In the competitive world of fitness entrepreneurship, creating a unique and impactful business is no small feat. Blanca, the powerhouse behind Athena Fitness Club, shares her remarkable journey of building a women’s-only gym that has not only grown into a thriving community but also transformed the lives of countless women. In this post, we delve into her story, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she learned to inspire other fitness entrepreneurs.

1. From Personal Trainer to CEO: A Bold Transition

Blanca's journey started as a personal trainer sharing her fitness journey on Instagram. With a growing social media following, she transitioned from offering $10 workout plans to creating her own fitness products and ultimately launching a boutique women's-only gym. Despite her fears and doubts, Blanca took the leap into gym ownership, leaning on her faith and a "figure it out as you go" mentality.

She recalls the challenge of stepping away from hands-on training to embrace her role as a CEO. “Learning to let go and trust my team was one of the hardest things I’ve done,” Blanca admits. But this pivotal shift allowed her to focus on growth and leadership, setting her business on a path to consistent success.

2. Building Community: The Heart of Athena Fitness Club

Blanca’s vision for Athena Fitness Club was clear from the beginning: create a sisterhood where women feel supported, empowered, and never alone. Drawing from her love of community as a former soccer player, she built a gym that goes beyond fitness. Athena Fitness Club is a safe space where members can connect, share their struggles, and find encouragement.

“A lot of businesses lose sight of their core values because they’re too focused on numbers,” Blanca explains. She emphasizes the importance of building relationships and staying true to the mission. “If your business can fix loneliness, you have a great business.”

3. The Power of Systems and Teamwork

One of the most transformative steps in Blanca’s journey was implementing systems to automate her business operations. From streamlining client bookings to automating payments, these systems freed her to focus on leadership and strategy. Blanca acknowledges that she initially felt like an employee in her own business, but embracing automation allowed her to step back and work on the bigger picture.

Blanca also highlights the importance of trusting and empowering her team. She credits her growth to finding the right people who share her vision and complement her strengths. “Everyone has their seat on the bus,” she says. “When we work together, we can achieve incredible things.”

Key Takeaways for Fitness Entrepreneurs

Blanca’s story is a testament to what’s possible when you combine vision, community, and systems. Here are her top tips for success:

1. Focus on Relationships: Clients are more than numbers. Understand their pain points and create a space where they feel valued and supported.

2. Leverage Systems: Automating repetitive tasks frees you to focus on growth and leadership.

3. Build a Strong Team: Trusting and empowering others allows your business to scale while maintaining its heart and mission.

Blanca’s journey with Athena Fitness Club reminds us that success in the fitness industry goes beyond numbers. It’s about creating meaningful connections, staying true to your mission, and embracing growth through trust and innovation.

Ready to dive deeper into Blanca’s inspiring story? Listen to the full podcast episode to hear her insights, challenges, and advice for building a thriving business that empowers others.