Need a tribe?

Find yours on Stock Island

Need a tribe? - A woman standing in front of a building - Key West

Jessica and Michelle share a passion for fitness. The Spottswood sisters-in-law met each other eight years ago. Now, five kids between the two later, they are growing their tribe a different way.

Their 5,000-square-foot modern industrial space is coming along after Hurricane Irma permitting delays. “Find Your Tribe,” a yoga, circuit, barre, battle ropes, and TRX training complex, is set to open in the fall with retail space, a “Tiny Tribe” kids care area, and an internet lounge.

In the meantime, the two have taken the extra time to expand their certifications. Michelle said she was constantly going to Jessica, a personal trainer who has competed in body competitions nationally, for guidance. “We realized there was a need for a one-stop shop,” said Michelle, who added the Stock Island area is the new up-and-coming community with room to grow.

Although there are just cement floors and concrete blocks for now, the vision is big. The space will evolve with graffiti art, mirrors, and radiant heat for some classes. “You’ll be able to go from lunges to warrior with ease,” said Michelle.

“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family, whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.” —Jane Howard

From weighted glove fight classes and a “club-like” circuit room to 12 different types of yoga from hot to hip-hop, and barre classes, the vibe will be eclectic.

The most important thing for the FYT moms is the family atmosphere. “We know how hard it was to work out after our babies were born,” said the two. “The whole family can come here to sweat.” They know dads will like the child-care option just as much as the moms.

And, speaking of sweat, the space will offer showers and a dry bar (for hair) for those shooting off to work or events after a fluid session.

With the hope of opening in September, they are pricing their workout packages affordably to include gym-only, studio classes-only or combined. Classes will range from 30 to 50 minutes. In the lobby, they will have workout wear for men and women for sale and a wine bar happy hour classes. (They also plan on adding smoothies, meal planning, and more in the future.)

As for the tribe inspired name, “we went through 10 months of names and we couldn’t connect with any of them” said the two, who both believe in a sense of community. “We read this quote by Jane Howard and it all just made sense.”

Kristen Livengood
Kristen Livengood is a Marathon High School and University of South Florida grad, mom of two beautiful little girls, and wife to some cute guy she met in a bar. She enjoys red wine, Tito's, Jameson, running (very, very slowly), and spearfishing.