Welcome to the inaugural episode of the GRIT Performance Podcast, where Brodie Preston and I embark on a journey to share insights, stories, and valuable knowledge from the world of health and fitness. In this episode, we dive deep into Brodie's personal journey, exploring the origins of Grit Performance and how it has evolved into a community that empowers individuals to push their limits.
The Birth of GRIT:
Brodieand I started this podcast to connect with our community and share our experiences. I have always believed in the power of storytelling, and who better to kick off our first episode than Brodie, the co-founder of Grit Performance and an elite CrossFit athlete? As we reflect on Brodie's journey, we realize that it is not just about fitness; it’s about resilience, determination, and the desire to help others.
Growing Up in Gloucester:
Brodie's story begins in a small country town called Gloucester, where she was an active child involved in various sports. From swimming to netball and horse riding, her childhood revolved around physical activity. While she didn’t engage in sports competitively at a young age, she developed a love for being outdoors and staying active. The strong work ethic she learned from her stepdad became a cornerstone of her character, something that would later fuel her passion for fitness.
A Shift from Coping to Coaching:
A pivotal moment in Brodie's life came when she lost her sister to an eating disorder. This tragic event transformed her relationship with fitness. Initially, the gym became a coping mechanism, a way to channel emotional pain into physical strength. However, it quickly evolved into a deeper purpose. Brodie realized she wanted to shift her focus from merely training for herself to helping others achieve their fitness goals. This transformation laid the groundwork for the Grit Performance philosophy, which emphasizes performance and capability over mere aesthetics.
The Evolution of Grit:
After her sister's passing, Brodie began studying nutrition while working multiple jobs, including a stint in the mines. It wasn’t until the onset of COVID-19 that her vision for Grit Nutrition started to materialize. During the pandemic, Brodie capitalized on the time to hone her skills and build a brand that resonated with her identity. The name "Grit" encapsulated her journey, representing resilience, hard work, and an unwavering spirit.
Building a Community:
With Grit Nutrition gaining traction, Brodie’s aspirations expanded. She envisioned a holistic health hub—a place where fitness, nutrition, and community could thrive together. This dream became a reality as she began to lay the foundation for what would eventually become Grit Performance, a community that encourages members to focus on their capabilities rather than just numbers on a scale.
Key Takeaways:
Brodie's journey from a small-town girl to an elite athlete and coach is a testament to the power of resilience and passion. Here are the key takeaways from our discussion:
1. Embrace your roots: Our backgrounds shape who we are and can fuel our passions.
2. Transform pain into purpose: Personal hardships can lead to profound life changes and motivate us to help others.
3. Build a supportive community: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals fosters growth and encouragement.
4. Focus on performance over aesthetics: True fitness is about what your body can achieve, not just how it looks.
