Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Russell.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Southside Strength & Conditioning was built from a passion for fitness, family, and community.
My husband Tyson and I met in 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee, where we quickly discovered a shared love for health, fitness, and helping others become stronger and more confident. After I graduated from Belmont University with a degree in Exercise Science, we decided to move back home to Red Bud, Illinois to be closer to family and friends.
With a dream and a lot of hard work, we opened Red Bud’s first 24/7 gym offering both open membership access and group strength and conditioning classes. We wanted to create more than just a gym — we wanted to build a place where people of all fitness levels could feel welcomed, encouraged, and supported like family.
At Southside Strength & Conditioning, fitness is important — but community is what makes this place special.
“The support from our community has meant everything to us. Red Bud truly values small businesses, and we are incredibly grateful for every member who has trusted us to be part of their fitness journey. Whether someone is stepping into the gym for the very first time or training at a high level, our goal is always the same: to provide a positive environment where people can grow stronger together”.
-Tyson and Elizabeth Russell
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We opened Southside Strength & Conditioning in November of 2019. Shortly after, we had to temporarily close due to the pandemic, so that was really nerve racking! We came up with ways to still support the gym by offering online programs people could do at their home, since everyone was confined to their house. By the communities support and prayer, we got through that rough patch!
We’ve been impressed with Southside Strength & Conditioning , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Southside Strength & Conditioning is a 24/7 fitness facility offering gym memberships, group classes, and personal training. Our members have access to state-of-the-art equipment, saunas, a healthy snack bar, supplements, and meal-prepped food — everything needed to support a healthy lifestyle all in one place.
Our most popular group class is our Strength & Conditioning Class, which combines strength training with metabolic conditioning to help members build strength, improve endurance, and gain confidence both inside and outside the gym.
No matter your fitness level when walking through our doors, our coaches are there to support you every step of the way. We prioritize proper form, individualized scaling, and creating an encouraging environment where everyone feels comfortable and capable.
At Southside S&C, community has always been our top priority. We take pride in knowing our members by name and creating an atmosphere that feels more like family than just another gym. We are passionate about helping people become stronger while building lasting relationships along the way.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think opening up a gym was a risky idea. You don’t know how people will respond or if you will get any members/clients. Taking a risk is fine, but having a formulated plan and working hard for your goal is necessary.
My thoughts on risk taking…
“Growth requires some risk.”
“Comfort rarely builds something meaningful.”
“Take the risk, but work hard enough to back it up.”
I am not someone that loves chasing chaos. I am someone willing to step into uncertainty if it aligns with your goals, family, and vision. Having a formulated plan while doing something “risky” is more my style.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southsidestrengthconditioning.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southsidesandc?igsh=c2Y5OG45NzlnNHJ2
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Southside-Strength-Conditioning/100063673774273/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=5gjalESkfxnN9AIT&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F1Db2Du6G7K%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr
Image Credits
Elizabeth Russell
