Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Slade.
Hi Cara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In my early 30s, while competing in fitness shows against women a decade younger, I realized the industry was stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset around exercise and nutrition—and that sparked the vision for Slade Fit Club. Around the same time, I met my husband, Ryan, through a long-distance connection between Albuquerque and Chicago. I moved to Chicago in 2012 (on Christmas Day!) and quickly realized Midwest winters weren’t my thing. After some serious soul-searching and a hunt for sunshine, great food, and music, we found our way to Lakeway, Texas—and instantly fell in love with the community that would soon become our home.
I wanted to show people that fitness doesn’t mean sacrificing the joys of life—like wine, chocolate, or a slice of sourdough. So I started small, training a few clients out of my one-car garage. What began as a side hustle quickly revealed itself as a calling. Clients loved the intimate, personalized feel of small group training, and it became clear we had something unique. We never set out to create a typical gym—we set out to build a fitness club where adults could get stronger, connect with like-minded people, and find a sustainable approach to exercise they actually looked forward to.
Today, Slade Fit Club is a 1,750 sq ft boutique fitness club where we specialize in small group and personal training for adults over 40. We’ve built our brand on three pillars: accountability, adaptability, and community with some of the top trainers in the area. We’re not selling six-packs—we’re helping people move better, feel stronger, and live longer.
I like to say we’ve come full circle. What began as a personal mission to shift the narrative around fitness and nutrition has grown into a lifelong commitment to helping others transform their own journeys. Over the past decade, we’ve built more than just a business—we’ve built a family within our community. As the fitness industry continues to move toward small, high-end studios focused on longevity and quality of life, we’re proud to be among the pioneers who started that shift early on. Ten years in, we’re still evolving, still learning, and more passionate than ever about helping people live better, stronger lives—one rep, one stretch, and one meaningful workout at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—building Slade Fit Club has been anything but smooth, but every bump along the road has built our character and resilience. It all started with a leap of faith. We poured our life savings into building out our current location, with no guarantee it would take off. It was a massive risk, but we believed in our vision and our ability to serve a population that was being overlooked.
Customer service has always been a non-negotiable for me. In a world where genuine connection often takes a backseat, I’ve held fiercely to the standard of delivering personalized, detail-oriented care. That mindset—not cutting corners, always listening, always learning—has been a guiding force behind our growth. I’ve constantly invested in becoming a better coach and trainer because I believe if I’m asking people to show up for themselves, I need to lead by example.
Of course, there have been seasons of struggle—slow months, self-doubt, burnout, and the day-to-day grind of wearing every hat in a small business. But I’ve never let those moments define me. Instead, I’ve used them as fuel. My work ethic was shaped by my own personal struggles, and I’ve always been determined to turn those lessons into impact. That grit, paired with a deep passion for helping people live fuller lives, is what’s carried us through—and why we’re still standing strong after 10 years and counting.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At Slade Fit Club, we specialize in personal training and small group personal training—offering highly individualized attention in an environment that’s supportive, energizing, and never intimidating. Our studio is designed for adults who want a smarter, more sustainable approach to fitness, with a strong emphasis on functional movement, mobility, and long-term wellness.
We offer a diverse lineup of class styles, including functional strength and conditioning, cardio acceleration, and one of our most popular offerings—a stretch and mobility class that helps people move better and feel better. We also lead strength-based classes tailored specifically for older adults, with a growing emphasis on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
One thing I’m especially proud of is our ability to help people who thought they couldn’t train anymore—those who’ve been sidelined by pain, injury, or fear. I recently earned a certification in biomechanics, and paired with over a decade of experience, it’s given our team a powerful edge in customizing workouts for individuals with limitations. We’ve worked with clients recovering from disc degeneration, meniscus tears, knee and hip replacements, sciatica, piriformis syndrome, neck pain—you name it. We modify intelligently, not just to keep people moving, but to help them rebuild strength and confidence in their bodies.
What truly sets us apart is that we meet every client exactly where they are. Whether you’re a mom who hasn’t worked out in years and wants to reclaim her body, a professional athlete adjusting to new joints, or an 82-year-old who just wants to stand up from a chair without fear of falling—we’ve got you. Our mission is to help you move better, live stronger, and feel empowered—no matter your age, background, or starting point.
And what really makes Slade Fit Club one-of-a-kind—especially in our area—is the combination of expert-level training, personalized care, and a thriving community culture. You won’t find another studio around here that offers this variety of classes with our level of education, attention, and service. We’re not just helping you during workouts—we’re building meaningful connections beyond the gym. We host member events like happy hours, wine tours, pickleball games, and more, because we believe that movement is just one part of living fully. The rest comes from relationships, support, and joy. That’s what makes Slade Fit Club more than a gym—it’s a family.
How do you think about luck?
To be honest, I don’t believe much in luck—at least not in the traditional sense. What I’ve built has come from relentless hard work, sacrifice, and the drive to keep showing up, even when things felt uncertain or overwhelming. I’ve poured my heart into this business, invested in my education, and leaned on grit more than chance.
What I do believe in is purpose. I pray regularly for guidance, and I fully trust that God is leading me to serve the people who need what I have to offer. I’ve been blessed with the talent to connect with others—to truly see them, meet them where they are, and help them grow stronger, inside and out. That’s not luck.
Pricing:
- Membership Classes Range from $200 to $415/mo
- Personal Training $95-$110
- Injury Rehab Range From $150-$135
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sladefitclub.com
- Instagram: @sladefitclub
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/sladefitclub
Image Credits
Anthony Mortensen Photography
