Abbey Griffith

Abbey Griffith is an inspiring personal trainer and coach based out of Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from the University of Miami with a degree in Industrial Engineering last fall, she’s combined her education and life experience to launch her coaching business and Clarity Fitness - a gym launching later this year centered around positivity, self-love, body positivity, and inclusion.

After suffering from an eating disorder, Abbey obtained her personal training certification to teach the world how to enjoy fitness and honor their bodies, instead of using fitness to change their bodies. This, partnered with her knowledge of Industrial Engineering, has allowed her to make a strong impact through her online platform and across Atlanta, Georgia.

Through sharing her journey, Abbey is inspiring other women to follow their dreams, all while empowering themselves along the way. I am so excited for you all to meet Abbey and follow along on her journey of inspiration, passion, and joy.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

Hi! My name is Abbey Griffith. I am an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Group Exercise Instructor, Online Personal Trainer and Coach, and future gym owner! I have been developing my online fitness and nutrition coaching platform for the past year, and it has been incredible. I’ve loved having both online and in person clients, as it really serves two totally different but equally incredible avenues of people. I am also in the process of opening a facility called Clarity Fitness in the upcoming year in Decatur, Georgia! By the end of 2019, Georgia will be the home of a gym centered around positivity, self-love, body positivity, and inclusion.

How did you get started?

My fitness journey started when I was a chubby little kid lol! I was sent to the gym to lose weight, and what started with a balanced relationship with wanting to get healthier turned into a complete obsession. I was hooked on the compliments of “wow! You’ve lost weight!” and went to great lengths to continue to get them. I developed an eating disorder as I restricted calories, tracked everything going into my body, excessively exercised, and even went into a bikini competition prep. When my friends recognized what was happening, how much pressure and anxiety surrounded my weight and fitness, and the unhealthy “healthy” lifestyle I was living, I went into therapy, and reshaped my nutrition, fitness, and self-respect. I got a personal training certification, immersed myself in wanting to know all about how to use fitness in a positive way, and it became my passion to help others find that same peace in their lives.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

My eating disorder was a blessing in disguise. While I am so happy I’m recovered from it, I am grateful for the lessons I learned, and the reflections it forced me to make. I really analyzed the impact the world has on one’s appreciation for his/her body. I experienced all types of fitness – the good, the bad, and the ugly. I saw myself get to a very dark, anxious, and painful place, and would never wish that on anyone. I truly want to help my online and in person clients conquer their fitness goals in a positive and supportive environment, instead of one filled with negativity and judgement. The world needs coaches who understand this, and gyms that honor that mission.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I am 110% living my passion and purpose! Fitness has always been a huge part of my life, and although we had a bumpy relationship, I have always truly enjoyed movement.

I received my Industrial Engineering degree from University of Miami. I had gone in that direction because I felt like that’s what I “should” do. Engineer, lawyer, doctor. Blood is nasty, both of my parents are lawyers and the whole hours and hours of reading thing wasn’t for me, so… engineer it was!

In my major reflections and personal growth from recovering from my eating disorder, I realized that I wasn’t following my heart. I was too young to be caught up in chasing dollar signs! I wanted to do what I truly wanted to do, and that was surrounded by fitness and good vibes. Starting my online business was the kickoff for this, and the rest is history – or the future!

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

What an awesome question. I feel the most alive when I help others have a breakthrough in realizing how amazing they are right. Now. The world gets caught up in feeling like there’s always so much more to be, do, learn, and achieve. While I totally believe that that’s true, I think that sometimes it forces us to short ourselves of how awesome we are today, as we’re too caught up in chasing that carrot at the end of the stick. It is my goal to allow everyone to see the beauty, power, brilliance, and magic in themselves.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

Absolutely! Living intentionally is a daily practice, and it’s been amazing to play around to see what practices work for me! I’ve tried and am slowly getting more into meditation, am constantly journaling in my Self Journal notebook (has prompts which help a ton), read a ton of self help books (You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero is a personal fave!), and constantly work to develop myself in group courses online and in person!

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

I think my younger self would think I’m pretty fearless, powerful, motivational, and worth being proud of. My younger self would most certainly be an ideal client! I really wish I could have shared some of my knowledge now with my younger self!

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation?

You Are Enough!

What is your biggest dream?

Opening Clarity Fitness locations around the world!

To learn more about Abbey and Clarity Fitness you can connect with her on Instagram @Abbeygrif.fit YouTube @Abbeygrif.fit on her website www.clarityfitness.com and e-mail abbey@clarityfitness.com

Joy Corner is a new interview-style blog series brought to you by Seek The Joy Podcast. Our mission continues to be a desire to share your stories, truths, joys and inspiration in your words. We invite you to join our corner, and share your joys, passions, and moments of inspiration as we continue to seek the joy, together. Join this series here

Abbey Griffith - Clarity Fitness