“We always want to make people feel welcome right through the door.” - Kyra Gaines, owner and trainer of Wellness Gaines Fitness (Photo courtesy of Gaines)

By Mead Gill - #SupportBlackBusiness

Positivity and passion define Wellness Gaines Fitness, a Renton gym dedicated to bridging the gap between physical and mental health. Founded by owner and trainer Kyra Gaines in June 2022, the gym was built to be a safe, welcoming space where individuals from all backgrounds can feel seen, empowered, and inspired. As Wellness Gaines continues to grow, Gaines is actively seeking like-minded coaches to join her mission and bring their passion for fitness and wellness to the Renton community.

Prioritizing Inclusivity and Comfort

Wellness Gaines Fitness was built on the foundation of inclusivity, aiming to create a space where all people could feel comfortable while working out. “We always want to make people feel welcome right through the door,” Gaines said with enthusiasm.

Gaines’ perspective is driven by years of experience in typical gyms settings in the Seattle area where she observed blatant isolation toward underrepresented groups, notably the Black, brown, and LGBTQ community. “A lot of times people when they come into gyms or studios, it's scary. It's intimidating. You don't know what you're walking into,” she said.

Taking matters into her own hands, Gaines opened her own gym with the objective to mold her services and expertise to the comfort and skill of her clients. Her mission is to create representation where she previously did not find it. “You don't have to keep up with anybody here,” she said. “We're…going to meet you where you're at.”

“We all grieve together and know that it just feels better when you don't have to go through something alone.” - Kyra Gaines (Photo courtesy of Gaines)

A Diverse Set of Fitness Options

Wellness Gaines primarily offers group fitness classes focused on cardio, strength, and mobility, with additional one-on-one coaching, wellness workshops, and mindfulness-based offerings like sound bowl meditation. Dance classes, which have previously been held as one-off sessions, will transition into a full recurring series beginning in May.

The gym also supports youth fitness through seasonal speed and agility classes, including partnerships with local little league football teams. This summer, Wellness Gaines will launch its first kids’ summer camp, combining movement, mindfulness, and STEM-inspired activities designed to promote well-rounded development in a fun and supportive environment.

In the past year, Gaines introduced Recovery Gaines, a class focused on holistic recovery using contrast therapy, including a cold plunge and hot stone sauna, to support both physical and mental well-being.

Holding Space for Vulnerability

Years of experience as a trainer has shown Gaines the vulnerability that comes with working out. Often, people come to Wellness Gaines with emotional baggage, looking to push through difficult times with a workout, she explained. “I hear people cry all the time,” she said. “We all grieve together and know that it just feels better when you don't have to go through something alone.”

Gaines considers her job a responsibility, understanding that her positivity and infectious energy have the power to deeply benefit people’s mental health and well-being. Not everyone walks into the gym feeling their best, but at Wellness Gaines, we always hope they leave feeling better, she said.

Most recently, the gym hosted its first line dancing class, which turned out to be a major community uplift. The initial turnout included a mix of members, many of whom expressed that they needed an hour of therapeutic solidarity. “People were crying happy tears,” she said. “Just… being able to finish my week off with moving and joy was amazing.”

Fulfilling a Lifelong Passion for Fitness

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Gaines always knew she would own a business one day. After years of working in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector — while training friends and community members on the side — she realized it was time to commit her life to fitness.

“I definitely had a lot of doubts and fears leaving my full-time job because now with all the uncertainty, I needed the stability,” she said. But with the guidance of her parents and a trusted mentor, she overcame the uneasiness with the same determination and grit she brought to her workouts.

“If you want your business to be sustainable, you have to be able to be open and accepting.” - Kyra Gaines (Photo courtesy of Gaines)

Overcoming the Challenges of Small Business

Currently, Gaines’ biggest challenges are onboarding enough team members to share the growing responsibilities of running the gym and increasing overall visibility within the broader community. Wellness Gaines is primarily supported through monthly memberships, which require a high level of ongoing engagement — from social media and marketing to networking events and client relationships. “For one person, it's hard to do,” she said. “I feel like it's just a constant revolving door.”

In addition to staffing and outreach, Gaines has faced challenges related to building maintenance, with unexpected repair costs stretching financial flexibility. Still, she remains committed to growing awareness of Wellness Gaines and continuing to provide a welcoming space for fitness, recovery, and community connection.

Leading With Joy

As she nears the gym’s three-year anniversary, Gaines is excited to branch out into a wider array of services. “My biggest goal is to max this baby out,” she said, explaining that her search for specialized trainers will only diversify what the gym has to offer and take some weight off her shoulders.

After hosting several successful dance classes, Wellness Gaines is launching its first official dance series, with classes held every Saturday in May starting May 10. The series will be led by renowned national dancer Dani Tirrell, whose work highlights and uplifts Black identity and experience across the country.

The dance classes are just one example of Gaines using her platform to bring people together through trying times. Above all, she remains committed to preserving Wellness Gaines as a safe space, fueled by the belief that the energy she pours into her community will always come back. “If you want your business to be sustainable, you have to be able to be open and accepting,” she said.

Wellness Gaines Fitness

17110 116th Ave SE Unit A

Renton, WA 98058

Phone: (206) 922-8539

Email: kyragaines@wellnessgainesrenton.com

Instagram: @wellnessgainesrenton

Facebook: Wellness Gaines

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