Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Women’s History Month in Fitness & Leadership
March is Women’s History Month—a time to recognize the women who have paved the way, shattered glass ceilings, and redefined industries. As someone who has spent my career in fitness, sales, and business ownership, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible women who have led the way—not just in movement and wellness, but in leadership, innovation, and corporate success.
Women have not only built thriving businesses but have also climbed the corporate ladder in industries that were once dominated by men, including fitness, technology, and executive leadership roles. And yet, despite their undeniable impact, women are still underrepresented in leadership positions—a reality that needs to change.
I am so incredibly grateful for the women in my life who aren’t afraid to stand up, challenge the status quo, and demand a seat at the table. Women who lead, who push boundaries, who refuse to settle for "the way it’s always been." These women inspire me every day, and they are the reason I continue to advocate for more women in leadership roles—especially in industries where we are still fighting for equal representation.
Why Women Should Be in Leadership Roles
Despite making up a significant percentage of the workforce, women still hold only a small fraction of executive and leadership roles. The fitness industry, while full of female trainers and instructors, still sees men disproportionately holding executive positions in major gym chains, fitness brands, and sports organizations.
Here’s why that needs to change:
Women drive innovation and growth. Companies with more female leadership consistently outperform competitors, reporting higher profits, stronger company cultures, and greater employee satisfaction.
Women bring a unique leadership style. Studies show that female leaders prioritize collaboration, mentorship, and long-term success, creating more sustainable businesses.
Representation matters. When women see other women in leadership, it creates a ripple effect—more women aspire to leadership, take risks, and push for change.
The numbers don’t lie. Organizations with women in executive roles have higher returns to shareholders, better employee retention, and more diverse and inclusive workplace cultures.
How to Support & Elevate Women in Leadership
Hire, promote, and mentor women. If you're in a position of power, advocate for female talent in your organization.
Speak up. If you see bias in hiring or promotion processes, challenge it. Women deserve a seat at the table.
Invest in women-owned businesses. Whether it's fitness studios, wellness brands, or tech startups, supporting female entrepreneurs fuels change.
Encourage leadership at every level. Women don't need to wait for a title to be leaders. Whether it's in a gym, a boardroom, or a community, empower women to step up and lead.
My Why
As a mother, my passion for this fight runs even deeper. I am raising a daughter who I quite literally believe was born to change the world. And I will not stop showing up, speaking out, and leading by example to prove to her that the sky is the limit. She will grow up knowing that her voice matters, that she belongs in any room she steps into, and that leadership isn’t reserved for a select few—it’s for those who have the courage to claim it.
I am also endlessly grateful for the women who have shaped my journey—those who have mentored me, challenged me, and shown me what strong, fearless leadership looks like. Their influence has left a profound mark on me, and I can only hope to pay that forward. To the women I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, I want you to know that I will always be in your corner. Your success is my success, and I will continue to champion you, support you, and remind you that you are capable of far more than you even realize.
Leadership isn’t just about what we accomplish ourselves—it’s about lifting others up along the way. And I will never stop doing that.
The Men Who Champion Women
While Women’s History Month is about celebrating the incredible women who have shaped history, it’s also about recognizing the men who aren’t afraid to lift women up, make space at the table, and celebrate their success—without ego, without hesitation, without conditions. The men who don’t just talk about equality, but live it in their actions, their leadership, and their everyday support.
I am beyond blessed to have that kind of support in my own life.
To my husband, who has been my biggest mentor, my greatest champion, and the one who has never—not once—made me feel like my dreams were too big. You have always stood beside me, encouraged me, and pushed me forward, even in the moments when I doubted myself. You’ve never questioned my ambition, never made me feel like I had to choose between being a leader and being a wife or a mother. You’ve just believed in me, fully and completely.
To my two sons, who celebrate my success and remind me every day that the next generation of men has the power to change the narrative. You see strong women the way we should all see them—not as competition, but as partners, leaders, and equals. My hope is that you grow up knowing that real strength is found in lifting others up, in making space, in recognizing that leadership isn’t about who speaks the loudest, but who listens and leads with integrity.
And to the few men I’ve worked with in leadership who have never seen me as “just” a woman in the room but as an equal, a collaborator, a leader in my own right—thank you. You never made space for me out of obligation. You made space because you saw the value in diverse leadership, in different perspectives, in real collaboration. And I’ll never forget that.
For every woman out there fighting for her seat at the table, I hope you also have men in your corner who don’t just make room, but pull out the chair and say, “We need you here.” Because that’s how we change the game—together.
The Future is Female—And It's Here
Women’s History Month is about celebrating the past, but also shaping the future. Women in fitness and leadership have already proven their strength, resilience, and vision, but the work isn’t done.
It’s time for more women to take the reins. To lead. To innovate. To change the industry for good.
So, if you’re a woman in fitness, business, or leadership—keep going. Keep pushing. Keep leading. Because when women lead, everyone wins.
Who are the women in leadership that inspire you? Drop a comment and let’s celebrate them together!
I’m rooting for you,
With love and encouragement,
Beth
I’d love to hear your thoughts— what has your experience been like as a woman in leadership, or as someone who supports and uplifts women in leadership? Have you faced challenges, broken barriers, or mentored others along the way