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

Hi Daniel, what’s the most important thing you’ve done for your children?
There’s probably several things and this question really makes me think! My apologies first if I mention more than one.

To use your voice and stand up for yourself and those around you. Especially those who may not have the confidence or come from a stronger place of standing up for themselves and what they believe. I’m also imparting the importance of knowing where you come from ie. your family history that would include the victories as well as the struggles. A lot of people/ancestors have worked very hard for my daughters to be in the position they are in currently.

It’s sometimes hard to speak up for yourself. Speaking up for what you believe; standing up for what you do not support or believe in; standing up to bully’s; asking questions; etc.

Strive to be as authentic as you can as you continue to grow into the person you’ll become. We all have a story…tell yours or someone will tell it for you.

I am a proponent of standing up for your beliefs and maintaining a strong moral compass WHILE learning from others who may not think, believe the same as you.

I believe we as a people and as a country are gaining ground on this slowly but for some this is extremely challenging. This is not about creating conflict; this is about growing into a higher level of being.

To also know where you come from. Like a tree you have to know your roots and the stronger those roots are, the more the tree can flourish. This, combined with many ‘growing up aspects,’ will provide perseverance through adversity, the ability to make hard decisions that will give great experiences and an understanding that will yield wisdom.

The above two characteristics will provide, I believe, a deep sense of belief in themselves. If I can include one more thing…love life – laugh, dance, love, challenge yourself and get outside!

 

What should our readers know about your business?
I started Inward Motion (turned to Inward Fitness) in 2005. At first it was a solo gig that I loved doing but eventually it spawned into many aspects and great teams along the years. I navigated the Great Recession of 2008 and now we’re charging through the pandemic. It’s been tough at times but we’ve never been counted out. In fact, the business flourished in 2008 and we are currently expanding despite the pandemic.

Your readers should also know that many things have been accomplished with great help from trainers, instructors, staff, mentors and most importantly my wife.

One thing that separates us from other fitness/wellness companies is our focus on building relationships. Every gym and company has its culture and community but we have something slightly intangible. There’s a value that we give and receive daily; there is an element of magic and trust that is unique to how we do things and how we work with our people.

One big item that you learn along the way owning a small business is you have no one to ask for permission (which I like!). IF there’s something we want to do, provide a new service, adjust into virtual training, etc we simply do it. The missing piece here is we do it immediately. There’s not a lot of back and forth. We make a decision and we move on it quickly. That definitely has helped our navigation through the pandemic and has allowed us to create new services and programs extremely fast. Both with high success rates.

Now that we’re in 2022 and I look back to 2005…it’s been an unbelievable journey. I personally and we as a company have worked with some incredible people, company’s, schools and athletes along the way. To celebrate this and think that a small family owned company that really started from very little and with the help of my grandpa has grown into working with the State of Colorado, the City of Denver, public officials, CEO’s of company’s, a rock band, national and global companies such as Einstein’s and VF Corporation, etc. It’s really humbling, eye opening and motivating! I’m not the best at celebrating the wins all the time because I’m usually on to the next idea/project/etc. However, I’m proud of what we’ve done; I’m proud of what the company and teams along the way have achieved.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way:
Be yourself and know your worth
Go above and beyond and it will come back to you two-fold
Just because things look bleak at the beginning of the week, Friday is still on the way and good times are coming
Work hard, work smart and know your craft
Have fun

I want the world to know that our brand, Inward Fitness, is about that journey of conscious effort and focus to fitness for your lifestyle to relationships that will never truly end. We will continue to teach, mentor, challenge and celebrate. We want to do this with you…YOU are our people and we’re ready for you!

I also want the world to know that personally, I’m just getting started. The lightning in a bottle I possess is not limited to the locations in Denver. There’s a calling for something bigger and I look forward to it.

 

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh this would be fun!

So one of the first stops we’d have to make is my house! I’m a family guy so having my best friend in town to spend a little time with my wife and kids would be imperative.

In no particular order, we’d have to make the following pit stops:
McGregor Square – to see our new gym Rock Fitness Powered by Inward Fitness and because it’s an awesome development with several things to do. And yes, we would workout!

We’d have to also get a couple days in the mountains – Breck/Frisco or Vail. Depending on the time of year maybe we’d mountain bike, hike a 14er or snowboard. Being in nature is key and will provide a reflection of your true self.

I’m a beer fan (especially Germans and Belgians) so we’d most definitely find some good beers and accompanying food. Check the boxes for Prost and the Rhein Haüs.

CSU revisit – it may sound lame but gathering some old track and field teammates for a night or two or organizing a reunion at CSU would be a MUST! We’ve all gone a lot of different directions but the bond is still there.

Obviously missing some details but overall, this would be an epic week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this to all of the people that helped me along the way. Some names will be missed: God, my grandpa, my father and mother, my wife and children.

I’d like to especially thank my wife for the support over so many years. Starting from very little to growing a well recognized and successful business; providing the two greatest gifts of my life in our daughters who also push me to be at my best everyday; and for showing up in her small efforts and juggling all of the day to day…you are loved, appreciated and I am thankful for you.

I also credit those that came before and sacrificed what they did.

I’d also like to extend credit to Barb Musslewhite who was the finest mentor and connector anyone could have while I was at Colorado State University. Not only was she (and Paul Thayer) responsible for creating a unique community at CSU that I had the honor of being in my freshman year (Key Academic Community) but she is also a First Generation Recipient as am I.

I have to also credit my clients for their assistance, advice and support. Some I’ve had over a decade long relationship and some are new. All are true friends and feel like an adopted family. Others I have learned immense business skills and been the recipient of once in a lifetime opportunities. Thank you.

Lastly, I’d like to thank the 2021 Class of Leadership Denver, those that facilitated and made it all work. The growth and connection through that year was like no other and it’s still going! Lastly, thank you Paul Duba for changing my mindset.

Thank you all!

Website: www.inward-fitness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwardfitness/ and also https://www.instagram.com/danielsterlingward/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-ward-1b86939/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/inwardfitness

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/inward-fitness-denver-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/InwardFitness

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