Meet Brenna Backe

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brenna Backe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brenna, what do you attribute your success to?
Collaboration.

From the beginning, I have worked hard to create a network of practitioners that were like-minded and had the client’s best interests in mind. Health and fitness includes a huge scope from mental health, to injury prevention and recovery, to digestive health and nutrition, to hormone issues, and more. It is impossible for one person to be able to have the most up-to-date knowledge and methods for all of it. Building a network allows me to have experts I can call, text, or refer to when needed.

Through years of conversations and relationships, these partnerships not only create a constant referral source back and forth, but they broaden and enhance the client’s experience and results.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In 2008, I opened my first studio. When I sold that in 2010 due to a move, I said “I never want to do that again.” Fast forward to 2025, where I have owned my current studio, Koa Fit, for the last 13 years.

Why did I jump back in? Honestly, it was pretty natural. A couple of the spaces I was renting to train out of were closing and I needed a space for my clientele. I took over the lease of one of them and started Koa Fit in basically a garage with myself and one other trainer.

Running a small business is never easy. If you’re really small, like Koa Fit, you have to be willing to step into a lot of roles – website developer, marketing director, bookkeeper, HR, PR, janitor, CEO, COO, CFO, CTO and of course the actual job people pay you to do. It can be overwhelming, but also very fulfilling. I enjoy learning, so for me, I just used the building of my business as a learning opportunity.

As my business grew, I learned the importance of collaboration and partnerships. When I first opened, I felt the need to hold all the responsibility. I didn’t want to burden my team with the obligations of the business-side of things. Now, I understand that I was not allowing them to take ownership of their practice or become part of the business. Allowing others to contribute to and influence the direction of the business has been a huge benefit. The business expands it’s outreach and connection, I have more time to work on the larger concepts of the business (and breathe), and my team receives autonomy and purpose.

Koa Fit is what it is today because of the surrounding community that believes in its purpose. We are 1 part gym, 1 part community center, 1 part self-development, and 1 part learning center. Our space is open and non-intimidating because of the influence of the staff and the clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Boulder is full of outdoor fun with great food stops to refuel after.

Chautauqua is beautiful from the parking lot, but you can also access multiple trails that take you in closer to the flatirons. The Royal Arch trail is challenging and can be done in about 2 hours. It takes you up to and through the Royal Arch while also rewarding you with great views of Boulder.

After, you can refuel at Creature Comforts with some scallion pancakes before strolling the Pearl Street Mall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My team – Rebecca, Jon, Nicola, Hope, and Omega. They set the tone for the studio, encourage community engagement, and treat the space and all the clients of Koa Fit as if they were their own.

Website: https://www.koafitusa.com

Instagram: @koa_fit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KOAFitness/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@koafitpersonaltrainingstud8549

Other: https://www.brennabacke.com

Image Credits
Sidewalk Productions