CHATTANOOGA, TN —This Fourth of July weekend, Nashville Fit Magazine is spotlighting a true American hero who has taken his passion for service and transformed it into a mission to build healthier, stronger communities.
Meet Ben Monnette a former Green Beret, NASM-certified trainer, motivational speaker, and now CEO of Chattanooga Fit Magazine.
Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Monnette’s journey into fitness began on the soccer field. A standout athlete from an early age, he earned a Division I soccer scholarship to Bowling Green State University and later graduated from the University of Dayton with a master’s degree in communication management. But the corporate world didn’t satisfy his drive for purpose. After just six months in sales, he made a life-changing decision: he walked into an Army recruiter’s office and enlisted.
Soon he was off to Fort Benning in Georgia and started a military career that changed his life.
Ben quickly rose through the ranks, eventually earning his Green Beret in 2010. He served in the Special Forces for 16 years, completing grueling training schools like Ranger School, the Combat Dive Supervisor Course, and the Warrant Officer Course. Throughout his military career, Ben spent his career serving both in combat roles and diplomatic support, including U.S. Embassy missions. “I deployed eight times to the Middle East,” Ben recalls. “Some were combat-heavy, others in diplomatic settings. I got to see both sides of what service means.”
In December 2024, after sustaining hip injuries and facing mounting mental health challenges, Ben made the decision to medically retire. That pivotal moment set the stage for his next mission.
He now serves at the CEO of Chattanooga Fit Magazine, a franchise company of Nashville Fit.
After connecting with Nashville Fit Magazine founder Terry Barga, Ben was inspired to bring that same energy to East Tennessee. “Chattanooga Fit is here to spotlight the people doing the real work. The trainers, therapists, and wellness pros changing lives daily are why we do what we do,” Ben adds.
With his son already living in Chattanooga and a deepening passion for the mental benefits of fitness, he knew Chattanooga would greatly benefit. “Physical fitness saved me mentally,” Ben says.
Chattanooga serves East Tennessee as a city geared towards outdoor living and fun. Fitness starts in nature in this Tennessee city.
Being inspired by Nashville Fit Magazine, Chattanooga Fit is hoping to also promote collaboration over competition. Ben’s mission is clear: build a collaborative fitness community in Chattanooga, not one fueled by competition. With Chattanooga’s booming outdoor scene—surrounded by mountains, rivers, and endless trails—there’s no shortage of opportunities to get active. Whether it’s triathlons, rock climbing, or the city’s vibrant cycling culture, there’s something for everyone every weekend.
He believes in spotlighting the everyday heroes in the wellness world: physical therapists, independent trainers, chiropractors, and recovery experts who work behind the scenes to help others thrive. And with the launch of Chattanooga Fit’s digital magazine and podcast series, Ben is putting those professionals in the spotlight.
“Fitness doesn’t stop at the gym. It’s in how you eat, how you sleep, how you live,” Ben adds.
Ben’s approach to fitness is grounded in his personal life. Each day starts with a workout, sometimes at a CrossFit gym, sometimes lifting weights, and ends with recovery routines he’s learned from years of military conditioning. But it wasn’t until he met his wife that his perspective on nutrition and holistic wellness began to shift.
“I always worked out, but eating clean and prioritizing recovery? That’s something she helped me learn,” Ben shares. “The gym is just one hour of your day. “Fitness doesn’t stop at the gym. It’s in how you eat, how you sleep, how you live,” Ben shares.
The couple now prioritizes healthy eating, quality sleep, and time together, proving that a strong body and a strong mind go hand in hand.
Just a few months into its launch, Chattanooga Fit Magazine is already making waves. The team is preparing to release its first digital issue while expanding partnerships with companies like Vibrant Meals and Optimize U, both of which have made an impact in Nashville and are now becoming staples in Chattanooga.
From cold plunges to hormone optimization, Ben is all-in on redefining wellness. “Be gracious with yourself. Everyone’s body responds differently—your journey is your own.”
For those starting their fitness journey, Ben advice is simple but powerful: be yourself.
“Fitness is a marathon,” he says. His reminder? Don’t compare yourself to others. Find what works for your body, master it, and take pride in the small victories—whether it’s making your bed or showing up at the track.
Keep up with Ben and Chattanooga Fit on Instagram or on their website.
For media inquiries or fitness collaborations, reach out to the Chattanooga Fit team through Instagram or via email.
Fill out the form and get the latest issue delivered right to your inbox
