In the heart of Cleveland, Tennessee, a community is igniting within the walls of Fire Fitness. This women-only fitness boutique, led by the inspiring Charis Todd, is more than just a place to work out—it's a sanctuary for women of all ages and backgrounds to reclaim their strength and preserve their identity. As part of Local Business Champions, a project of Webive Digital Marketing, we sat down with Charis to learn about her journey, the mission behind Fire Fitness, and the empowering place she’s built in town.
Founded in July 2023, Fire Fitness has quickly become a cornerstone for women in Cleveland looking for a safe, supportive environment to pursue their fitness goals. Charis, a mother of five, recognized the need for a dedicated women-only space after witnessing the challenges women face in a traditional gym setting. “There wasn’t a place here specifically geared toward women,” Charis explains. “Gyms can be intimidating, and I wanted to create a space where women feel safe, supported, and empowered.”
Fire Fitness offers group fitness classes focused on weight training, which Charis believes is especially beneficial for women as they age. “Weight training is crucial for maintaining bone density, especially for women,” Charis emphasizes. “Our classes are structured around body-specific days, targeting different muscle groups throughout the week, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive workout.”
The name Fire Fitness was born from a spontaneous moment shared with Charis’s son while driving past the location that would become the gym. “We were brainstorming names, and my son said, ‘Mom, call it Fire Fitness,’” Charis recalls. “It just stuck. It symbolizes the fire inside that I want women to reignite in themselves.”
Charis’s journey into fitness began with teaching Zumba classes, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that she pursued a personal training certification and discovered her passion for working with women. After relocating to Cleveland in January 2022, she saw an opportunity to create something unique. “I wanted to build a place where women could find strength not just in their bodies but in their lives,” she says. “Fitness became a path for me to connect with other women on a deeper level.”
Fire Fitness caters to women of all ages, from teenagers to seniors, making it a welcoming space for everyone. Charis shares that her clients range from 18 to 65 years old, with varying fitness levels and needs. “We have clients with knee replacements and those just starting their fitness journeys. Everyone is welcome, and the community aspect is what keeps people coming back.”
Beyond physical fitness, Charis emphasizes the emotional support that Fire Fitness provides. Having faced significant personal challenges, including the loss of her first husband and navigating life as a single mother, Charis brings a deep empathy to her work. “I’ve been through a lot—domestic abuse, losing my husband, and dealing with an alcoholic spouse,” she humbly shares. “I know what it’s like to feel stuck, but I also know that every woman is capable of creating the life she wants. I want to help other women see that they’re not alone and that they can find strength within themselves.”
Looking ahead, Charis has big plans for Fire Fitness. She hopes to expand into a larger space that can accommodate childcare, a service she believes would further support busy moms trying to balance family and fitness. “One of the biggest barriers for moms is finding childcare,” Charis explains. “I want to create a space where moms can bring their kids, work out, and not have to worry.”
After expanding into the arena of childcare with a larger facility, Charis believes that she can better accommodate the city of Cleveland, TN with the support of women in the area.
For Charis, Fire Fitness is more than a local business; it’s a personal mission to uplift and empower her clients. Her approach is deeply rooted in her own life experiences, and she often draws upon her journey to connect with her clients. “I understand the challenges women face because I’ve lived them,” she says. “Whether it’s balancing motherhood, overcoming personal hardships, or simply finding the motivation to work out, I can relate. I’ve been there.”
Charis’s clients feel this connection deeply, as one recent testimonial highlights: “After coming back to class today, I felt like I got a piece of myself back.” This sentiment captures the essence of Fire Fitness—it’s not just about physical transformation but about rediscovering one’s strength within.
While Fire Fitness is designed for women, Charis’s vision transcends special interests. She offers discounts for students, teachers, and military personnel, ensuring that the gym remains accessible to those who need it most. “I don’t have an ideal client,” she says. “I want every woman to feel welcome, whether she’s 18 or 65.”
As Fire Fitness continues to grow, Charis is excited to see the impact her business has on the Cleveland community. “Most of my new clients come through word-of-mouth,” she notes. “It’s a testament to the environment we’ve created here—a place where women feel comfortable, supported, and motivated.”
In a town that Charis describes as having “a big town feel with a small town heart,” Fire Fitness is more than just another gym—it’s a beacon of hope, resilience, and community. Charis’s story is a reminder that no matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to reignite the fire within.
For those interested in experiencing the welcoming atmosphere of Fire Fitness, Charis invites them to try a class. “Just come once,” she says with a smile. “You’ll fall in love with the community we’ve built here.”
For more information about Charis Todd and Fire Fitness, please contact her at:
Fire Fitness
3525 Keith St NW
Cleveland, TN
(417) 234-6540
All Rights Reserved | Local Business Champions
Local Business Champions is a project of Webive Digital Marketing located at:
166 N Ocoee St. Cleveland, TN 37323