Growing up in Holton, Kansas, Ryann Bowser learned firsthand how difficult it can be to live authentically in a small-town setting. As a lesbian, she faced consistent discrimination throughout her life. Unfortunately, that didn’t change when she stepped into the fitness industry.
As the general manager of a CrossFit gym after college, Bowser hoped for an environment where she could thrive both personally and professionally. While her sexuality was no secret, Bowser found herself unable to openly express her identity or support LGBTQ+ causes without backlash. The breaking point came during Pride Month, when she proposed programming one Pride-themed workout per week. Instead of fostering community, her efforts led to 15 membership cancellations.
“That was enough,” Bowser said, reflecting on her decision to leave. Her experience sparked a mission: to start a gym where people could feel comfortable, safe, and celebrated for who they are. “Where we can be ourselves, where we can be visible, and where we can hang a pride flag and have people actually support it.”
The Birth of Rare Breed CrossFit & Athletics
In 2023, Bowser turned her vision into reality with the opening of Rare Breed CrossFit in Kansas City, Missouri. Her gym, now home to nearly 100 members, is a beacon of inclusivity, with more than 65% of members identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. For many, it’s the first gym where they feel truly safe and welcomed.
“People feel safe in a gym for the first time,” Bowser explained, highlighting how much of Rare Breed’s success is rooted in the inclusive culture she has cultivated. From the outset, her goal was to build a space that prioritized acceptance and community, and she succeeded.
The PushPress Difference: A Partner for Growth
While Rare Breed CrossFit & Athletics’ culture is the heart of its success, Bowser also credits PushPress with playing a vital role in streamlining operations and enhancing the member experience. From day one, Bowser adopted the full suite of PushPress tools, including Core, Grow, Train, a branded app, and a PushPress-built website.
Bowser pointed to the Social Feed in the PushPress Members App as a standout feature that has strengthened her gym’s community. She uses the feed to celebrate member milestones, announce events like happy hours, and promote initiatives such as bring-a-friend days.
“This helps build our community by giving everyone the opportunity to post in there,” Bowser shared. “It gets people participating in events they might not have otherwise attended, and it gives us a chance to banter a little bit, too.”
PushPress Grow has also been instrumental in Rare Breed CrossFit & Athletics’ growth. With 40 to 50 leads flowing in monthly from advertising campaigns on Google, Facebook, and Instagram, Grow ensures no lead slips through the cracks.
“Grow puts everything in one place,” Bowser explained. “You don’t have to go search on different sites or social media platforms for your leads. They come straight to you.”
Grow’s automation features have saved Bowser countless hours. She highlighted the ability to schedule and send bulk emails or text messages, which keeps members informed about gym events and updates. The Grow workflows, in particular, have been a “game changer and a time saver,” allowing Bowser to focus on nurturing her leads and supporting her members without the burden of manual follow-ups.
A Vision for Growth Using PushPress
Bowser’s journey with Rare Breed CrossFit & Athletics is far from over. Her goal is to grow her gym to 150 members while maintaining the inclusive environment that makes it so special. She’s confident PushPress will remain a key partner in achieving this vision.
“Their software is user-friendly and saves gym owners and managers so much time,” Bowser said. “If you do the workflows upfront, you’ll save yourself hours per week on lead nurture and follow-ups with current clients.”
Beyond the software, Bowser has also been impressed by PushPress’s customer support. “They reply within minutes, and the fix is usually right after that. I haven’t ever been on a call with a PushPress member that I don’t like. They are all great people and want to help you succeed.”
Creating a Community That Changes Lives
Rare Breed CrossFit & Athletics is more than a gym—it’s a community built on acceptance and empowerment. With PushPress handling the operational side of the business, Bowser has been able to focus on what matters most: providing a safe, supportive space for her members.
“It’s a safe space for people like me,” Bowser shared. “A place where everyone can be themselves.”
For Bowser, creating an inclusive space isn’t just a goal—it’s a mission. And with PushPress as her partner, she has the tools to make Rare Breed CrossFit & Athletics a thriving gym community that continues to change lives.
