She’s Behind Battle Republic, One of BHAM’s Coolest Gyms
Meet Lindsey Miller Neal, one of the women behind the popular boxing-inspired BHAM gym — Battle Republic. Image: Taylor Waisanka
Lindsey Miller Neal didn’t set out to have a career in fitness. For years, she worked in the food and beverage industry, helping to grow eateries like Zoës Kitchen. But Lindsey’s love for people eventually drew her to the boutique fitness scene. She believes small gyms with unique concepts have the power to not only help people get in shape but to build community too, as they give folks a place to belong. That’s precisely what Lindsey and her business partner, Leah Drury, strive to do at Battle Republic, a popular boxing-inspired boutique gym in Homewood. We’re excited to introduce our newest FACE of Birmingham, Lindsey Miller Neal.
How did you get into fitness and boxing?
I actually have no boxing background, and I have very little fitness background, but I have always been a big sports fan and played sports growing up. I guess I’ve been a Sporty Spice my whole life. I worked out when I felt like I had to or needed an outlet.
I loved the boutique fitness scene. It was something that I always had a lot of interest in. Boutique fitness has always been something that I thought was a big part of the community, made people feel better, and gave people a place to be.
What inspired you and your business partner to open Battle Republic?
Truthfully, I just wanted a concept like this to go to every day, and we didn’t have anything like it. It was in cities like New York or Los Angeles, and I felt Alabama deserved that, too.
What makes Battle Republic different from other gyms?
There is something about hitting a bag in a low-lit room that makes you feel alive. It makes you feel like you can take on anything that that life throws at you.
What should people know before coming to their first Battle Republic class?
No experience is necessary! It sounds intimidating and like something you can only do if you’ve boxed before, but that’s not true. This is a place that will welcome and embrace you whether you’ve thrown a hundred punches or none. Our coaches do a fantastic job of meeting people where they are. We just want people to walk through the doors and give us a chance to meet them.
We’ve dubbed 2024 the year of “more than,” which means life is meant for more than just getting by. Often, people are scared to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. I would challenge people to come in — we will remind you that you’re meant for “more than.”
What advice would you give someone who wants to commit more to their fitness this year?
Fitness has to be about more than just how you look. You’ve got to remember the other things that come with it — how much lighter you are mentally when you put in physical work and how your longevity and quality of life are impacted. You feel better, you have more confidence, and you have an outlet so that you can turn your anxiety and your mind off for a little bit to spend some time with yourself. This is a long game.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
There’s one good piece of advice that I got from my cousin when I was moving away from Alabama for a while for work — “Never get too far from your roots, or your tree will fall.” It teaches you to lean in on your family and faith when things get hard. Your roots can ground you.
What do you like most about Birmingham?
I think from a business standpoint, the thing I love most about Birmingham is that there’s this vibe of collaboration over competition, especially with female entrepreneurs. Also, I like that Birmingham feels like a small town but still has some big city amenities.
I love the rolling foothills. I think there’s a natural beauty about Birmingham that most people probably take for granted. And I am all about the food scene here in Birmingham.
I’ve met some of the coolest people in my life here in Birmingham, so at the end of the day, I have to love somewhere that gave me such good people.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
My husband and I have a place down on Perdido Bay, and we just love to be out on the water. Fishing with a cold beer in my hand and looking at the sunset is pretty hard to beat.
I love to travel. I love Alabama football. I have a two-year-old daughter, so it’s fun to take her places where she gets super excited — like seeing the Frozen characters or taking her to Saw’s for French fries.
Tell us about some of your favorite places in the Birmingham metro area.
If we’re going out and get to pick, we’re going to The Essential or Jinsei. We like The Battery for watching football games, and it’s hard not to love Helen and their biscuits. I’m an oyster girl, and they do it right at Automatic Seafood; the hospitality there is incredible. As for bars, we love Adiõs. If we want to have a mom and dad night out, we’re probably going to Neon Moon or Brown Derby.
As far as stores go, I love Manhattan South, and I love Effie’s in Homewood. I called them the other day and needed a cocktail dress for a wedding party. When I got there, they had all these dresses pulled and in a room for me. I was in and out in 30 minutes with a dress in my hand. As a busy business owner with a two-year-old, you just can’t beat that!
LIGHTNING ROUND
When and where was your last great vacation?
I got married last February. For our honeymoon, we went to Cabo for a week and stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Resort. It was incredible waking up every morning to whales coming out of the ocean. It felt like we could reach out and touch them. And the hospitality is unmatched.
What was the last book you read, or what are you currently reading?
I’m the world’s worst at finishing books, but I really like to read business books. Buy Back Your Time is the last one that I read. It’s great at reframing things you should outsource to ensure you don’t overwhelm yourself and get burned out as a business owner and a family manager. [That way], you can do what you do best and create a higher value with the time you have.
A really great book I always go back to is The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. It’s a great recalibration about the business world. I probably should be reading more books about parenting, but the other book I read last was Potty Training in 3 Days, and we absolutely crushed our potty training. Go team!
What’s on your bedside table? A lot of books that still need to be read, a picture of my husband and myself and my little girl Miller Jean, a beautiful tray made from resin, and my wedding bouquet.
Aside from faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without. A good pinot noir, my skincare routine, and hair blowouts.
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Javacia Harris Bowser
Javacia Harris Bowser is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and the founder of See Jane Write, an online community and coaching service for women who write. With over 20 years of journalism experience, Javacia has received awards from the National Federation of Press Women, Alabama Media Professionals, Alabama Press Association, and the Alabama State Council on the Arts. When she’s not writing, she’s usually practicing Pilates, getting her 10K steps a day, or watching crime shows. Follow Javacia on Instagram @seejavaciawrite.