Come see why we're voted BILLINGS' BEST fitness center

Granite Health+Fitness

Your Life, Your Gym

#IAMGranite


We're very passionate about fitness for our members which builds an inspirational fitness community and amazing fitness success stories. Do you know someone that motivates you?

Celebrating our Most Inspirational Members

It's time to vote!


Thank-you for all of the amazing Granite Member nominations. We've taken these nominations down to the top 3 and now it's time to vote! Now through Monday, October 20th, you can vote for your Granite's Most Inspirational Member. We'll announce the winner during our member appreciation event on November 9.

At Granite, we're very passionate about fitness for our members. One thing we strive to do is create great fitness experiences. Our biggest event of the year is our Member Appreciation Day coming up in November. This is our opportunity to celebrate YOU... our members. Help us find Granite's most inspirational member and let's celebrate together!

Vote Now  

Jamie Buechler

When did your fitness journey begin?

About 14 years ago, but in a healthy way, 7 years ago

What was your motivation? Why did you become a member at Granite?

At the time it was weight loss but now it is keeping my body healthy for my boys. I had tried all the gyms in town and nothing seemed to fit. The daycare was a big piece as why I chose Granite as well. I wanted to make sure my kids needs were met as they have special challenges.

We take so many things for granted in this life. We only are given this one body and unfortunately my son is not able to use his in ways we are able. So I take every day and make sure I use it and am grateful for it.

What challenges did you overcome along the way?

My journey started in a very unhealthy way. I was overweight and I thought the only way to lose the weight was to eat minimal calories and workout twice a day for two hours each day. I got down to a very unhealthy weight and it took friends telling me how awful I looked in my wedding dress to take a hard look at myself. I started adding in exercise and I was in awe of the changes I saw. It then fueled me to learn more and I decided to get Certified to be a Nutrition Coach to show other people that food did not need to be the enemy.

What's your greatest fitness accomplishment to date?

Trusting the process through and through. If you would have told me that 14 years ago I would be eating what I am now and working out like I do, I would have said "no way"! Today I can stand in front of you, 20 pounds heavier, and say that I am proud of who I have become. I feel amazing at age 42, a mother to 3 children (two with special needs) and the fact that I can be there them both mentally and physically.

Who or what has helped you achieve this?

I owe a lot to my friend Suzie, my husband Casey, our Isagenix community, and Jenn Thompson! Jenn has been my rock through this entire process, not just for believing in me but her guidance, the tools she gives me and her support through the last couple of years. I could not have done this without her.

How has fitness affected your life?

In a huge way. In the beginning it was about feeling good on the inside and the outside, but now it is to be healthy for my children for a very long time. My youngest son has complex needs and relies on me for everything. I need to be strong and healthy for him. My why has changed and it is crucial for me to take care of myself for them.

What is ONE piece of advice you can give someone else just starting their journey?

JUST START! Grab an accountability person and find something you love. Trust the process as things are not going to change over night as it took years to get to where we are, so give yourself grace. But you owe it to yourself to feel amazing!

Melissa Fulton

When did your fitness journey begin?

The journey to sustainable fitness started in 2018 at Granite. I attended gyms previously, but didn't have the time or energy to focus or commit 100%.

What was your motivation? Why did you become a member at Granite?

I was so tired of losing weight, only to gain it all back. I wanted to be healthy for my family and for myself. Initially Granite was my choice because it was close to where we live. But after stepping foot inside the door, I knew I would never leave. The staff was amazing and my first class was a blast. After class, the instructors greeted me warmly and encouraged me to come back, even inviting me to other classes they taught. I immediately experienced acceptance and encouragement.

When the hard work pays off and I see the results. It motivates me to keep going. I'm not only better physically, but emotionally too. Also, there is nothing quite like group fitness. To be in a room full of people striving to be their best selves is so powerful.

What challenges did you overcome along the way?

I have encountered challenges with self-confidence. It was easy to get discouraged when I compared myself and my abilities to others, thinking about what I "should" be doing or how I "should" be doing it. I wondered if I even belonged at the gym. It was also challenging to give myself permission to focus on my own health and wellness. I continually work to overcome these challenges.

What's your greatest fitness accomplishment to date?

Absolutely, without a doubt, it's my weight loss. I have lost over 80 pounds since I started at Granite. And I've gained so much more: self-confidence, energy, motivation, and overall health and happiness. Taking control of my well-being through daily workouts is something I will never regret.

Who or what has helped you achieve this?

Definitely would not be here without the fabulous instructors at Granite. They have been so encouraging and patient with my questions. The extra support of nutrition counseling and personal training have also been a huge part of my success.

How has fitness affected your life?

It's hard to put this into words....Fitness has truly changed everything. I feel empowered and hopeful. I feel like fitness has given me my life back.

What is ONE piece of advice you can give someone else just starting their journey?

Show up! Walk into any class at Granite and let the instructor take you on a journey to a better you. Show up if you're tired, show up when you think you can't--ESPECIALLY when you think you can't. Those are some of your best workouts. There is no "perfect time" to start. Just show up as you are and do your best. Then show up the next day and BEAT your best. Do it for yourself. You are worth it.

Kathy Slehofer

When did your fitness journey begin?

I started to be more deliberate about fitness and nutrition in about 2010, when I did Ideal Protein to lose weight.

What was your motivation? Why did you become a member at Granite?

I had gained about 25 pounds and did not like the condition I was in. I have been in office jobs for years and my muscles were weak and imbalanced from sitting at a desk and not being physically active. Some of the nagging little aches and pains I was experiencing was a direct result of sitting all day, day after day. My husband and I have been members of the gym at the Heights location since before it was acquired by Granite. We were sporadic, "part-time" members, at best. We joined there because it is only about 3/4 mile from home.

I have been blessed with good health, but inevitably, there will be bumps in the road in the future. I plan to meet those challenges head-on from a position of strength, not weakness.

What challenges did you overcome along the way?

I have a very small frame and small muscle mass, so I am not as strong as I would like to be. I don't consider age as a "challenge," per se, but it is a limiting factor. I have had a couple minor injuries to work through, and Ryan Jore taught me how to continue working out without further injuring myself.

What's your greatest fitness accomplishment to date?

Finisher of the Montana Marathon Half Marathon on Sept. 15, 2019. That was my first attempt at a half marathon.

Who or what has helped you achieve this?

I felt I had built a solid foundation over the past 2 years and wanted to do something challenging, something I had never done before. Biggest Loser was a turning point for me. The full-body, functional fitness workouts and nutrition changes made a noticeable difference. My weight loss was only 5 pounds that session, but the results were visible and I was stronger. Since then, I have done 2 more sessions of Biggest Loser (with Jim), a Kettlebell class and TRX, as well as a variety of HIIT/HEAT/Boot Camp-style classes. Over the years, I have gone from 2-3 workouts a week to 5 or 6.

How has fitness affected your life?

Accomplishing goals boosts your confidence and self-esteem, giving you a more positive image of yourself. People can't help but notice my age, but they also see someone who is not slowing down!

What is ONE piece of advice you can give someone else just starting their journey?

Once you have made the commitment to join a gym, take advantage of all that the gym offers. Explore. Granite has a regular schedule of instructor-led classes as well as "specialty" programs and events. Attend a few classes until you find a class/instructor that you feel comfortable with. Incorporate it into your workout schedule. Know that no matter where you are in your quest for fitness, Granite instructors want you to succeed. Let them help you.

Thank-you for all your votes!

We received an Amazing Number of Votes! Thank-you!

The voting process has closed. We will start the voting counts. Stay tuned for details about our Member Appreciation Celeberation where we'll announce the winner.