We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Bissett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Hi Ashley , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, comes from building AB Fitness from the ground up. When I founded this business in 2013, I knew I wanted to create more than just a gym—I wanted a space where movement could truly change lives. Over the years, I’ve faced challenges that tested my endurance, from navigating business growth to balancing work with family life and even managing the complexities of opening a new studio.
What keeps me going is my deep belief in the power of community and movement. Every time I see someone walk into one of our studios, push past their limits, and leave feeling stronger—physically and mentally—I’m reminded why I keep pushing forward. My resilience comes from knowing that even on the hardest days, I am building something that makes a difference. It comes from my team, my clients, and the knowledge that setbacks are just part of the journey toward something bigger.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Ashley Bissett, the founder and co-owner of AB Fitness, a boutique fitness brand built on the belief that movement has the power to transform lives. Since starting AB Fitness in 2013, my mission has been to create a space where everybody feels welcome—where fitness isn’t about perfection but about feeling strong, confident, and supported.
What makes AB Fitness special is our community. We’re not just a gym; we’re a place where people connect, push past their limits, and find joy in movement. We offer multiple modalities in a boutique environment so we can meet our clients wherever they are in their fitness journey as well as encourage diversity in their movement. Whether it’s a high intensity interval workout, mat based pilates class, rhythm based spin class or slow strength class, every class is designed to meet people where they are and help them grow.
Right now, I’m incredibly excited about the expansion of AB Fitness with our 3rd studio opening in Little Silver, NJ this spring. This new space is an evolution of our journey—featuring two dedicated studio spaces, including a heated studio for hot yoga and hot pilates.
Beyond the studio, I’m focused on deepening our impact—continuing to create an inclusive, empowering fitness experience while finding new ways to bring people together through movement. Whether you’re brand new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, AB Fitness is here to be the best part of your day.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey with AB Fitness are resilience, consistency, and community-building.
Resilience has been essential in navigating the ups and downs of running a business. From expanding locations to balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and life, there have been countless moments where things didn’t go as planned. But I’ve learned that setbacks are just part of the process—you pivot, you problem-solve, and you keep moving forward. My advice? Get comfortable with challenges. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to learn and grow.
Consistency is what turns vision into reality. Building AB Fitness didn’t happen overnight—it took years of showing up and staying committed to our mission of making movement accessible to everybody. Whether it’s delivering an amazing experience in every class, maintaining high standards, or fostering relationships, success is built on the small things you do daily. For those early in their journey, my advice is to focus on the long game. Show up, do the work, and trust that your efforts will compound over time.
Community-building has been the heart of AB Fitness. From day one, I wanted to create a space where people felt supported, not just in their workouts but in life. The connections we build—between instructors, clients, and the larger fitness family—are what make AB Fitness so special. If you’re just starting, focus on relationships. Listen to people, show up consistently, and create an environment where others feel valued.
Above all, stay true to your purpose. When you lead with passion and authenticity, success follows.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The people around me have played a huge role in my ability to overcome challenges and grow as a leader, and no one has been more instrumental in that than our instructors. They are the face of AB Fitness, showing up 364 days a year to make every client feel seen and supported, no matter what is happening in their own lives. Their consistency, energy, and unwavering commitment inspire me daily, reinforcing the core values that drive our business.
Beyond our incredible team, the most pivotal decision I made for my own growth—and the growth of AB Fitness—was bringing on a co-owner in 2022. As a founder, the idea of sharing something you’ve built from the ground up is daunting. But in hindsight, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Ali Kane, my business partner, dear friend, and former client, has been a game-changer. While she didn’t come from the fitness industry, she brought 20 years of marketing experience, a sharp business mind, and a strategic approach that complemented my strengths. She has helped me refine processes, scale from one studio to three, and build a stronger, more sustainable business. But more importantly, she has been a steady presence—reminding me that I don’t have to carry everything alone.
For anyone looking to grow, my advice is to surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and push you to be better. Find mentors, teammates, and partners who balance your strengths, give you honest feedback, and share your passion. Success is never a solo journey—the right people make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ashleybissettfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybissettfitness/?hl=en
Image Credits
Current Media Company
Jon Edwards
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