Relaunching The Grind Before Wine
Almost 2 months ago, I was under the impression that the stars really aligned for me to do something that I’ve always talked about doing: launch a website. Little did I know, something much, much bigger was in the making.
In March, Covid-19 caused gyms to close and forced me into unemployment. Initially, I was devastated. However, I quickly implemented ways to continue to train people, hosting classes on Instagram Live and personal training over video calls. I also found the time to put into this website. Most importantly, I found the time to talk with friends and family at length, without needing to cut it short because I had somewhere to be. I found the time to read and journal without distractions. I found the time to cook and workout with intention. I found the time to become more aware of those who needed help, and to do what I could.
I saw it happen around me, too. People helping people. People donating money, food, and clothing. People volunteering. People singing and cheering in unison every evening. People focusing less on where they’re going or what they’re saying next, and just being present.
Suddenly, the sense of panic that emerged at the beginning of the pandemic was equally matched with a sense of calm, as we learned to appreciate simple things like walking around the neighborhood, reading in the park, or hearing your grandmother’s mood transform when she realizes it’s you on the other line. It occurred to us how much of a luxury it is to be able to go out to dinner, how much of a blessing it is to be able to hug the people you love.
We vowed to be better, to do better. We vowed to remain more present. To see the value in the little things. To limit all of the distractions. To pay more attention. To focus on what matters.
And, with our undivided attention, we saw a man lose his life to someone who should have been trusted to protect it.
The flood of support, connection, education, resources, conversations coming to and from the Black community resulted in a lot of reflection and growth on my end. I will continue to commit myself to learning, speaking up, standing up, and donating to the Black Lives Matter movement for the rest of my lifetime.
The stars have been aligning for me, for us, to make a historical impact.
Knowing what I know now, and understanding how much further there is to go, I am relaunching my enterprise with a mission that clearly aligns with my health and wellness philosophy, both as a certified fitness professional and as a human rights activist.
The Grind Before Wine’s philosophy, message, and content will center around three pillars: individuality, introspection, and impact.
Individuality
Create a fitness and nutrition plan that fits you just right.
More often than not, a “one size fits all” product hardly fits anyone correctly. All services delivered by The Grind Before Wine will be unique to you, your fitness level, your goals, your body type, and anything else that makes you unique.
Of course, implementing a fitness and nutrition routine often comes with obstacles. We can discuss the obstacles you face, whether they be at work or at home, and take them on together. Flexible payment plans are available on all packages.
Introspection
Develop means to make your hard work measurable but meaningful for you.
Taking that big, intimidating step forward, and deciding that you are ready to commit to a fitness and or nutrition program, can be hard. However, sticking with said program is where the real grunt work comes in. And let’s be honest, stepping on a scale weekly can at times be the LEAST rewarding measure of success after a trying week of balancing workouts, proper nutrition, AND all that life has to throw at us. There has to be more to all that we do than a three digit number flashing at us on a screen, right?
RIGHT!
What are you training for? What brought you here? Why do you want to start a fitness or nutrition program? What goals do you have that can’t be described with a numerical weight or size? The answers to these questions, coupled with coaching from someone who cares about those answers just as much as you, are what will keep you going day in, day out.
Impact
Strengthen your mind and body. Strengthen your influence.
You are EXACTLY the size you need to be to take your place in history. You know who you are. You know what you want. You know why you want it. Now let’s take the time to build your confidence, mental health, strength, and JOY inside of the gym, so you can in turn CONTRIBUTE to and IMPACT what matters most to you outside of it.
In addition, we’ll make an impact together, as 5% of every purchase will go directly to The Loveland Foundation, which “provides opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls.”
Let’s G r O w!
In Grind + Wine,
Ashley
