July Local Spotlight | TransFit
We’re so excited to feature TransFit & it’s amazing founder Caroline Ward! TransFit was born from a dream to create a community where women could come together and feel seen, known, and loved, no matter where they were in their fitness and faith journeys. Caroline envisioned a workout experience that would strengthen women both physically and spiritually. After five years in a home studio, TransFit's rapid growth led to the opening of our first location in Five Points, followed by a second location four years later. Today, TransFit serves women of all ages, from 13 to 92, fostering a supportive environment where everyone encourages each other to be the best version of themselves.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
My name is Caroline Ward, and I’m originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. I moved to Athens, Georgia, when I came to the University of Georgia in the fall of 1996 to join the gymnastics team. While at UGA, our team won two national championships. After graduating with an Accounting degree, I became a CPA and fell in love with my husband, Kelly Ward, from Atlanta; we married and decided to build our lives in Athens, Georgia. I have 3 beautiful children who I adore, and I stayed home with my children for the first few years. Still, after an episode of postpartum depression, I realized my true calling was to encourage people in their faith and fitness journey to help them live life fully and abundantly. I received my personal training, yoga, and nutrition certifications and started my business, Transformational Fitness (known as TransFit), a faith-based personal training studio for women. We specialize in Strength, HIIT, Bone Strength Yoga, and lead weekly Bible study.
Tell us about your business / services:
TransFit started small, in the basement of my home; when my small children were napping, I would see clients 1-1, and as my children grew, so did TransFit. My first priority has been to be a mother and wife. My dream was to build a community where women could come together and feel seen, known, and loved wherever they were in their fitness and faith journey. I wanted to create a workout where women felt strengthened in their bodies and spirits. Each TransFit workout finishes with 3 to 5 minutes of stretching and encouragement. When our clients leave TransFit, they feel lifted up, encouraged, and inspired to attack the rest of their day with confidence and energy.
After five years in my home studio, TransFit outgrew our home. We moved into our first location in Five Points. Within the next four years, we continued to grow and moved into our second location. Today, TransFit has clients ranging from 13 to 92, women of all ages and stages who exercise together, encouraging each other to be the best version of themselves.
We offer currently offer large group sessions with a personal feel, small group sessions, and 1-1 personal training and nutrition sessions. I remind our community daily that “God’s plan was not meant for anyone else, we need to stay in our own lanes.” We are all on a different health journey and go through times when we need accountability, encouragement, and community to be the best versions of ourselves. We sharpen each other just as iron sharpens iron. We are stronger together. Our theme verse painted on our wall and our merchandise comes from Romans 12:2. “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by renewing your mind.”
When you move your body mindfully and have truth words spoken over you, your body and mind will be transformed so that you can LIVE TRANSFORMED. Fitness is not just about the way we look, but it’s about the way we live! I get excited daily to go to TransFit because it’s not just a job but a calling. I love encouraging women.I want to be Jesus’ hands and feet and love people well, right where they are, while encouraging them to live healthy and vibrant lives. Without our health, what do we have?
What’s something on your bucket list?
When I turned 30, I fell in love with running. As a gymnast, running was always punishment, and the most running I ever did was down the vault runway. However, when I was 30, a friend encouraged me to do the first Athens half marathon. When I crossed the finish line, I was hooked. I adore our running community and the impactful friendships I have made while training for races. My bucket list item is to run a marathon on each continent. It doesn’t matter how fast I run the race; I would love to have the opportunity to see the world and enjoy it while moving my body for the glory of God.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given was from my mom about 10 years ago. I asked her what was one thing I could do better as a wife and a mom. She said, “Be present in the moment, stay in today.” Every single day, that is a goal. It’s hard, but it keeps me grounded and helps me stay focused on what is really important. I repeat, “Stay in today”. Today, “This is the day the Lord has made.”
What’s good in your life?
Reflecting on the goodness in my life, I am thankful to have so many passions which include my family, my business, our community, and our God. Writing this out gives me even greater joy and gratitude for the blessings I have been given. My two oldest children have recently graduated high school, which feels like a big parenting accomplishment; my youngest child is still at home, and my husband and I are celebrating 23 years of marriage. I love my family, friends, TransFit community, and my church. These things have kept me grounded on what is truly important in life; loving God and loving others. For me these words form the picture of the cross and I strive to live it out daily- living transformed.
Thank you for sharing your organization with us, Caroline!
If you’re interested in learning more about TransFit reach out via the TransFit website or Instagram.
If you're a local business owner or know a local business or service deserving recognition, please email us the details!