This time last year, GFBJ sat down with Grace Bex to discuss her vision of opening a women’s only fitness center in Fayetteville. After overcoming trials to secure the perfect space, Bex officially opened her gym at 234 Westwood Shopping Center in May of 2025. 

“I fought for 115 days to get this space. There were some people who didn't want to see it happen. I definitely fought adversity being a young female entrepreneur. I had owned a gym in Germany, but had no record of owning one in America. So there was some hesitation there,” Bex recalled.

Community has been a part of Gracefully Fit’s success before their doors were even open. Bex shared that once they got the keys to the space most of the build out was done by herself, her team and clients and community volunteers. 

"We had one single contractor set foot in here, and that was solely to install a plug for the sauna, and then everything else in this facility was truly built by the community, clients, friends, family, they just came together after a number of the videos on Facebook started to go viral," Bex explained. "I had women that I've never met helping us move lockers in the back. I had clients who helped me paint at like 10 p.m. at night.”

Now after seven months in business, the gym’s team and client base continues to grow. 

With a few new hires coming aboard, the Gracefully Fit team is composed of eight women who serve as trainers and instructors as well as three receptionists. The gym offers 30 minute and one hour personal training sessions and group classes with memberships and class passes available. The gym fosters engagement among clients by organizing member challenges, a running club, a mom’s club and private Facebook support groups. Members also have access to a lounge with a sauna and cold plunge. 

They also host Ladies Lift Nights which are open to gym members and the wider community. These were something Bex initiated prior to the opening of her space. 

“The whole purpose of these nights is to bring women of all walks of life. You don't have to be a member with us. Anybody can come, all walks of life, [we want] to give them a night of empowerment, sisterhood and to prove that we can all sit at the same table,” explained Bex.

Bex shared that her first Ladies Lift Night drew about 12 participants. As she continued the tradition more and more ladies got involved. Now, Bex and her team are gearing up for their biggest Ladies Lift Night yet.  

On Jan. 9, 2026, Gracefully Fit is hosting The Strength Bowl. This Super Bowl–inspired women’s empowerment event aims to raise not just spirits, but support for local Connections at Cumberland County, a local resource center for women and children.

Event details include:

• 30 Min Bootcamp: explosive, high-energy team-style training that’ll get your adrenaline pumping.
• 30 Min MixxedFit®: dance + fitness mashup for a total vibe.
• 30 Min Yoga Flow: wind down, stretch out, and ground yourself in your power.
• Half Time Show
• Swag Bag & Event shirt included

Bex shared that the goal is to have 350 ladies in attendance. The event will be held at the TJ Robinson Life Center in Hope Mills, a 57,000 square foot facility. 

“We have just surpassed our six month mark of being open. It's been a learning curve for sure. We've had some great members, some great ladies, come in and out of our doors, but truly, my biggest thing is now to give back to the community that helped build us,” shared Bex.

Tickets for the Strength Bowl can be purchased here. Donations are also being accepted for Connections at Cumberland County.