Pride Fitness DSM

06/17/2026

We are exhausted, but our hearts are so full
🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🤎🖤🩶🤍

We had over 260 lifters that moved through the booth over three days.

We had some that got to experience lifting for the first time. Some that experienced the joy of lifting a weight they hadn’t before. We had lifters from age 5 all the way up to 69 and everywhere in between. Some lifted 25 pounds while others lifted 135 pounds. Some completed one rep while others completed 32!

But they all challenged themselves whether it be the first time or the hundredth time.

There were so many standout moments from this weekend I could probably talk about a different one for every day of the month, but the overall best thing was experiencing the joy and community that lifting brings.

I love this job and I love this community ♥️🏳️‍🌈

And shout out to my wife .a.t.e_ for all of the extra time put in behind the scenes to help this run smoothly, and friend for help and mood boosting on Saturday!

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Taking care of ourselves means prioritizing mental health alongside physical health, and access to safe, affirming spaces is a crucial part of that work. For LGBTQ people, that might mean grabbing …

06/10/2026

We’re back again and we can’t wait!! You can try out deadlifting or test your skills with a challenge if you’re up for it 💪

You can find us on the interactive map here:
https://www.eventeny.com/events/map/?id=28672&mid=20370

06/08/2026

What do volleyball games and powerlifting have to do with Pride Month? More than you might think. How Des Moines organizations are using fitness to build community and improve the mental health of LGBTQ+ Iowans. FULL STORY⬇️

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

Meet Pride Fitness DSM, an inclusive gym space serving the LGBTQ+ community throughout the Des Moines metro 🏳️‍🌈 Leah, owner, worked with Iowa Center business coaches to optimize her time and grow her small business! Leah was featured in our “Made in Iowa” small business panel discussion event, helping bring new visibility and clients to her gym and personal trainer program.

Check out the amazing work happening at https://www.pridefitnessdsm.com/

05/09/2026

Shout out to all the other small business owners!

Happy to the small business owners and entrepreneurs who connect our communities, making them colorful, flavorful, and fun places to live, work, and visit ☕☀ 🎨

Small business ownership comes with countless rewards and challenges, and The Iowa Center is proud to provide support and expertise through three direct lines of service: business coaching, access to capital, and tax services.

Learn more about our story and how The Iowa Center team is making a difference for Iowans: https://theiowacenter.org/our-story/

03/04/2026

One year ago, we opened the doors to a space that felt different.

Not louder.
Not flashier.
Just safer.

This room has seen:
First pull-ups.
PR deadlifts.
Nervous beginners.
Confident exits.

Strength looks different here.

And I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

Anniversary Open House on March 28th.
More details soon.

***rfitness