Emily Gall: The heart behind gall fitness
"There is no one-size-fits all approach to your health and wellness. Sharing this with others and supporting people through encouragement, empathy, and education has not only become my passion but my purpose in this life."
From Kansas City roots to building a fitness-focused business in Clinton County, this local entrepreneur has created more than just a gym—it’s a space where people feel capable, supported, and seen. What started as a personal fitness journey evolved into a calling to help others transform their lives through movement, nutrition, and confidence. In this candid interview, she shares how her path unfolded, what keeps her going, and the purpose that drives her every day.
What’s your story?
I am a CC transplant! I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and ended up in this area 15 years ago to visit a good high school friend and never left. I eventually met my husband, who grew up in Saint Rose, and settled into a seemingly quiet life, living on his family’s small farm outside of town. We have 2 girls and 2 dogs, all of whom keep us on our toes!
I worked in Business Development for Chevrolet dealerships most of my professional career, and enjoyed the challenges of staying competitive, keeping up with technology and helping clients find exactly what they were looking for. If you know me, you know that I love connecting with new people, I rarely know a stranger and I can talk to anyone; and talk and talk and talk… 🙂
Outside of employment, fitness became a part of my life in my 20’s. I was not athletic growing up and knew nothing when I decided to live a healthier lifestyle. As I grew in my personal fitness, and utilized coaches and trainers to help, I started to realize that this was a journey that anyone with determination and some guidance could go on. I began learning to teach group fitness and was encouraged by my own personal trainer to pursue that career. I continued on my own fitness journey and began teaching a few group classes (and loved it!).
I felt the pull to pursue this more but had put in a substantial amount of time in my Business Development career, and honestly, was scared to leave what I knew.
Insert the Pandemic.
With our young kiddos at home, after the first few months it became necessary for me to leave the dealership world “to get through” what was supposed to be a short break from my career and a short pandemic. I decided to get certified in the interim—I was at home anyway, why not make the most of it? It helped me focus on something other than the fact I didn’t have a full-time job for the first time since I was 15.
I became an ACE Personal Trainer and continued teaching classes. As the pandemic continued I decided to take on a few clients; again, to “get through” what I was sure was ending soon. As the pandemic continued much longer than anyone anticipated, I began to pursue more classes, clients and avenues to share with others this passion for an active and healthy lifestyle.
I got my Nutrition certification through ISSA and added that to my offerings. And still the pandemic…
Eventually I was teaching inside, outside, in the community center in Saint Rose and anywhere else I could manage. I decided that going back to my traditional idea of a career was not what I wanted or what we wanted as a family. So I pushed forward.
It was bumpy for a bit there as I tried to navigate what that could look like. Most of my original clients were training with me at my home and I had no place of my own to teach classes. We eventually rented a space in town and I was terrified. That was three years ago.
It has been a blur of meeting phenomenal people, long hours, long coaching sessions, many tears and many laughs as I’ve had the privilege of watching others grow in fitness and in themselves.
And here we are.
As someone who had no background in health or fitness, and had some personal challenges along the way, my biggest realization over the last decade is that ANYONE can succeed in this if you are willing to learn what works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to your health and wellness. Sharing this with others and supporting people through encouragement, empathy and education has not only become my passion but my purpose in this life.
What motivates you?
The knowledge that anyone can do this. I have a passion for people and understand the power of belief in oneself. Watching the growth and determination of the clients who allow me to guide them inspires me daily. Being able to show and share this lifestyle with my family so my kids grow up with the knowledge of health and wellness is so important to me.
What’s one challenge you’ve overcome?
Accepting fear and unsurety. There was a point in this journey that I had to step out on my own, and move in the mentality that success was inevitable if I just continued to work hard and with genuine passion. And I almost didn’t. A few months before I opened in town, I almost accepted a business development position. I applied and interviewed out of fear.
It can be cliché to say that sometimes you don’t know how close to a breakthrough you are until you push forward. Shortly after this experience the space I had been looking for came available for rent. I took a deep breath and leaned in. And it worked.
And throughout this process of growing a business, there have been fear moments that tried to win when I had a moment of opportunity. Learning to accept that there is no guarantee of success—only faith and effort—is one of the main reasons we are here today.
What do you hope to accomplish through your work?
I want to share this lifestyle with as many people as possible. I do want to leave behind the legacy of changed lives. One person making the choice to live healthier, to exercise and eat cleaner—that will impact their family and continue on. One person can change the narrative for future generations.
Who has been the biggest influence on your journey?
My personal journey (I am nothing special) founded the belief that nothing is impossible if you just do not quit. Slow is still moving—you can only fail if you stop. I’m a firm believe that good things take time, and that time will pass anyway, so you might as well invest in yourself! Outside of that, my older sister, Lisa, has steadily encouraged me to believe in myself and this mission.
What’s one piece of advice you would share with others?
Stay on your path. You are the person you have to face in the mirror each day so do not worry about or listen to the noise of others. You will find your people—let them encourage you and support you. Do not take advice from anyone you wouldn’t want to be stranded on an island with 🙂
What makes your business unique?
This facility, environment, and my methods are founded in empathy, acceptance, and education. There is not a perfect version of this journey. Taking the time to listen to people and help them cultivate their own path without impatience or judgment allows them the space to grow and learn safely.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know?
From the time I was 5–6 I told people I wanted to skydive as an adult. No idea where I got that interest. Despite being terrified of heights, I went a few years ago.
How do you hope people feel after interacting with your business?
Capable.
What does being part of the community mean to you?
Being a part of this community has given myself and this business the direction it needed. When you are surrounded by people who show up authentically and share parts of their own journey, it cultivates meaningful connection and vision. This community has shaped the bones of this business over the last few years with their support and combined dedication to themselves.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
My Stanley cup and music. Also chocolate.
What’s the most surprising thing on your bucket list?
I would love to do a jungle tour. Before that was at the top of my list, it was meeting Bruce Willis… I was obsessed with him growing up.
What’s one thing you’ve done recently that brought you unexpected joy?
Taught a dance fitness class as a sub for another instructor (I cannot dance).
Are there any upcoming events you’d like to share with others?
I’m having a ‘Back to School Bootcamp’ this August! Follow our social media pages to keep an eye out for more details on that!