Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittni Jones.
Hi Brittni, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Life after high school can be a difficult rollercoaster to navigate. Amongst many challenges and struggles, I feel like watching my friends pursue out-of-state college opportunities was one of the hardest. We entertained the idea that we would stay in touch every single day, but the chaos of schedules made that unrealistic. Although we remained close, it just wasn’t the same. My college experience isn’t one that I would’ve pictured for myself, but it’s where I found my grit and perseverance. My tuition was funded by many late night shifts, followed by paid projects on the side. When I wasn’t working to pay off my tuition, I was studying. For a while, I pretty much lived between work and in the John Peace Library (at UTSA). I felt stuck in a never ending cycle of going through the motions…and it was starting to get lonely. When I took a step back, I realized how introverted I had become. Quite honestly, I just didn’t feel like I had the energy that was required to maintain friendships like I used to. This cycle continued for a couple of months.
Sleep-deprived and on coffee cup #3…maybe even 4 (on an empty stomach because #collegebroke), I showed up to class. My professor started out the class talking about how even as college kids, we needed to prioritize our health and longevity. He went on to talk about how we should find a hobby. I looked at my friend and rolled my eyes because I couldn’t even think about adding one more thing to my plate. I wouldn’t be able to truly enjoy any activity knowing that I could be working to pay off school. The thought was nice, but it just seemed very unrealistic.
Later that week, that same friend would have the AUDACITY to ask me if I wanted to try out CrossFit….at five in the morning (because I couldn’t use the work excuse). When she asked, I started laughing. When she didn’t join in, I knew she was serious. Here I am thinking that our hobby was going to be something calm and relaxing…SIKE. I reluctantly said yes. I didn’t know at the time, it was by far one of the best choices I’ve ever made.
Prior to walking in, I convinced myself that this was just a one-time thing. I was just coming to say “I did it” and to satisfy my friend. To my surprise, everyone welcomed us. I remember overhearing a member tell her friend that after she left college sports, she was searching for a community and she had found it here at CrossFit Mettle. I remember thinking to myself that I wanted that too. I was still unsure at the time if Mettle was going to provide that to me. However, over the months, I would soon realize what she was talking about.
The CrossFit community, as a whole, is remarkable. One of my favorite things about this community is that when it comes to the workout, it doesn’t matter what you look like, where you came from, your status, or anything else that tends to separate people. It’s people from all different walks of life that are showing up to become better. The CrossFit Mettle community was no different. They embraced me with open arms and welcomed me into their gym family. This place felt like the home I didn’t know I was looking for. It elevated my life in every aspect.
After several years, a member had purchased the gym from the previous owner. He then approached me about ownership. I was over the moon excited, but also pretty nervous considering I was barely 22. I’m a firm believer in “everything happening for a reason”, and this was no exception. I decided to take the plunge and see where it went…and here we are! Four years later and THRIVING!
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?
I’d be lying if I told you this journey was easy. For a while, I was convinced that I was a magnet for unfortunate events. In high school, I was in a severe car accident that eventually led to depression. Simultaneously, my mom was in and out of the hospital, eventually losing her job to illness. With college around the corner, I felt stuck. I applied and was accepted to almost all of my out-of-state options, however with my mom’s health and a lack of finances, I chose not to go. I could sit here and write a novel of other examples on how I feel I got the short end of the stick. However, these obstacles shaped me and molded me. Every time I look back on the previous chapter of my life, I see where God was applying pressure and prepping me for the next thing to come. These challenges are the very things that instilled the grit and tenacity that was going to later be necessary to be successful. Always be willing to look at what a situation can teach you or how it can grow you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about CrossFit Mettle?
CrossFit Mettle, started in 2012, is the premier CrossFit gym in San Antonio. I’d like to say that we specialize in giving you the best hour of your day! Whatever your fitness goals are, our dedicated coaching staff is here to support and motivate you. In addition to CrossFit, we offer support with nutrition, personal training, Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, and much more.
I think that what sets Mettle apart is our community. In other gyms, you might just be another invoice that helps pay the rent. When you join Mettle, you become a family member. We understand that not all goals are the same. We have a diverse group ranging from (but certainly not limited to) stay at home moms, competitors, students, and the list goes on and on. Regardless of who you are or what your story is, we aim to provide each and every person that steps foot in the gym, a place to call home. I know that personally, CrossFit Mettle has been one of the few constants since I started going. It’s seen the highs and the lows.
When I took part in ownership, I wanted to create an impact not only within the gym, but in San Antonio. When I presented this idea to our members, it was welcomed with open arms. “Mettle Gives Back” chooses different local non-profit organizations throughout the year to volunteer at or donate to. To date, Mettle Gives Back has helped raise 10k for various organizations. I love that our community has a heart of radical generosity for our city.
What does success mean to you?
My favorite quote regarding success comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson. “To laugh often and much: To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.”
We could dive in and pick this quote apart all day. However, I think it comes down to being true to your most authentic self, loving without conditions, choosing to look beyond the surface before casting judgment, and adding something of value to the world before our time is up.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.crossfitmettle.com/
- Instagram: @crossfit_mettle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossFitMettle
Image Credits
Maria Rogers Photography
Joshua Guerra
