s just not in the cards.” I could barely run 1/4 of a mile, I never had any energy to play with my son and my health was suffering. I finally decided it was time, this is the key to success in this industry….the mental preparedness is, in my opinion even harder than the physical work. Once I decided, committed and started changing both mentally and physically….I could not keep this to myself, I was on fire to help others feel good in their own skin again. This is how Fit with Nat emerged!
I got certified to teach fitness and personal train clients and I had a handful of students….mind you, this is my passion…not my full time job. I love my full time job, but this is more of a hobby, ministry and community outreach thing for me! In the process we created a stevia business as well. This small town gal was raised on sugar and mainly SWEET TEA!!!! I cut sugar first on my own journey and this was my saving grace, but locally I had a hard time finding a bottle that didn’t taste bitter, so my husband said, let’s make our own and we did! Now Fit with Nat Liquid Stevia is sold locally and on amazon! We are making life sweeter one drop at a time.
On to my next love…. Empowering others!!!! The main piece of my business is teaching classes!!! I LOVE to teach PiYo, Meditation, Yoga, Dance, Strength Training and so much more!!!!!!! I even teach on the beach with a company called Fit Bodies Inc. We have an upcoming Fitcation in February and bringing our tribe along, we would love to have you too! Every week I have the honor and privilege of teaching at Willow Creek Wedding Venue, the most gorgeous countryside venue you can imagine to take place while watching the sun set! We have come a very long way! From a handful of students out of my house to gorgeous event centers and at the beach with classes maxing the space out completely.
I feel that we have something very special in the making, it’s not your typical come to class and leave, the culture we have created is simply amazing. Our classes are Faith based and we do a great job at teaching to all fitness levels! Everyone is welcomed by our tribe that is new and they can feel at ease about this new journey with our fit family. We have challenges, support groups, fellowship at events and I take lots of time at each class to promote self-love and universal loving-kindness that is all Christ Centered. It is truly an amazing thing that I get to watch others transform in to the best version of themselves and play a part in that!!!!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road we have been on has only seen struggles, when I tried to control everything…anxiety would creep in about our locations for classes or if I had everything perfectly planned out, but honestly when I prayed and let go, God provided a way and not only did he provide a way, he made it bigger and better than I imagined!
Fit with Nat – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Fit with Nat is about empowering others to peel back the layers and reveal their true potential. I feel that when you work on your physical fitness, breathe, move and take moments to get still and hand over control, everything else falls into the right place. Relationships are better, we are more creative and goal oriented at work when we wake up, workout and set our day up for success.
My specialty is PiYo and Yoga in the fitness world, but I think if you asked my students what I am best at they would tell you, motivating others, grace and the ability to appeal to a wide range of clientele.
I am most proud of the fact that our tribe has such a strong welcoming and motivating culture that is spreading throughout our community. The transformations I have seen bring happy tears to my eyes! We have people that have healed their pain, lost weight, gotten off prescription medications, reversed anxiety/depression, and found just what they needed in life pursue that goal that they had put aside. Like I said earlier watching their physical transformations (loosing weight, gaining muscle, stretching further, nailing poses) are great, but what happens on the inside with mental, emotional and spiritual growth is the most rewarding aspect for me.
I love that we are able to teach at such stunning locations!!! For many women, the gym is a little intimidating so having classes in such visually appealing places, promotes relaxation and their fears come down! I try to pick places in nature also, this enhances the overall experience as well. We are very blessed to be at Willow Creek Wedding Venue every single week on the beautiful countryside watching the sun set at the end of our classes! I also love that we truly are a tribe (aka fit family). We do life together in support groups online, fellowship at fun events like paddle boarding and constantly motivate each other at class! We are even planning a fitcation together combining vacationing and fitness!!!!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Every step of building Fit with Nat has been so rewarding, but my favorites have to be the client testimonies of healing! Happy tears flow when someone comes off of their prescription medications, or they finally have back relief after years of pain, or they finally feel good about themselves again after hitting their weight goals! Seeing their success fuels me personally to keep going, sharing and loving others, providing them hope!
Pricing:
- $15 class drop-in on Fit with Nat website
- Class Memberships available
- Liquid Stevia $9.99 on Fit with Nat website
- February 2019 Fitcation $250 per night
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fitwithnat.com
- Email: fitwnat@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fitwithnat
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/fitwithnat
Image Credit:
Vanessa Hyles is the photographer on many (my mom)
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
