BeachLIFE Fitness

If you've spent any time in Perdido Key, chances are you’ve passed the vibrant Villagio complex or walked along the sugar-white sand with a smoothie in hand—and maybe, just maybe, you’ve heard about BeachLIFE Fitness. This community gem is more than just a workout space; it's where wellness meets welcome, thanks to its founder and local powerhouse, Jenn.

I (Valerie Hawkins, owner of Perdido Realty Vacations) recently caught up with Jenn to learn the story behind this laid-back yet energizing local business, and—spoiler alert—it’s as inspiring as it is beachy.

Jenn’s journey to Perdido Key began like so many stories here—with the military. After growing up on a cattle ranch in Montana (yes, the real-deal ranch life), Jenn and her family moved to the Pensacola area as part of a military relocation. With over 20 years of experience in fitness management under her belt, she didn’t waste time getting involved.

“I met the owner of a local bootcamp, gymnastics, and yoga studio and asked if I could teach,” Jenn told me. That owner soon faced another military move and offered Jenn the opportunity to take over the studio in 2016.

From there, BeachLIFE Fitness was born—not just as a gym, but as a community-driven space intentionally designed to reflect the spirit of Perdido Key.

What sets BeachLIFE Fitness apart? For starters, there’s no pressure and no pretense. Jen created a “come-as-you-are” environment—welcoming everyone from traveling vacationers and busy parents to active-duty military and local retirees. Whether you're into yoga, strength training, or just want to pop in for an open gym session, you can pay per class, per week, or grab a drop-in pass.

“There’s this fun mix of people who come through our doors,” Jenn says. “Travelers, locals, military families—we’ve built something where anyone can walk in and feel like they belong.”

Six years ago, Jenn expanded into retail with a boutique inside Villagio, carrying popular brands like lululemon, Free People, and Kendra Scott. There’s also online shopping for those who fall in love with the vibe and want to take a piece of Beach Life home.

But behind the fitness and fashion is a whole different kind of lifestyle—farm life. When her husband retired from the military, they bought a farm together. “We have the whole situation,” Jenn laughs. “Cattle, pigs, chickens, goats.” It’s a nod to her Montana roots and another way she finds balance in her life.

Jenn doesn’t just run a business—she leads a movement. Her calm energy, welcoming smile, and deeply rooted belief in community are the heartbeat of BeachLIFE Fitness. Today, she works with a team of 30 people nationwide to keep the mission growing.

For Jenn, it’s about more than physical wellness—it’s about creating a space that feels like home, whether you’re here for a week or a lifetime.

So next time you're in Perdido Key and looking for a way to move your body, center your mind, or just feel like part of the tribe, pop into BeachLIFE Fitness. You might come in for a class, but you’ll leave with a whole lot more.