“I wanted a space that was not only clean, welcoming and nice to be in but that also offered challenging but fun classes. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered ‘why not me?’”

We had the opportunity to interview Emma Straight of Kondition Fitness for our third installment in our August Wellness Month series. Keep reading to learn more about her journey as a small business owner and her unique and balanced approach to wellness. If you haven’t already, check out our previous features with Rebecca Baack of Mecha Fitness and Debbie Steinbock of Mindful Nutrition!

How do you personally define wellness?

I think wellness really is about taking care of yourself from the inside, out…mentally, physically, and emotionally. Surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you as well. 

What piqued your interest in wellness? Were you interested in healthy living from a young age, or did you find it later on?

 I’ve always been interested in the wellness industry. When I was in high school I really wanted to own a spa. I love nice aesthetics and client services and taking care of people. My parents were always just health conscious.

What’s your favorite way to practice wellness daily?

I’m admittedly not the best…as a business owner and mom, it’s tough. I don’t create time for myself because I’m always focused on others. This year I’ve made a commitment to do better…even if that’s just getting in a 30-60 min workout 3 or 4 times a week…it’s better than nothing. And trying to not feel guilty when I don’t get this!

What do you think the greatest wellness tip you could share with a younger version of yourself is?

That working out didn’t have to be all or nothing. It could look different every day…and doing it for the feeling not for trying to get skinny. 

How did you get started at Kondition? How would you describe your experience?

I was a technical in-house recruiter previously. I did work the front desk at Rally Sport when I was 18 and I taught cycle classes on the side for a few years while I lived in San Francisco. So fitness and wellness were always on the back burner. I even started hosting a yoga class at my house in Denver for a couple of years. It just seemed to be a passion that sparked when I moved back to Boulder and selfishly couldn’t find a “gym” that I enjoyed going to. I wanted a space that was not only clean, welcoming and nice to be in but that also offered challenging but fun classes. The more I thought about it, the more I wondered “why not me?”. I also had lost my mom and was feeling very unfulfilled in life thinking there must be something better.

What’s one thing about your profession you want everyone to know?

That it’s not glamorous. So many people warned me that owning a fitness studio was not financially rewarding and it was emotionally tough, but I was naive and thought it wouldn’t be that hard. I was so wrong! Owning any small business is super difficult, especially with Covid. I’m still in so much awe of other small biz owners who are crushing it!

What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career in wellness?

When a client truly is changed in a positive way…when I hear someone say, “Wow, Kondition has changed my life. I’m a happier and healthier person because of the community and classes.”

Some answers have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Kondition Fitness offers Barre, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), Spin, Strength, and Yoga group classes spread across three different studios at their Walnut Street location. Kondition emphasizes practicing fitness through a variety of classes in a beautiful, clean setting with all the amenities you could imagine. To visit Kondition, check out their location at 3161 Walnut St after your next Jlounge visit!

At Jlounge, we know that wellness isn’t just skin deep. We’re proud to be featuring a few of our favorite wellness practitioners in the Boulder community this August to connect our clients with new ways to become their healthiest and happiest selves. To learn more about our mission and services offered, please visit our website at jloungespa.com. Need some extra care after your next Kondition class? Try our new Sports Pedi, a calming and restorative service aimed at relaxing sore feet and treating calluses that come with an active lifestyle.