‘The Surprising Thing That Convinced Me To Start My Own Business’

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It was during this all girl’s weekend away that my gratefulness for this support group inspired me to share something that had been on my mind for years. I told the girls that I wanted to start an all-female workout crew. I wanted to show women what we already knew—that working out and feeling good about your body quite literally transforms all aspects of someone’s life. I wanted to replicate this incredible group of girlfriends onto an even larger scale so that women knew they had a safe, non-judgmental place to go work out, share their stories, and ultimately empower one another.

As soon as I told them, they all lit up and very exuberantly encouraged—rather, demanded—that I start it. I took that excitement and momentum and started working on the details of what would eventually be called Squad WOD, and had my first event three months later.

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At the end of my first workout, it was apparent that this was going to be very special. We were all quite literally girls being girls, but doing things like lifting barbells from the ground to over our heads, jumping on 30-inch boxes, climbing ropes, and doing unassisted pullups. The women who, often quietly, lined up in the back of a mixed gender class, were instead cheering loudly, grunting through challenging moves and encouraging each other on a level that I hadn’t seen.

I left the event with the broadest smile on my face and literally said to myself, ‘Thank YOU.’ The YOU in this grateful moment was directed to those five friends who so ecstatically encouraged me to just literally start. I believe if it hadn’t been for the supportive women I have surrounded myself with all my life, that Squad WOD would be still ruminating in my head as just an idea.

That’s why I encourage you to look around at your social squad and ask yourself, “Are my girlfriends bringing out the best in me?” If they are not, then that is your sign to search for those who will support and encourage you. I am a big believer that if you choose your Squad (versus your Squad choosing you), that success will most definitely follow and follow in a big way. I know that’s how it worked for me.

Now more than ever, it’s important that we all have an alliance of trusted women in each of our lives to be sounding boards, confidants, and champions. I believe that the empowerment one woman can bestow on another is a force like none other. It’s important for all of us to realize that by lifting each other up and celebrating one another’s dreams. Women are powerful. We just need to truly believe it.  

Heidi Jones is the founder of Squad WOD, and is a finalist in Women’s Health’s ‘Game Changers’ competition. To vote for Heidi, visit womenshealthmag.com/gamechangers.