Meet Styler Ells | Gym owner and personal trainer

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

Hi Styler, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I left a lucrative career in IT to start a gym. Many people thought I was taking an enormous risk that would never find success. In fact, 80% of all gyms fail in their first year. There isn’t a lot of profit in small independent gyms, but that didn’t stop me from opening Metamorphosis Fitness. Taking a risk has paid off tenfold. My profit isn’t still ideal, but after five years we have built a safe queer space that has allowed many people to explore their bodies and fitness in a nonjudgmental place. We are so proud of what we have created. I would jump off the cliff all over again.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Metamorphosis Fitness is the first openly queer owned and operated gym in Denver. It is also the only gym that focuses on the queer community, and creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for all folks. We have worked for five years to create a safe space for people who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional gym setting. We are so proud of how many people have come to our gym and felt welcomed and supported regardless of where they are in their fitness journey. Exercise should be a celebration of movement, not a punishment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver has such amazing places to visit and so much to offer! In terms of places to visit, I would definitely hit up the Botanic Gardens and the Art Museum (both amazing!) a day trip to Manitou Springs and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo would definitely be in order. Who doesn’t love the zoo, and where else can you find the best arcade in Colorado? A hike would be necessary, so we’d track up to Boulder to see Chautauqua Park and hike up to the flat irons.

Restaurants are everywhere in Denver. There’s so many cool paces to eat and vibe. For our picnic to the park, we’d definitely have to hit up Marczyk Foods for all the supplies. A vacation deserves at least one fancy meal, so Fruition on 6th would be the choice. Fuzzy’s tacos, Milk Market, and Fusions Bar and Grill would be must stop grub places.

Weather depending, an afternoon up on Evergreen Lake paddle boarding would be an excellent way to cap off the week. Of course, we’d have to stop for coffee on our way down at Tomari’s Coffee in Morrison, and possibly end up on RoofTop Tavern for one final nightcap.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My children have been my biggest cheerleaders since day one. They have supported me, cheered me on, and given me endless love during this journey. Without them, I don’t think I would have had the strength to pursue my dreams and open the gym. They are my biggest fans!

Website: www.metamorphosisfit.com

Instagram: Metamorphosisfitnessdenver

Facebook: metamorphosisfitness

Other: TikTok: @styler_rising