Ellis Vale
If you’ve ever wondered how a former public-relations professional transformed into a celebrated fitness entrepreneur and body-image advocate, this in-depth biography of Bethany C. Meyers will deliver. From a turbulent upbringing to founding an influential fitness brand, this article unpacks every phase of her journey. You’ll see how she channeled personal struggles into purpose building a career grounded in inclusivity, self-acceptance, and body neutrality. Read on for a full timeline, major turning points, and takeaways you can apply to your own wellness or creative journey.
Early Life & Background
Bethany Christine Meyers better known as Bethany C. Meyers was born and raised outside of St. Louis, Missouri, along the Mississippi River.
Growing up in a conservative Christian family, she faced significant adversity: her father passed away when she was just 10 years old, and her mother remarried. During her early school years, she attended a private Christian school and was involved in competitive cheerleading. However, after her family began attending a more progressive church, she recalls being removed from sports teams and the cheer squad, an experience she has described as being rooted in harassment from school administrators.
At age 16, Bethany transferred to a public high school in Crystal City, Missouri, which marked a turning point in her youth.
Later, she enrolled in university in Chicago to study public relations. It was during her college years that she began struggling with bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa internal battles that would later inform much of her fitness philosophy and advocacy around body image.
This early background loss, isolation, rejection helped shape both her vulnerability and resilience. It also set the stage for a path that would challenge conventional fitness and body standards.
From PR to Pilates: The Unexpected Fitness Journey
Upon finishing college, Bethany moved to Los Angeles and started working in public relations, the field she had studied for. However, the corporate routine didn’t resonate. She later described the job as emotionally hollow: “I hated it” prompting a radical decision to quit and pivot entirely.
Around that time, she discovered a boutique fitness studio specializing in the “Megaformer” method, a high-intensity Pilates-based workout. The physical, human-centered nature of the work appealed to her. She started out as a studio manager and instructor, marking her first tangible step into the fitness world.
Her first big move came when a coworker opened a new studio in Dallas, and Bethany relocated there, a bold but necessary leap. She credits this period as the moment her career began to take off.
But growth required more change: after Dallas, she moved to New York City and joined a prominent studio called SLT Studio (commonly “SLT”). Over five years, Bethany served as the director of training and development, managing instructors, shaping class styles, and refining her teaching method.
Despite modest beginnings when her first New York classes sometimes had as few as two attendees she persisted. She trusted in her approach, leaned into her unique style, and gradually built a loyal following. The rise of her social-media presence amplified her reach.
This evolution from a PR graduate to a sought-after fitness instructor laid the foundation for her next big move: entrepreneurship.
Founding the be.come project
In July 2018, Bethany C. Meyers officially launched the be.come project her own fitness venture and brand.
The motivation? A lifetime of grappling with eating disorders, body image, and the pressure of “ideal” fitness standards. Bethany wanted to create a fitness experience rooted not in weight loss or body transformation, but in body neutrality, self-respect, movement, and accessibility.
With be.come, she offered mat-based, low-pressure workouts a blend of Pilates, yoga-style movement, strength training, and dance-like flow. Her goal was to strip away intimidation or “gym fear” and make workouts welcoming for all.
Rather than churning out elaborate libraries of hundreds of old routines, Bethany took a radically minimalistic and intentional approach: every week she would release a new 25-minute total-body workout, designed for repeat use across 14 days. This approach created consistency, avoided overwhelm, and fostered a sense of ritual.
The response was swift: her initial beta-launch goal was tripled, and she funded the project without needing outside investors. That gave her creative and operational freedom, something she values deeply.
Even her earlier classes at Studio B in Manhattan served as stepping stones before she expanded the brand online and opened a physical space in Union Square in September 2018.
Through be.come, Bethany began spreading a new message: “fitness doesn’t have to be punishment. Movement doesn’t have to be about shrinking, but about thriving.”
Philosophy & Fitness Style: Body Neutrality Over Body Goals
One of the most defining aspects of Bethany’s public persona and work is the emphasis on body neutrality instead of typical body-positivity or weight-loss oriented fitness.
Where many fitness programs promise dramatic before/after transformations, become focused on respect, acceptance, and sustainable movement. Bethany often stresses that movement should feel good, support mental health, and fit into individual lives rather than aim for a socially prescribed “perfect body.”
In interviews, she describes her classes as a mix of Pilates alignment, yoga flow, strength training, and rhythmic movement never boxed in, always welcoming.
That philosophy is meant to serve both people who love fitness and those who’ve been alienated by conventional gym culture: whether you’re a seasoned exerciser or a beginner, whether you’re dealing with body image issues or simply want to move in a way that feels right be.come aims to meet you where you are.
Moreover, Bethany’s own history including past struggles with eating disorders brings authenticity and empathy to her work. Her mission reflects hard-earned wisdom rather than marketing gloss.
Expanding Influence: Media, Advocacy & Publishing
Over time, Bethany’s influence extended beyond workouts and Instagram posts. She became a visible advocate for body neutrality, mental wellness, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
In 2023, she published her book I Am More Than My Body: The Body Neutral Journey. The book released by a major publisher — dives deep into her personal story, the harm of diet culture, and a practical framework for building a more peaceful, neutral relationship with one’s body.
In the book, she offers tools: journaling prompts, affirmations, exercises in self-compassion — not as quick fixes, but as long-term practices.
This move into publishing marked a shift: from fitness instructor to wellness thought leader. Bethany has embraced vulnerability publicly — owning her imperfections, her past pain, and using them to lead others toward healing and self-acceptance.
Through be.come, media appearances, interviews and her book, Bethany has positioned herself as a voice for a healthier, more inclusive kind of movement culture — one that respects bodies of all shapes, identities, and experiences.
Personal Life & Identity
Bethany C. Meyers uses she/they pronouns and identifies as nonbinary, queer, and bisexual. This identity plays a significant role in their worldview and informs their inclusive fitness philosophy.
In 2017, after 11 years of dating, Bethany proposed to actor Nico Tortorella. The couple married on March 9, 2018, in a civil ceremony at a Manhattan City Clerk’s office — followed by a gender-nonconforming vow exchange at St. Paul’s Chapel.
Their relationship has been described as polyamorous and fluid — they have both been open about dating other people.
In March 2023, Bethany and Nico welcomed their first child, a daughter named Kilmer Dove Meyers Tortorella, born via home birth.
Beyond her personal identity and family life, Bethany has also been vocal about past trauma: in 2018, she publicly shared being sexually assaulted by a former boyfriend — a revelation sparked in the wake of broader societal discussions around assault and consent.
All of this — identity, relationships, parenthood, vulnerability — feeds into her public mission: to challenge norms, dismantle stigma around bodies and mental health, and build a fitness/wellness community grounded in honesty, respect, and compassion.
Career Timeline: Key Milestones
Here’s a concise chronological breakdown of the major phases of Bethany C. Meyers’s life and career.
This timeline captures Bethany’s transformation: from a PR graduate grappling with personal demons to a wellness innovator with global influence.
Principles & Practices: What Makes Bethany’s Approach Distinct
1. Movement as self-respect, not punishment
Bethany rejects the standard narrative of “exercise to lose weight” or “get thin.” Instead, she frames movement as a way to honour your body — to feel strong, present, and alive. Her routines focus on posture, strength, breath, and fluid mobility rather than hyper-intensity, calorie burn, or body shaping.
2. Body neutrality over body positivity
Unlike many in the fitness/wellness space who push for loving your body unconditionally, Bethany promotes body neutrality: the idea that your worth isn’t tied to what you look like. Some days you might appreciate your body, other days you might not — and that’s okay. What matters is respect and compassion.
She argues that in a world dominated by diet culture and shifting beauty standards, neutrality can be more sustainable and less emotionally taxing than forced positivity.
3. Accessibility & inclusivity
From day one, be.come was built to be welcoming — for people of all body types, gender identities, fitness levels, or backgrounds. Her own identity as a nonbinary queer person strengthens her commitment to inclusion and empathy.
Workouts are simple, minimal equipment is required, and the tone is gentle — promoting sustainability. This lowers the barrier for people who feel alienated by traditional gyms or rigid fitness culture.
4. Vulnerability & authenticity
Bethany doesn’t shy away from sharing hard truths: her battles with eating disorders, trauma, fertility struggles, identity, and societal pressure. Rather than hiding vulnerabilities, she uses them to connect — creating community through shared humanity. This transparency resonates deeply with many followers.
Impact & Legacy: What Her Work Means for Fitness, Body Image & Wellness
Over the past decade, Bethany C. Meyers has significantly influenced how many think about fitness and body image. Here’s how:
- Challenging beauty norms: By prioritizing neutrality and respect over transformation, she pushes back against harmful diet-culture narratives.
- Normalizing nonbinary and queer identities in wellness: As a visible, vocal member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she expands representation in a space historically dominated by narrow ideals.
- Making fitness more accessible: With be.come’s minimal equipment and welcoming vibe, she lowers barriers for people intimidated by gyms — whether because of body insecurities, identity, physical limitations, or lack of time.
- Bridging mental health and movement: Through her own story of recovery and acceptance, she highlights the role of movement in healing body dysmorphia and building self-esteem.
- Educating through publishing: With I Am More Than My Body, she offers a structured guide to body neutrality — practical, reflective, and compassionate — reaching beyond just fitness into deeper self-work.
Her influence extends beyond Instagram or workout studios; it’s cultural, emotional, and psychological — offering a shift in perspective that resonates with many who’ve felt marginalized or pressured by conventional wellness culture.
Mini Summary Before Conclusion
Bethany C. Meyers’s journey is not just about workouts or fitness credentials. It’s about transforming pain into purpose, altering narratives around bodies, and building a space rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and realness. From a conservative childhood and personal struggles to global reach through the be.come project and publishing, she exemplifies how vulnerability and authenticity can become powerful agents for change.
Her approach reframes movement as self-respect, promotes body neutrality over aesthetics, and invites people of all identities and backgrounds to belong.
Now let’s look at the ongoing challenges and what to watch for in the future.
Challenges, Criticisms & Limitations
No journey — even one as inspiring as Bethany’s — is without complexity. It’s worth noting some realistic limitations and challenges that come with her brand and philosophy.
- Body neutrality may not feel enough for some: While many find peace in neutrality, others — especially those healing from trauma or chronic illness — may yearn for deeper body love or more intensive support. Neutrality is not a magic cure for all body image issues.
- Digital fitness limitations: As be.come largely operates online, clients may still miss in-person coaching, accountability, or hands-on corrections that come with live classes. For people new to movement, that can lead to form issues or limited progress.
- Privilege and intersectionality gaps: Bethany openly acknowledges that her own experiences are filtered through a body that has been accepted in many contexts (slim, white, non-disabled). What works for her may not resonate or apply easily to people with different bodies — larger bodies, disabled bodies, racially marginalized bodies. This underscores that body-neutral fitness must be part of a broader movement toward equity and accessibility.
- Sustainability vs. quick-fix mentality: In a world obsessed with quick transformations, be.come’s gentle, consistent method requires patience and long-term commitment — which may not align with everyone’s expectations. Some may look for dramatic results too soon and feel disappointed.
That said, acknowledging these limitations doesn’t diminish Bethany’s impact — rather, it highlights the nuance and realism in her mission.
What’s Next for Bethany C. Meyers & be.come
Looking forward, there are a few trajectories that seem likely based on her recent moves:
- Continued expansion of the be.come project — perhaps more varied classes, collaborations, and tools (e.g. pre/postnatal workouts, mental wellness modules, more community-driven content).
- Growing influence as a wellness author: With the success of I Am More Than My Body, she may write more, speak publicly, or collaborate with other wellness and mental-health advocates.
- Advocacy and representation work: As a queer, nonbinary fitness leader, Bethany is positioned to advocate for inclusivity — possibly engaging more deeply in social issues, visibility campaigns, and community building.
- Hybrid fitness models: A combination of online and offline offerings (physical studios, retreats, workshops) blending accessibility with in-person connection.
Regardless of the shape her future takes, the foundation she’s built — honesty, inclusivity, compassion — suggests lasting relevance beyond fleeting fitness trends.
Conclusion
The story of Bethany C. Meyers isn’t a typical “rise to fame” narrative. It’s far more layered — a journey shaped by loss, struggle, disenchantment, self-discovery, and vulnerability. But it’s precisely those early experiences that fuel the authenticity of her voice and the meaningfulness of her work.
Through her transition from PR graduate to boutique fitness instructor to founder and wellness advocate, Bethany has reimagined what fitness can be: a tool not for conforming to arbitrary standards, but for reconnecting with yourself. Her emphasis on body neutrality, inclusive movement, and emotional honesty sets her apart, and offers a powerful alternative to the mainstream fitness narrative.
If you take anything from her journey — whether you’re someone seeking healing, a fitness enthusiast, or a curious observer — let it be this: your worth isn’t defined by your body. Movement doesn’t need to be punishment. Healing often begins with acceptance. And sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is simply say: “I can do it.”
FAQs
Q: Who is Bethany C. Meyers?
A: Bethany C. Meyers is an American fitness entrepreneur, founder and CEO of the be.come project. She’s known for promoting body neutrality, inclusive workouts, and for her 2023 book I Am More Than My Body.
Q: What is the be.come project?
A: The be.come project — founded by Bethany in July 2018 — is a subscription-based fitness platform offering short, inclusive, low-pressure workouts (often 25 minutes) aimed at making movement accessible, body-positive, and free from weight-loss or appearance-based pressure.
Q: What does ‘body neutrality’ mean according to Bethany C. Meyers?
A: For Bethany, body neutrality means respecting and appreciating your body without the constant pressure to love it, change it, or meet societal beauty ideals. Some days you may feel good, some days not — but neutrality is about self-respect and compassion, regardless.
Q: When was “I Am More Than My Body” published?
A: I Am More Than My Body: The Body Neutral Journey was published on June 27, 2023.
Q: What is Bethany’s background before becoming a fitness entrepreneur?
A: Bethany studied Public Relations in Chicago and initially worked in PR in Los Angeles. Dissatisfied with the corporate grind, she pivoted to fitness, eventually working as a studio manager, then instructor — culminating in a leadership role at SLT, and eventually founding be.come.
Q: Is Bethany C. Meyers part of the LGBTQIA+ community?
A: Yes. Bethany identifies as nonbinary, bisexual, and queer.
Q: Why do people follow Bethany’s methods over traditional fitness routines?
A: Many are drawn to her methods because they emphasize self-acceptance, inclusivity, emotional and mental well-being over aesthetic goals. For people discouraged by conventional fitness culture — dieting, body shaming, unrealistic expectations — Bethany’s approach offers a gentler, sustainable alternative.
