Meet Justin & Lindsay Mattingly | Founders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin & Lindsay Mattingly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin & Lindsay, how does your business help the community?
Passionate about creating sustainable changes in anyone that will listen, Lindsay’s fitness journey began with a pair of dumbbells, a stopwatch, and a small group in a parking lot. Nearly 20 years later, she’s helped thousands transform their health nationwide. Alongside her husband, Justin, they’ve been featured in magazines and spoken on stages to inspire lasting change.

In 2017, they moved from a small town of 500 people to north metro ATL to pursue their dream—building a gym that goes beyond workouts and positively impact even more lives. After years in the fitness industry, they cracked the code and launched Grit Life Fitness in March of 2020 the need was never greater to provide a vehicle to optimal health & connection.

Built on a focus of Fitness, Nutrition, Accountability and Community, today, their team has transformed the lives of busy professionals, parents, grandparents, teachers, nurses, etc. helping them get stronger, healthier, and more confident to be their best versions of themselves in their daily lives.

The Grit impact extends across the globe, with the community coming together for Grit For a Cause, an annual event where members unite for a fun team workout while giving back to those in need.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Grit Life Fitness, we’re more than just a gym—we’re a results-driven, holistic fitness community that transforms lives through structured functional fitness, accountability, and customized nutrition. Through group training, semi-private and 1:1 personal training, we provide expert coaching, an encouraging environment, and guaranteed, sustainable results for people of all ages and fitness levels.

What sets us apart? Our three-pillar foundation: Fitness, Nutrition, and Accountability. We don’t believe in quick fixes—we focus on real, lasting change. Our clients don’t just train; they become part of a supportive community that pushes them beyond their comfort zones while celebrating every win, big or small. That’s why we’ve been voted the best in Canton & Cherokee County —our culture is built on smiles, high-fives, and results.

But getting here wasn’t easy. Grit Life Fitness was founded in the uncertainty of early 2020, a time when the fitness industry, among other small businesses, faced immense challenges. We saw firsthand how people struggled with staying active, feeling supported & connected, and maintaining their health. Instead of backing down, we leaned into our passion and purpose, creating a space where people could find strength—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

Through the years, we’ve learned that community is everything. Our impact goes beyond our gym walls, as our members come together for Grit For a Cause, our annual event where fitness meets philanthropy. Beyond the transformations we see within out clients, seeing our community unite to support those in need is one of our proudest achievements.

At the heart of it all, we want the world to know: No matter your age, background, or starting point, you can improve. You’re not too old, too out of shape, or too late to start. If you’re ready to commit to a healthier, stronger version of yourself, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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?
Starting off with a a good workout at Grit (of course), it’s time to take a few stops at some of our favorite spots in Canton… The shoppes at the Mill, Reformation Brewing and a bite at the Holler or Riverstone Corner Bistro. From here, we’d have a nice hike on the Etowah Trail, do some mountain biking at Blankets Creek or tubing on the Cartecay River in Elijay and hit one of our favorite wineries like Fainting Goat or Chateau Meichtry.

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?
As we celebrate five incredible years of Grit Life Fitness, we can’t help but reflect on the unwavering support that has made this journey possible. To our family and friends, who believed in us even when this was just a wild dream—thank you for your encouragement, patience, and love. To our amazing Team, the heartbeat of this gym, your dedication, passion, and commitment to changing lives inspire us every single day.

And to our Grit Life community—you are the reason we do this. The transformations we’ve seen are beyond physical! From early morning workouts to cheering each other on through every challenge, you’ve made this gym more than just a place to train—you’ve made it an extended family. Your energy, hard work, and relentless grit push us all to be better, and we are beyond grateful to be on this journey with you. Here’s to five years of strength, sweat, and community—and to many more ahead!

Website: https://gritlifefitness.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gritlifefitnessllc/

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grit-life-fitness-canton