Buffalo Boss Babe : REN - Lauren Gibson

Our next featured buffalo boss babe is Lauren Gibson, aka REN from Rise Fitness Studio! My first interaction with her in person was at her 5:45am spin class when she was pregnant with her twins. I thought to my self , if this chic has this much energy and motivation this early WHILE creating 2 babies, i have no excuses not to push myself! Not only is she extremely empowering, she works hard to give back to the community in many ways. Read more about Ren below and follow her here:

@rengib

What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?

I fell in love with group fitness in high school. At that time, I was probably one of the few high school students (non-athlete) waking up for a 5 am spin class. Starting my day with a work out, even at 17, made me feel confident and focused. I loved the energy of the room; knowing that everyone was starting their day with the same workout, leaving me empowered and ready to take on the day. As I got older, life started to get in the way and I wasn’t prioritizing health and fitness like I once did. After getting married and working full time, I found myself needing something more to help me stay focused, happy, and healthy. That’s when I rediscovered group fitness. I started teaching at a studio in the city and the rest was history. I wanted to share my love and passion for moving your body, particularly in a dark room with loud music and nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. I found a mental clarity from the anxiety and stress of the world with people that clearly needed the same outlet. Releasing positive endorphins with likeminded people was truly a game changer. Not long after we had our first child, my husband and I moved from Downtown Buffalo into the Village of Hamburg and I fell in love with this community. I started instructing and sharing my passion for spin right in the Village. A few short months later a building became available for rent and I jumped at the opportunity… 7 months pregnant (with identical twins) and I decided THIS was my time to share my passion. One month before my girls were born, the Rise Fitness Studio opened its doors. Today, we are heading into our 4th year of business. The past 4 years have had its ups and downs, but overall, it has been such an amazing experience. They say time flies when you are having fun and my life as a wife, mom, and business owner has been on fast forward. On any given day at Rise you can catch me teaching, working the front desk, or working out right along with clients. Why go anywhere else when Rise has the very best instructors that always go the extra mile. My goal is to make people feel empowered and confident, not only in class but as they start their day. I am honored to see people hit their goals while creating long-lasting relationships. I believe everyone has a story and I don't know of a better place to share that story than at Rise Fitness Studio. It is amazing to see the wonderful things our clients can do both inside and outside the studio.

Who are your favorite people to follow ?

@jessicasimpson, @Erinopern, @aishazaz @melrobbins, @Iamtabithabrown, @fitnesscareermastery

What are your favorite things to do in the area ? Buffalo and greater WNY

My favorite things to do in the buffalo area: I always love doing things with my children: the Science Museums, Buffalo Zoo, Sabres games, walking the Hamburg Village and going to different playgrounds around town. We also enjoy Green Lake in Orchard Park and Glen Falls in Williamsville. I am a true foodie so when it comes to going out in Buffalo I love Hutch’s, Oliver’s, the Chop House, and locally, the one and only Grange Community Kitchen.

Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ?

I have 3 favorite collaborations: The first is our annual collaboration with Roswell Park Cancer Institute: IceCycle to End Cancer. Last year the Rise community raised $57,000 riding on the outdoor rinks as Riverworks, taking stationary biking to the next level. We do regular events with proceeds that benefit cancer research at Roswell Park. Roswell, for many reasons, is very near and dear to my heart. Saving lives and keeping loved ones here longer with us is something I will always fight for. My second favorite collaboration is Fitness on the Field. This year my team and I were able to lead a workout at Highmark Stadium to over 150 people. The energy and excitement was unbelievable. It was empowering to be on a field where we cheer for our Buffalo Bills. An extra bonus this year was getting to meet Kendall Toole from Peloton. Kendall gave a beautiful speech on mental health and all the ways finding a community saved her life. Community is key and that really hit home for me. I also have to shout-out Rise’s ongoing collaboration with fellow Boss Babe, Jess in the Kitchen! Jess’ meals and protein balls are a staple at Rise! She keeps us stocked with her healthy and delicious grab and go meals.

If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?

If I could have coffee with anyone in the world, it would be Michael Scott (a character from The Office). I am always in need of a laugh and to be reminded to not take myself (or life) so seriously. The way this particular character leads and manages his team always brings a smile to my face. I would truly enjoy a cup of coffee with him. Quotes like “Would I rather be feared or loved? Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.” I find comical… and a little too relatable. I love people and getting to know all different kinds of personalities. I would be lying if I said it didn’t feel good to have that love and appreciation reciprocated… which is why this quote always makes me laugh.

What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small?

I want to continue to give back as a Rise Community. This past year alone we raised close to $80k for various charities and organizations in the Buffalo area. I don't just want to own a gym; I want to be part of something bigger. I want to raise children that always lend a helping hand and are kind. So many people struggle and have challenges that they never share. I want to be an outlet and support system for anyone and everyone that might be struggling to find a place to belong. If I can grow this community and teach my children the way of supporting others, that would be my biggest accomplishment in life. Helping those in need has been the mission from the start. It doesn’t mean just physically, I am talking from a mental health aspect, a fundraising aspect – that feeling of strength. Feel good, do good is one of our many mottos at Rise.

Tell us about your family?

I have a wonderful, supportive, and patient husband, Mike. When he’s not working as the CFO at Colton RV, he’s spending time with our 3 beautiful children and of course cheering on the Bills. Our oldest son, Grant, is five and attends Kindergarten and Saints Peter and Paul School. He loves baseball, basketball, tennis and cheering on the Bills with Dad. Our girls Grace and Gwyneth are three-year old, identical twins. Three-nagers to the core and giving us a run for it. They are filled with so much passion, energy and attitude, some days it’s difficult to keep up. They love gymnastics with Mrs. Debbie and all the Disney princesses. When they are not aggravating their brother, they are loving, cuddly, and kind.

FEEL GOOD FAVORITES

Restaurant in Buffalo: Oliver’s

Color: Black 🖤

Super Power: My energy

Animal : Turtle

Season of the year: Summer

Favorite thing about Buffalo / WNY: The people