A community-first group in matching black Grit Group Fitness shirts pose in front of a purple wall in Memphis, flexing their arms and smiling at the camera.
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Grit Group Fitness is Bringing Community-First Vibes to Memphis đź’Ş

If you’ve been looking for a new way to move your body and connect with your community, Memphis just got the hookup: Grit Group Fitness on Poplar Ave is officially celebrating its Community Open House Weekend, and you’re invited.

This isn’t your typical gym launch. Grit is woman-owned, Memphis-grown, and built on connection over competition. Founder (and former sociology professor!) Melissa Bamford created the space to be more than a studio — it’s a neighborhood hub where fitness is about strength, resilience, and belonging.

And this weekend, they’re pulling out all the stops so you can see it for yourself.

A Grit Group Fitness class has people lying on exercise steps, lifting barbells in a brightly lit fitness studio with purple walls.

Friday, August 22 – Ribbon Cutting 🎀

đź“Ť 12:00 PM – Kick things off with a full ribbon cutting ceremony in partnership with the Greater Memphis Chamber. Expect scissors, community leaders, photos, and plenty of Memphis pride. Here’s what else you’ll get: 

  • Your chance to be in the ribbon cutting photo marking the big moment
  • A 20-minute preview yoga class (perfect for a lunch break stretch)
  • Early access to Open House membership deals
  • Giveaway to win a free month of classes
A group of women in athletic wear lift barbells in a brightly lit Grit Group Fitness studio with purple walls and mirrors.

Saturday, August 23 – Open House 🏋️‍♀️

If Friday is the kickoff, Saturday is the full-on celebration.

đź“Ť 9:00 AM–1:00 PM – Come ready to sweat, snack, and connect. Here’s the full lineup:

Free Sample Classes (20–30 minutes each):

  • 9:00 AM – BodyPump (strength + barbell basics)
  • 9:40 AM – Les Mills Core (all about functional core strength)
  • 10:00 AM – BodyAttack (high-energy cardio that feels like a dance party + sports mashup)
  • 10:30 AM – Les Mills Shapes (barre + Pilates + power moves)
  • 11:00 AM – BodyBalance (yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates fusion for flexibility + calm)
  • 11:30 AM – Yoga (gentle, grounding flow to wrap it up)

On-Site Perks:

  • Exclusive membership discounts you can only grab at the Open House 
    • Discounted unlimited class membership for only $110/month
    • Bonus 2-week intro pass you can gift to a friend
  • Swag bags for attendees (yes, free goodies)
  • Giveaway for a free month of classes
  • Snacks + treats — including baked goods from Lulu’s Bakery
  • Community vendors:
    • Inside Out Health 365 – women’s nutrition and macro coaching
    • Memoirs by Famili – family storytelling and keepsake books
A group of people in athletic wear are participating in a Grit Group Fitness yoga class, performing a lunge pose on mats in a studio with purple walls and framed art.

Why You’ll Love Grit 💙

There are plenty of fitness options in Memphis, but here’s what makes Grit stand out:

  • Science-backed classes. Workouts from from Les Mills, an internationally recognized program rooted in exercise science designed to be effective, safe, and fun
  • No body-shaming, ever. It’s about resilience and belonging, not diets or bikini season. Grit focuses on strength and functionality in everyday life 
  • Woman-owned + Memphis-grown. Not a chain, not a franchise — just a locally powered passion project from a fitness instructor with extensive certifications and Memphis pride
  • Community ecosystem vibes. Think fitness + wellness + community partnerships, all under one roof
Eleven people wearing workout clothes sit on the floor in front of a purple wall, smiling at the camera. Most wear black shirts with "GRIT" printed on them, showcasing their Grit Group Fitness spirit.

How to Get Involved 🙌

The best part? Joining Grit doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or expensive. They’ve built their memberships to be flexible, approachable, and Memphis-friendly:

  • Class packs for dropping in
  • Unlimited monthly memberships for weekly routines
  • Flexible options for students, teachers, and business owners 

Plus, compared to some of the big-box franchises in town, Grit’s pricing is refreshingly reasonable with all the benefits of personal connection, local ownership, and no cookie-cutter workouts.

Whether you’re looking for accountability, flexibility, or just a fun place to move, there’s a membership option that fits.

A group of twelve people wearing matching "GRIT" workout shirts pose and smile in a vibrant Grit Group Fitness studio with purple walls and a colorful painting.

Come Join the Movement ✨

đź“Ť Where: Grit Group Fitness, 3129 Poplar Avenue (across from East High School)
🗓️ When: Friday, Aug. 22 (Ribbon Cutting, 12PM) + Saturday, Aug. 23 (Open House, 9AM–1PM)
đź’» Info: gritgroupfit.com
📱 Follow: @gritgroupfit

Whether you’re curious about trying a class, meeting Memphis entrepreneurs, or just grabbing a swag bag and cookie, this weekend is the perfect chance to check out Grit Group Fitness. Come celebrate, sweat a little, and support a new local spot that’s all about community.

This blog was written by Melissa Bamford, Grit Group Fitness

Melissa Bamford is a sociology professor turned entrepreneur and the founder of Grit Group Fitness in Memphis. Certified in multiple Les Mills formats since 2011, she became one of Memphis’ most sought-after instructors, known for her high-energy classes and her gift for building community. In 2025, she launched Grit Group Fitness—a woman-owned, locally grown studio that blends her academic expertise, love for Memphis, and passion for people into a wellness space designed to connect, uplift, and strengthen the community.

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