None of us are strangers to lack of motivation. Sometimes, it’s hard to get out the bed and bring ourselves to the gym, let alone put on workout clothes {athleisure aside}. Courtney Roselle, however, makes it look easy. As the mastermind behind Iron Grace Fitness, Courtney is coach, competitor, motivational speaker, and so much more helping Hudson County residents get fit one step at a time. Keep reading to learn all about this Hoboken Girl of the Week got her start, what her typical day looks like, what inspires her, and more.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a strength and conditioning coach, Crossfit competitor, motivational speaker, fitness model, and clothing designer. My mission is about discovering the best version of yourself through fitness. So, in June 2018, I started my business – Iron Grace – which offers group and personal training sessions and positive mental reinforcement.
See More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Sabrina Browne
“Making myself physically strong translated the process of healing my anxiety from trying to fit into certain social circles or standards that were not meant for me.”
Who is your biggest source of inspiration?
My main source of inspiration is my family members. I want my little cousins, nieces, and nephews to grow up having strong mindsets and to not be bullied or pressured by their peers. I want them to always be their own superheroes!
I left my corporate job in June 2018 to pursue my passion in the fitness arena. Making myself physically strong translated the process of healing my anxiety from trying to fit into certain social circles or standards that were not meant for me. The strength and conditioning arena has changed me from the inside out.
What are your goals for this year?
My goals for this year are to connect with the younger generation and to create a youth weightlifting seminar or camp, especially for young teenage girls who are suffering from body shaming. I would also like to continue to train and compete at a higher level in the Crossfit arena.
What’s a typical day look like for you?
My day-to-day varies, one of the reasons why I am passionate about my career path. My day can begin waking up at 4:45AM to coach morning group classes in any of our gym locations – Brazen Athletics and Black House Strength and Conditioning. I also coach evening classes that can be as late as 8:00PM. After coaching morning classes my day can involve catching up on personal adult duties {laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc} to training private clients, motivational speaking forums, and modeling opportunities. In addition, I am in charge of the Black House social media account and new member accounts for the Brazen community.
Did I also mention I have a huge family? I am one of six siblings and have more cousins than I can count, so babysitting or picking up or dropping off children is also another duty I love taking on. Lastly, I always believe in continuing education and am currently taking courses to pursue another certification to build my fitness knowledge.
What has been the highlight in your career so far?
This past year has truly been a whirlwind. Vogue magazine published a full-page photo of me in their January 2018 issue and I was featured in Self’s Body Positivity video series. I’ve also been featured in Shape’s Instagram for a Trainer Trick, MyFitnessPal, Women’s Health Red Table Talk, Full Body Fix Podcast, PureWow, HealthyWay, and Laur Magazine, and got the opportunity to star in the Misunderstood Whiskey Commercial.
I also trained to qualify for various competitions which included The Cascade Classic and Granite Games. The biggest of all was qualifying and competing for The 2019 Wodapalooza Crossfit festival where I competed against the best athletes in the world. Some of my proudest and most enjoyable moments are the connections I make at my speaking forums. This platform is where I motivate and connect with people; giving them a stepping stone to conquer their goals. Leaving my corporate job to pursue my passion in the fitness arena has been the best decision I have ever made.
Tell us about another business in the area you admire.
I admire any type of business that offers self-help for people. People are becoming more vulnerable and speaking out about their personal mental illness or struggles. Giving them a healthy outlet to express themselves or cope with their struggles is truly a humbling experience.
Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Jersey City?
Does Torrico ice cream count?
What is your favorite boutique in Jersey City?
Mint in JC or Hoboken!
What do you love most about Jersey City?
I live in the Jersey City Heights and work in Hoboken and Jersey City as a strength and conditioning coach at Brazen Athletics and Black House Strength and Conditioning.
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
My favorite thing to do is to grab a bunch of my friends and try new restaurants all over Hudson County. I think Hudson County has some of the best “hidden gem” restaurants in the tri-state area.
How long have you lived in Jersey City?
I have lived in Jersey City Heights for three years and have worked in the area for five years.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hudson County?
I love grabbing a blanket, food and a group of friends and sitting down by any of the piers to relax or socialize. I never get sick of the New York City view.
Read More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Marissa Vicario
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
My own gym of course! Brazen Athletics located across from Trader Joe’s in Hoboken or Black House Strength and Conditioning located at 334 Second Street {next to the organic butcher}.
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
I recently celebrated my 30th birthday at Hudson Hall and fell in love with it. The huge space, music by DJ Ralph Monte, and the vibe made it an awesome experience.
What is something you think needs to come to the area?
Designated fitness areas! A marked off outdoor area with rings, ropes, pull up rigs, and even barbell – like Muscle Beach in California!
What is one last thing we should know about you?
Just a little background about myself and why I believe strength training is something everyone should do. I was not always the most confident and secure woman. This sport of Crossfit/Strength and Conditioning made me find my passion and my own sense of self. I suffered from anxiety and finding my own identity. I had a lot of friends growing up, was involved in every sport possible, and went to every party possible, but it still never filled my void of emptiness. Walking into a Crossfit gym empowered me. I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who worked hard to get through every workout.
“The name of my company ‘Iron Grace’ was created by finding your perfect balance of strength and your own masculinity/femininity. Making me believe in finding the best version of yourself through fitness.”
There was every body type possible in the gym, and they all had no care in the world about ripping shirts off when becoming sweaty in a workout. The community came together to make each other better, and that’s all that mattered. You could tell by how they walked their confidence lit up the room along with their smiles. My athletic strong feminine tomboy body type fit right in.
I was being surrounded by “mental monsters” and wanted to have every bit of that energy. Five years later, June 2018 I left the corporate world to pursue my passion in sending the same message of body positivity to all men and women. The name of my company “Iron Grace” was created by finding your perfect balance of strength and your own masculinity/femininity. Making me believe in finding the best version of yourself through fitness. The physical transformation is superficial compared to being able to walk into a room, shoulders back and proud with defined traps and biceps. It helps me send a message in a crowded room without even saying a word. I owe the fitness arena not only my career but to saving my true sense of self.
Keep up with Courtney on Instagram by following her @Courtney_Roselle , LinkedIn, Facebook, and be sure to check out her website, www.irongracefitness.com.
Want to be featured or nominate someone as an upcoming Hoboken Girl of the Week?
Email hello@hobokengirl.com about your/her story.
