Meet Betsy Archer (she/her)—a movement expert with a sharp wit and a softer side for helping people reconnect with their bodies. With a background that blends fitness and social work, Betsy brings a unique, compassionate approach to personal training. She’s a Health at Every Size (HAES)™ and Trauma-Informed trainer who believes movement should feel good—not punishing—and that every body deserves respect and care.

Her journey into body acceptance began years ago as a young soccer player who was told she was “too big” for the team. That moment shaped her mission: to help others break free from diet culture, move joyfully, and heal their relationships with exercise and themselves.

Beyond the studio, Betsy’s creativity and humor shine through—whether she’s designing a wall pattern inspired by a favorite pair of leggings, crafting intricate Halloween costumes for her kids, or doting on her cat, Uncle Steve. She’s also had a delightfully eclectic job history, from donning a CareBear suit in downtown Atlanta to serving as a secret shopper on Greyhound buses.

In this interview, Betsy shares how she built a career around inclusive, body-positive fitness—and how movement can be both empowering and deeply personal.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional background?

I am a clinical social worker by training. I got my personal training certification in 2013 and opened my home-based gym in 2018. I moved into a brick and mortar in August 2019 and have grown exponentially, year over year, since.

I have been in Asheville on and off for 30 years, having come to WNC in 1995 to attend Warren Wilson College. My wife and I came back for good in 2011 when our oldest child was 6 months old. We now have a very tall 14 year old and 11 year old twins. I love to garden and lift heavy weights and play pickleball with a bunch of crazy ladies!

What inspired you to pursue your current career or business venture?

I wanted to create a gym where I would love to spend time. I got tired of the culture of traditional gyms and the way that diet culture thrives off making you feel bad about yourself. I wanted to create a space where each person can claim and exert their autonomy, and where they are fully supported as they create sustainable and accessible movement practices that help them feel better in their bodies so they can do the things that make them happy.

How has being a queer professional influenced your career path and experiences in the workplace?

Being queer definitely impacts my desire to create an inclusive space, where any person in any body can show up and feel supported and accepted just as they are.

What advice would you give to other queer individuals looking to advance in their careers or start their own business?

Being an entrepreneur can be incredibly lonely. Align yourself with like minded individuals and stay connected. I have two business owners I meet with quarterly to talk about our businesses and life. This group has made me feel not so alone.

Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful experience you’ve had as part of this business networking group?

I am new to the group!

How can the members of our networking group support you and your endeavors?

Like any business, particularly in a small city, word of mouth is our best advertiser. Tell folks about us! Come take a class!

What role does the local community play in your success, and why do you believe buying local matters?

Because we are a business that serves the local community, the role played is everything! The community really is the center of all that we do. We are interested in each other’s lives. We care about how people are and what they are doing. We want each other to be successful. This type of investment spreads. Buying locally helps strengthen the local economy. It helps create jobs that further support our neighbors. Buying local makes us all feel connected to something bigger than ourselves.