Meet Anna Benko

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Benko and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Fueled Fitness with one mission: to prove that you’re never alone in the fight—and you never have to give up.

This brand was born out of my own journey—one filled with hard days, small wins, and the powerful realization that strength isn’t just physical. It’s in showing up. In starting over. In pushing forward, even when no one’s watching.

What kept me going was community—the people who reminded me that every struggle, every step forward, and every comeback is worth celebrating.

Fueled Fitness is more than clothing. It’s a movement for those who refuse to quit. For the ones rewriting their story. For those finding strength in every setback, and courage in connection.

Every piece is designed to support your grind, fuel your confidence, and remind you: you were built for more.

This isn’t just activewear—it’s a symbol of resilience, community, and the power of not giving up.

We show up. We rise together. We are Fueled Fitness.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hi, I’m Anna Benko — founder of Fueled Fitness.

This brand was built from the ground up, just like me.

There was a time in my life when I didn’t recognize the person staring back in the mirror—physically, mentally, emotionally. I felt lost and disconnected, searching for strength in more than just a workout. So I started small. One workout. One better choice. One promise to myself to keep going.

That journey changed everything. It showed me what I was made of—and more importantly, it reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I realized that community matters. That showing up for yourself can inspire others to do the same.

Fueled Fitness was born from that transformation. From the sweat, the setbacks, and the breakthrough moments that brought me back to life. I created this brand to celebrate every step forward—no matter how small—and to remind others that they’re capable of so much more than they think.

Now, I design gear that empowers people on their own journey. Fueled Fitness is for the go-getters, the comeback stories, and the ones rewriting their narrative. You’re not just wearing activewear—you’re wearing proof that you’re still in the fight, and you’re not alone in it.

This isn’t just fitness apparel. It’s a movement for anyone who’s ever started over, pushed through, or kept going when no one was watching.

Every piece is made to fuel your confidence, support your grind, and remind you: you were built for this.

We’re not here to blend in. We’re here to break limits—together.

WE ARE STRONGER.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
📅 Day 1 – Riverfront & Downtown Vibes
Morning:

Start at Coolidge Park on the North Shore—enjoy the antique carousel and splash fountains by the river
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Stroll across the iconic Walnut Street Bridge for amazing skyline views

Lunch:

Grab artisan ice cream at Clumpies Ice Cream Co., a local favorite

Afternoon:

Visit the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the nation’s top aquariums featuring river otters, penguins, and IMAX films
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Dinner & Evening:

Head to Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery for a tasting and tour

Day 2 – Lookout Mountain Adventure
Morning to Early Afternoon:

Ride the historic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway to the top

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Hike and wander through Rock City Gardens, with its panoramic “Seven States” view
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Late Afternoon:

Explore Ruby Falls, the world’s tallest underground waterfall
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Dinner:

Dine in the St. Elmo neighborhood at Han Mi (Korean flavors) or Alleia for refined Italian
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Day 3 – Culture, Art & Chill
Morning:

Cozy coffee in the Bluff View Art District, then explore the Hunter Museum of American Art perched above the river
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Lunch:

Enjoy a casual lunch at Calliope Restaurant & Bar or Public House
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Afternoon:

Browse the Chattanooga Market (if it’s Sunday), featuring local crafts, food, live music
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Wander through outdoor art at Montague Park Sculpture Fields
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Dinner:

Treat yourselves to a Southern-Italian fusion dinner at St. John’s (James Beard-nominated) .

Evening:

Relax with rooftop cocktails at Whiskey Thief at The Edwin Hotel or Alchemy atop The Westin

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Day 4 – Water & Wilderness
Morning:

Go kayaking or paddleboarding on the Tennessee River—rentals and guided tours available via L2 Outside or Chattanooga Guided Adventures

Lunch:

Picnic along the Tennessee Riverwalk, a 13‑mile scenic riverside trail
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Afternoon:

If you’re up for it, take a Duck Boat amphibious tour, cruising both city streets and river .

Dinner:

Explore the vibrant Southside or Northshore neighborhoods for casual eats and bars.

Evening:

Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Southern Belle Riverboat, with dining and live music on the Tennessee River
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Day 5 – Thrills & History
Morning:

Drive out to the Ocoee River (~1‑hour away) for white‑water rafting – an exhilarating experience
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Afternoon:

Dinner:

Enjoy a prime cut at Bridgeman’s Chophouse or comfort food at Bluegrass Grill

Evening:

Consider a spooky ghost tour downtown, or catch live improv/comedy .

Day 6 – Outdoor Exploration
Morning:

Hike the scenic Big Daddy Loop on Lookout Mountain or opt for a thrilling hang gliding tandem flight

Lunch:

Grab a casual bite at Taco Mamacita or Maple Street Biscuit Company

Afternoon:

Visit the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum—enjoy vintage train rides and history
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Dinner:

Experience Southern classic Hennen’s or upscale comfort at Alleia

Day 7 – Farewell Favorites
Morning:

Ride a Swincar electric off-road tour through forest trails

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Lunch:

Hearty sandwiches and salads at Honey Seed Café or STIR
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Afternoon:

Wright some souvenirs at Moon Pie General Store, visit Hunter Museum or stroll through Ross’s Landing parks
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Dinner:

Final evening at The Hot Chocolatier for luxe chocolate drinks and bonbons

I love going out to eat and checking out new foods so that would be a must and visiting all the outdoor spots here in Chattanooga!

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?
I would like to recognize both of my parents for instilling the hardworking spirit in me. They both showed me that you can do anything you set your mind to and you choose your own path. They showed me that if I don’t like where I am at or where I am going, I can get up and do something about it.

Website: https://www.fueledfitnessllc.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fueled.fitnessllc/

Image Credits
Myself (Anna Benko)