About
At we believe that hard work will lead to change not only in the physical but also in the mental realm. We believe that life needs a balance of intense high energy and also calming restorative movement. We believe that every person who walks into our studio should feel welcomed and at home instantly.
Why GRIT?
Hi! My name is Natalie and I am the founder and owner of GRIT Fort Collins (AKA Grit FoCo). What started with a passion for yoga grew into an exploration of all things movement – Climbing, Orange Theory, Lagree, pilates – list goes on. For me, knowing that showing strength in the physical meant having grit to keep fighting through whatever life sends our way.
The idea of opening a studio first became a dream in 2017. I dreamt of a space serving community, fueling the mind and spirit, and challenging the body. It seemed out of reach at the time but was something that always lived in the back of my mind. Fast forward to 2021 amidst COVID, with the fear of what’s to come and the reality that life is short, I decided why not now? I took three of my favorite movement modalities and decided I wanted to make it easy and accessible for people to find everything they needed under one roof.
Now in 2023, meet GRIT FoCo: A climb, yoga and Lagree studio, a dream and vision come true. Getting to serve Northern Colorado from Loveland to Windsor to Severance to Timnath. Every modality is meant for everybody, at every age. All methods here are safe for you no matter where you are in your physical journey. We are able to offer cardio workouts, strength training, core workouts, stretching, breathwork and yoga all in one space. It is the only workout facility you will need while still getting that personalized coaching and incredible community. We cannot wait to climb, shake, and flow with you!
Definition of Grit: Choose to do the tenth rep when it would be easier to just do nine. Choose to create when it would be easier to consume. Choose to ask the extra question when it would be easier to accept. Prove to yourself — in a thousand tiny ways — that you have enough to get in the ring and do battle with life.
OWNER
VERSA CLIMB, YOGA, LAGREE
instructors
Bethany Martinez
Class Types: Lagree, Climb, Yoga
As a movement enthusiast and Lagree trainer, I am passionate about helping others improve their overall wellbeing. Having struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks many years ago, I turned to various forms of movement as a natural remedy and it has been truly life-changing. Now, I am dedicated to sharing that same experience of positivity, healing, and growth with others.
My classes are designed to be challenging yet attainable, leaving you feeling empowered and better than before you arrived. Positive self-talk is infused throughout each class, providing you with a powerful mindset that you can carry with you throughout your day. Whether you’re new to the world of movement or a seasoned pro, I would love to help you find success, push it to your edge, and provide you with a transformative experience that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. So come join me on the Mega and let’s move forward together!
Veronica Hernandez
Class Types: Lagree, Yoga
I love to create a safe and empowering space for my students to connect with their bodies, minds, and spirits. I’ve been teaching Vinyasa, Restorative, and Yin Yoga since 2020. After learning I was pregnant with my first child, I became certified to teach Prenatal Yoga in 2023. I also started teaching Shake in 2022. All of these modalities have helped me become a stronger and more resilient woman. I’m committed to providing an inclusive environment that honors the unique needs and experiences of each student, as well as to share the transformative power of having a movement practice. No matter what level you’re at, I’ll make sure you get exactly what you came here for.
Megan is a Fort Collins native and enjoys living in scenic northern colorado with her husband, teenage son, and two beagles. Megan’s love for fitness started at the young age of 4, and followed her into adulthood as a competitive swimmer and soccer player.
Fitness and movement has always helped bring balance and peace to Megan’s life, and she finds tremendous joy in walking alongside others as they explore their own connections to movement. “We are all working toward something, whether it be physical, emotional, or mental. What better way to do it than through movement and connection to others!” This is the motto Megan carries in to each of her classes; climb, shake, and flow alike.
My name is Lauren, and I have a passion for the Lagree Method. Originally from Minnesota, I spent my teenage years in Breckenridge before settling in Fort Collins for the past decade. I discovered the Lagree Method at Grit in 2022 and instantly fell in love with it. The workouts pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me feel stronger, and never left me bored. Not only did I find physical benefits, but I also became part of a wonderful community, making new friends along the way. My love for Lagree led me to become a teacher at Grit. When I’m not instructing classes, you can find me working for my family’s plant-based food company, enjoying beers at Odell’s with friends, or convincing my fiancé to join me in a Lagree class!
I’m Nat and I am so happy you are here! I grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and moved to Fort Collins in 2021 to start a life in the mountains. I started teaching group fitness classes in 2019 and am continuously inspired by the energy and community that it can cultivate. Outside of Grit you can catch me trail running, mountain biking, or backpacking and always listening to Taylor Swift!! I truly believe everyday is an opportunity to discover new magic that this world has to offer- we just have to be willing to find it!
Movement has always been a big part of my life. The journey of movement is more than having a six-pack, or having a booty and refusing to quit. I love the physical benefits of movement, but more importantly, I understand that sometimes all we really want is to feel loved and supported in our journey of health; both mental and physical. My deepest passion in life is reminding people that they are strong enough to create change and built the life that they deserve, and if there’s a dope beat in the background even better!
Hi, I’m Lesley. I have been a member at GRIT since they opened their doors and quickly fell in love with Lagree. Something about the variation, efficiency, mental and physical challenge of this workout really calls to me. And how about those shakes!!! I became Lagree certified in January and am enjoying the new challenge of creating fresh routines and being on the mic. I am loving deepening my connections in this special community.
When I am not on the MegaFormer, you can find me snuggling my Golden Retriever, running the roads and trails in the area, hiking, laughing with friends, or reading a book.
I hope to see you in class soon!!
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a Colorado native who loves all things fitness, outdoors, and sports. I’m happily married to my best friend and we have two dogs, Kessie and Kane!
Originally from Ohio, Grace moved to Colorado in July of 2022. With an exercise science degree and a background in personal training, Grace strives to not only lead effective, motivating classes, but to also bring the utmost creativity through her multi-modality teaching knowledge. Beyond Grit, Grace works full-time as a personal trainer, and typically spends her free time outdoors with her husband and two dogs.
Hi I’m Emily Trujillo, Lagree Instructor at Grit! I was born and raised here in northern Colorado. I graduated from CSU and have lived in Fort Collins ever since.
I love all things outdoors, hiking biking, camping, paddle boarding. I began Lagree a year ago. I love the continuous challenge and never ending variety of workouts. I can’t wait to SHAKE with you!
Justine began her yoga journey in the summer of 2013 and immediately fell in love with the mind-body connection and self awareness that consistent practicing brought to the table. She decided to pursue her 200 hour Power Teacher Training a year later, which sparked her love for teaching and began teaching professionally March 2015. Since then, her love and compassion for teaching has blossomed into a life long passion. With the opening of Grit, Justine expanded her passion to include Lagree and Climb. She loves sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with her students and constantly strives to spread the joy, happiness, and healing that yoga and other fitness modalities has brought her to others. Outside of the studio Justine spends as much time as she can outside either enjoying the great outdoors or riding horses.
Originally from Boston, Diane is the wife of a first responder, mother to four, lover of all the dogs, and drinker of all the iced coffee. Diane brings excitement to each class and is honored to be a part of GRIT; a place where she has the opportunity to connect, grow, and celebrate. Along with her certifications in Lagree and Yoga, Diane brings knowledge and gratitude to every class, and an eagerness to connect and learn from every person.
Terrence benefits from an unusually diverse breadth of education: a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College, a Masters in Fine Art from the University of lowa, and a Masters in Science and Traditional Oriental Medicine from the Pacific College of Medicine. This diverse training and life-long passion for learning affords Terrence a uniquely flexible approach to your particular health needs.
Terrence has been teaching yoga and meditation for decades all over the world. These two ancient tools of physical and mental health have been profound gifts for him personally and professionally, and remain daily practices. He has managed three yoga studios in New York City, completed thousands of hours of teacher trainings, and led several international
retreats. Terrence hopes to continue teaching these precious gifts until the day he dies (hopefully many decades from now!). And so, Terrence created Blue Orchid Wellness as a natural evolution from his diverse training and practical experience to impact health care on a profound level.
Blue Orchid Wellness, located in Fort Collins, takes a 360 degree approach to your health. Terrence believes it’s not enough to treat symptoms and alleviate pain; instead, he seeks to find the causes of dis-ease and cut it out at the roots. Using the powerful tools of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine to initiate a change, he then incorporates custom made diet and exercise programs to achieve long lasting results. He is committed to educating his patients to use these tools themselves, and explain what may be foreign concepts in a language you can understand. Ultimately, it is his goal to serve you in becoming fluent in the language of your body and realize your most vital self.