From Fairways to Fitness: Ulrika Belline’s 14 Year Pursuit to Own Her CrossFit Empire

The Women in the Arena

In this empowering episode of the Women in the Arena podcast, host Paige Rene dives deep into the inspiring story of Ulrika Belline, the passionate owner of CrossFit Commence. Ulrika shares her transformative journey from being a CrossFit enthusiast to realizing her long-held dream of gym ownership.

Throughout the conversation, themes of life balance, overcoming challenges, and fostering community spirit within the fitness realm emerge vividly. Listeners will be treated to an intimate exploration of what it takes to pursue personal and professional dreams while balancing family life and personal passions.

Ulrika's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, vision, and community support in achieving one's goals.

Takeaways:

1. It’s crucial to ask for help and lean on your community; no one achieves their dreams alone.

2. Balancing personal life, family commitments, and business is challenging but necessary for long-term success and happiness.

3. Persistence and flexibility are key in realizing your dreams; be prepared to adapt and keep pushing forward even when obstacles arise.

In this episode:

[1:01] Paige Rene kicks off the episode with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an inspiring conversation about turning dreams into reality. She introduces the episode's theme, focusing on the journey of Ulrika Belline from a CrossFit enthusiast to becoming the owner of CrossFit Commence, highlighting the essence of perseverance and community in achieving one's goals.

[3:36] The conversation shifts to Ulrika Belline's unexpected entry into gym ownership. Ulrika shares the serendipitous moment that led her to inquire about purchasing CrossFit Commence, marking the beginning of her journey. This moment underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and the unpredictable nature of fulfilling one's dreams.

[8:39] Ulrika delves into the challenges of balancing personal life, family responsibilities, and her new role as a gym owner. She discusses the strategies she employed to manage these different aspects of her life, providing listeners with insights into maintaining harmony between personal aspirations and family commitments.

[15:51] The discussion transitions to the pivotal role of community in Ulrika's success. Ulrika emphasizes how the support and camaraderie within the CrossFit community have been instrumental in the growth of CrossFit Commence. She shares stories that illustrate the power of a supportive community in overcoming obstacles and achieving business milestones.

[20:26] Paige and Ulrika explore the significance of setting and refining goals, as well as the role of persistence in navigating the journey towards gym ownership. Ulrika reflects on the evolution of her goals, from her initial steps in the CrossFit world to realizing her dream of owning a gym, highlighting the iterative process of goal setting and achievement.

[25:57] Addressing the financial realities of entrepreneurship, Ulrika candidly discusses the learning curve associated with managing the business side of CrossFit Commence. She shares a particularly enlightening moment when she first encountered the unexpected costs of credit card processing fees, showcasing the often-overlooked aspects of running a business.

[31:42] The conversation takes a reflective turn as Ulrika recounts how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted CrossFit Commence. She shares the adaptations and innovations that were necessary to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, emphasizing resilience and the importance of community support during uncertain times.

[37:15] Looking to the future, Ulrika outlines her plans for expanding CrossFit Commence, including introducing new programs and equipment. She expresses her excitement for hosting community events and competitions, underscoring her commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive fitness community.

[42:30] In a moment of vulnerability and inspiration, Ulrika offers advice to aspiring gym owners and individuals pursuing their passions. She stresses the importance of staying true to one's vision, being open to learning, and the transformative power of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.

[47:49] Paige reflects on the key takeaways from the conversation, reinforcing the themes of community, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams.

Resources

1. The Women In The Arena

2. Listen on Apple

3. Listen on Spotify

4. Watch on YouTube

5. Connect with Ulrika on LinkedIn

6. CrossFit Commence

Quotes

1. “It's about forging consistent, long-term fitness, not just elite fitness.” - Ulrika Belline

2. “Balance is finding the time to spend on yourself when you have a family, which is really hard.” - Ulrika Belline

3. “Community isn’t just a place, it’s the heart of every successful venture.” - Ulrika Belline

4. “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” - Paige Rene