No Gatekeeping: With Alexis Claire Fitness
If you’ve spent just a few minutes on her Instagram or TikTok, you already know Alexis is one of the safest, most empathetic, and inclusive corners of the internet. She’s the fitness coach who tells you to put on makeup, wear the cute outfit, and walk into the gym feeling like the strongest version of yourself; especially in a space that’s still very much male-dominated. She’s also the creator of the iconic “depression workouts,” meeting people exactly where they are on the days motivation is nonexistent, and reminding us that moving our bodies matters even when our minds disagree. She has truly cornered the market on compassionate, empowering fitness, with 128k followers on Instagram, 17k on YouTube, and over 500k on TikTok, it’s clear people are drawn to her inviting personality; one that empowers you both in the gym and in your everyday strength. And I am so excited to share her story.
“I’m Alexis, and my business is Alexis Claire Fit Training.” Alexis launched Alexis Claire Fit back in 2017 while living in Denver primarily focused on coaching women. She learns her clients goals, experience levels, and what they actually want to feel strong doing. Then she creates personalized training programs and macro goals (yep, the protein-and-calories) and adjusts them as her clients grow. Every week, they check in with her through WhatsApp—voice memos, videos, form checks, pep talks, all of it. And her biggest mission? “To get more women lifting and building muscle, because I think it’s a very empowering thing.”
Like so many powerful business stories, hers started with something deeply personal. When Alexis started college back in 2011, Alexis struggled with an eating disorder. “I was really restricting my food,” she shares. Then she started finding women online who were lifting and something clicked. “I could not build muscle or get stronger because I wasn’t eating enough.” Lifting didn’t just shift her physique. It rebuilt her relationship with food. It turned eating into a way to get stronger, not smaller. She fell in love with the process. Her friends, however? They were… less enthusiastic about hearing her yap about it. So she did what so many of us do when we discover a passion that nobody around us wants to hear about: She made an Instagram account. She screamed into the void. And people listened!
At the time, Alexis was in social work. She was coaching people on the side, building her social page slowly, and eventually, in 2018, that “side thing” had grown enough to let her quit her social work job altogether. “I kind of just stumbled into it,” she shrugs. A common experience for us small business dreamers. But truly, that’s the magic of it.
I asked Alexis what a typical day in the life looks like for her. “Wake up as we all do,” she jokes. Then:Morning: film content while the lighting is good, let client check-ins roll in
Midday: hit the gym (maybe film more content there)
Afternoon to Evening: client check-ins, voice memos, form feedback, new programming, and hype messages that feel like digital friendship bracelets
Despite being fully online, her client relationships are deeply personal. “We hear each other’s voices a lot,” she says. “It’s strange but really cool. I feel like I bond with all of them.”
When asked what detail of her workday makes her the happiest, she doesn’t hesitate: “Anytime a client has a big win or a mental breakthrough. That’s the most fulfilling thing.” Whether it’s fixing form, hitting a PR, or finally understanding that food is fuel those are the moments that energize her.
The hardest part? “Oh, definitely keeping up with the books. I’m incredibly disorganized.” Every March, she has a personal tradition: panic and do her taxes. “Every year I say I won’t do that again, and every year I do.” And then there’s the misunderstood part of being self-employed: “That’s real,” she says. “I have no coworkers besides my two cats and my dog.” When she needs real business advice, she turns to friends or family, but no one’s truly in it with her. And that’s something non-entrepreneurs don’t see. A common theme here on the No Gatekeeping series.
I asked how she pushes through the overwhelm, she keeps it simple: “I remind myself I am extremely fortunate to do something I love, help so many people, and do it for myself. Most people don’t get that much fulfillment out of their job.” And honestly? Overwhelm usually means the business is doing well so who is she to complain?
We then walked through the joys of her job. One of the most powerful parts of her work is helping women eat more, and understand the power of fueling themselves. She brings a lot of clients through what’s called a reverse diet: slowly increasing food intake to support training, metabolism, and muscle growth. “When women finally understand food isn’t the problem, that’s an incredible moment.” I asked if she had any “I can't believe I am doing this” moments. “All the time,” she laughs. Once a week, minimum. She’ll be working with a cat on her lap, sending client check-ins, and think: Wow. This is my job. This is my life!
I then asked if there was any advice to your past self or anyone that is thinking about starting a business? “Stop overthinking. Stop doubting,” she says. She used to obsess about every post, every caption, every piece of content. “Three seconds after someone sees it, they don’t think about it anymore.” So say the thing. Post the thing. Share the thing.(Same advice she gives herself today.) And what she wishes other entrepreneurs knew “If you’re passionate about something… scream into the void. It could end up working out for you.”
Alexis is most proud of: “Getting so many women to eat more food, lift heavy things, and feel powerful.” If you’ve ever talked to Alexis you know she means it. She radiates strength, encouragement, and that specific kind of energy that helps women take up space unapologetically.
And honestly? That’s exactly why we’re not gatekeeping her. Looking for a personal trainer who actually encourages you to eat, hypes you up daily, and helps you get stronger? Look no further. Follow Alexis Claire Fit below and feel empowered to take control of your fitness and nutrition. Plus pick up some outfit and makeup inspo along the way.