Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Moore.
Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and made the obvious choice to attend the University of Oklahoma, which is also located in Norman. I grew up athletic but not particularly skilled at any one sport, until college. I got flagged to be on the rowing team because I am taller than most at 5’11. I joined OU’s club rowing in 2005 and found a lot of passion for the sport. In 2008, the University of Oklahoma established their first Division 1 rowing program – and I jumped at the opportunity to see it built from the ground up. I found a leadership role on the team and eventually became their Graduate Assistant Coach to finish out my Master’s degree in 2011.
While I loved Oklahoma, I knew I needed out. After many rowing trips against UT down to Lady Bird Lake, I had fallen in love with the scenery of Austin — so I took the leap and moved here in 2011 with only a part-time job at the Austin Rowing Club.
It took a bit for me to get a foothold in the Austin job scene. I was rejected from countless jobs, as my experience was really tailored to rowing, public relations and adult education — an odd combination.
I finally landed a contract-then-permanent job at Apple in 2012 but kept the part-time work in the rowing scene in Austin. This created the opportunity that I didn’t see coming but has easily changed my life in the most positive way; starting Rō Fitness.
With the encouragement of friends and family, I established an indoor rowing boutique fitness concept, Rō Fitness, in 2014. I found an untapped part of the fitness market in Austin and quickly realized the need for the second location in 2016. I have now been in business for over 8 years and continue to find success and create lifelong connections with clients who love the concept of a full-body workout that is competitive but does not focus on being ‘better’ than anyone in the room, necessarily.
The thing that makes me the proudest that has resulted since starting the business is that Rō Fitness uniquely allows all sizes, ages and fitness levels to feel welcomed in this fitness environment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road.
I built this business on a shoestring budget, so for a long time I wasn’t able to pay myself appropriately and that was tough to get through, as I saw many friends excel at a faster pace in that way. I took out loans and encountered many moments of “is this working?” or “can I handle this?” but the answer was always yes.
Each time the business struggled, clients would show up. They wanted this to work and I guess that’s a testament to what I built.
I do credit the actual sport of rowing that taught me how to handle chaos and calmly handle the situation. Rowing is all about pain tolerance, composure and accountability and I certainly tapped into all of these things during hard times of running the business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a boutique indoor rowing studio called Rō Fitness. We have high-energy, interval-based classes that pit each client against their own stats so that all ages, sizes and fitness levels are welcome. The rowing stroke, when done properly, works over 85% of your muscles, so it’s an incredible workout by itself. We have created a tried and true 4-week program that mixes up the intervals so that the body is constantly challenged in slightly different ways, and your mind is never bored because we have constant challenges in each round of intervals.
We’re probably most known for having the most beautiful location for rowing classes – our original location shares space with the Austin Rowing Club located at the Waller Creek Boathouse. We have a signature ‘balcony class” that is outdoor, overlooking Lady Bird Lake. If you’ve run the Hike and Bike trail in Downtown Austin, you’ve probably seen our Downtown location.
Personally, I really enjoy showcasing rowing concepts to those who have never rowed before because it gives access to the sport to those who might never have known about it. And when rowers from the water attend class, I also love to see them realize what an incredible workout we’ve created. Rowing is such an incredible tool and it’s hard to see that so many people don’t really know how to use the machine in the best way. I’ve had such a great time learning the sport and I find a lot of joy sharing it with others.
What makes you happy?
I find a lot of happiness in creating something that adds light to someone else’s life. I started Rō and accepted the idea that I might fail but I said to myself “If there’s just one person that this helps, then it would have been worth it” and that has certainly happened many times over.
There’s a lot going on with everyone who walks into the doors of a class, and hearing that this little business I created makes a difference for them in a big or small way, means a ton to me.
Outside of business, being outside makes me happy. I am happy I picked a really good town for the outdoor culture.
Pricing:
- Starter Pack 3-Class Pass $25
- Single Pass $21
- 10-Class Pass $175
- Unlimited Membership $155/mo
Contact Info:
- Email: info@rofitness.com
- Website: www.rofitness.com
- Instagram: @rofitnessaustin
- Facebook: @rofitnessaustin
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ro-fitness-downtown-austin-3
- Other: https://www.yelp.com/biz/r%C5%8D-fitness-tarrytown-austin-4
Image Credits
Weston Carls
