Meet Helen Thoenes | Personal Trainer and Gym Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helen Thoenes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had been in the fitness industry for close to a decade and had become disenchanted with the typical approach to exercise/movement which was all about trying to control “misbehaving” bodies. From my perspective, the industry was (and very much still is) focused entirely on using exercise solely for the purpose of changing what bodies look like instead of helping clients discover the joy of movement. I was a part of a program that used coercion, bullying, strong-arming, and cult-like loyalty to get athletes to conform. The positive results (as demonstrated primarily in bodies becoming smaller and looking more like the standard fitness ideal) belied the actual harm I thought was being done and I resolved to find a better way to help people achieve real, sustainable, and long-term health. That approach included mental, spiritual, and emotional health as well as physical health. My approach includes mental, spiritual, and emotional health as well as physical health.

What should our readers know about your business?
GRITfit is Sensible Fitness for REAL people.

The GRITfit approach is intended to help clients become more present in and connected to their body and their life. Bodies and lives change frequently. It can be really challenging for people to determine what they want, and more importantly, what they need at any given time! Add to that the social pressure to look good at any cost, stay young forever and perform flawlessly, and it becomes nearly impossible to choose movement that feels good and is appropriate for a client’s current circumstances.

By providing quality coaching, personalized movement customizations, and cultivating a community that values self-exploration, clients begin to discover an entirely different experience of exercise. Through this process, they begin to realize the many benefits of movement that go so much deeper than how their body looks or performs. Fitness freedom and autonomy, what we call “sensible fitness for real people”, better prepares our clients to advocate for themselves whether they are in the gym or out in the world living their lives. And who doesn’t want more freedom to choose what is best for themselves?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would absolutely take them to Sabino Canyon and/or Catalina State Park. There are so many hikes with varying levels of difficulty. I would want them to experience the Sonoran Desert Museum and Gates Pass with all of their amazing animals and beauty. I would make sure that they had some great Mexican food at Minidito or any of the other amazing places on South 6th ave. Tucson Tamale Company or Time Market for great food in very casual settings. A tour of the University of Arizona Campus would be fun. And a siimple walk through fourth avenue (especially if the street fair is happening) is always fun!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Steve, who has been my silent partner in this business from the beginning. He always believes in my projects and ideas. All of the pioneers in the anti-diet culture scene and for those who promote respect and decency for people of all sizes, shapes and abilities.

Website: www.gritfittucson.com

Instagram: @gritfittucson

Facebook: @gritfittucson

Image Credits
Taylor Thoenes, Taylor Noel Photography