Today we’d like to introduce you to Giovanna Knudsen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
While studying Animal Science at Colorado State University, I unexpectedly found my passion in teaching barre classes. What started as a side job quickly became the highlight of my week. I realized that what truly lit me up was helping others feel strong, empowered, and connected through movement. After graduating, I asked myself the big question: What do I want to do every day that makes me excited to get out of bed? I kept coming back to fitness and wellness.
That led me to pursue certifications as a Personal Trainer and a Registered Yoga Teacher. Over time, I continued to deepen my education, eventually becoming a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, a certified Health Coach, and an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200), which allows me to train others to become yoga instructors.
In late 2019, a local yoga studio closed after only a few months. It was a beautiful, brand-new space, and with encouragement from my family, I reached out to the former owner. That leap of faith changed my life. After putting our own vibe and energy into the space, we opened the doors to Rogue Awakening Yoga & Strength Training on June 20, 2020—right in the middle of a pandemic. Since then, we’ve navigated COVID, outgrown our original space, moved to a larger location, and welcomed my first daughter, Teagan, into the world. Along the way, we’ve weathered staffing changes and growing pains, but we’ve always stayed rooted in our mission: helping people become the most aligned version of themselves through movement, mindfulness, and community.
Today, Rogue Awakening is celebrating five years in business and has grown into something bigger than I ever imagined. We’ve expanded into Altitude Social House, a collective of women-owned health and wellness businesses under one roof, including services like IV therapy, cold plunge and sauna, fertility and pelvic floor physical therapy, co-working, and more. We host events like yoga teacher trainings, wellness retreats, community markets, and summer fitness pop-ups to continue building meaningful connections in and outside of our studio.
Our team has never been stronger. We’ve refined our business practices, clarified our vision, and we’re now focused on sustainable growth—not just in numbers, but in impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but I’ve come to learn that the most meaningful growth usually comes from the messy, in-between moments.
We opened Rogue Awakening in June 2020, right in the heart of the pandemic. Starting a business during a time of such uncertainty forced us to be flexible, creative, and incredibly resilient from day one. Like many small businesses, we had to adapt constantly—pivoting to online classes, managing ever-changing safety protocols, and trying to build a sense of community without being physically close to people.
Once things began to stabilize, we outgrew our original location and made the huge decision to move into a larger space. That move came with its own set of challenges—construction delays, budget surprises, and all the stress that comes with taking a big leap. But ultimately, it allowed us to expand not only Rogue Awakening, but also create Altitude Social House, a collaborative space filled with other women-owned wellness businesses.
On a personal level, I also became a mom during all of this. Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship is no joke—especially while running a business that operates early mornings, evenings, and weekends. There were moments of burnout, uncertainty, and lots of trial and error in trying to do both well. We’ve also gone through staffing changes, learned tough lessons about leadership, and spent years refining our systems to create a more sustainable business model.
But through it all, the vision never wavered. Every challenge shaped us. And looking back, I’m proud of how far we’ve come—not because it was easy, but because we chose to keep showing up, growing, and staying aligned with our purpose. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rogue Awakening/Altitude Social House. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Rogue Awakening is a yoga and strength training studio that lives at the intersection of movement, mindfulness, and community. We’re known for blending modalities—offering everything from high-intensity strength training to restorative yoga and breathwork—so our members can train hard, recover well, and build a deeper connection with their bodies and minds. We’re not just a fitness studio—we’re a place where people come to grow, heal, connect, and evolve.
We specialize in creating well-rounded humans. We believe that true transformation happens when you combine movement with intention, community, and consistent support. Our class schedule is designed to help people build strength and flexibility, but also to tune in and slow down. Whether you’re here for personal training, a yoga class, or to deepen your practice through our 200-hour yoga teacher training program, our goal is always the same: to help you feel your best, inside and out.
We’re especially proud of the energy and culture we’ve cultivated. From day one, Rogue Awakening has been rooted in authenticity, inclusivity, and connection. Our team genuinely cares. We know our members by name. We celebrate their wins in and out of the studio. And we walk the walk when it comes to wellness—meeting people where they are and encouraging sustainable, aligned growth.
What sets us apart is that we don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach to fitness or life. We offer personalized health coaching, encourage cross-training across our class modalities, and create space for people to check in with themselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally. And beyond the walls of our studio, we’ve grown into something even bigger.
In 2023, we expanded into Altitude Social House, a collective of women-owned wellness businesses under one roof. This includes everything from IV therapy and cold plunge recovery to pelvic floor physical therapy, a co-working lounge, child watch, and event space. Altitude is about building community and making holistic wellness more accessible and collaborative. We host events, retreats, workshops, community classes, and markets—all with the goal of helping people reconnect to themselves and each other.
At the heart of it all, we want people to know: this is a place to come home to yourself. Whether you’re stepping in for your first class or looking for a space to fully evolve, Rogue Awakening and Altitude Social House are here to support the version of you that’s ready to rise.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is authentic connection—with ourselves, with each other, and with the work we put into the world. I believe that when people feel seen, supported, and safe to show up exactly as they are, transformation becomes possible—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
That’s what I’ve tried to create through Rogue Awakening and now Altitude Social House—spaces where people don’t have to pretend to be anything other than themselves. Whether it’s a new mom rediscovering her strength, someone walking into their first yoga class after years of self-doubt, or a small business owner pouring their heart into their craft—I care most about creating environments where people feel empowered to grow, heal, and thrive.
I think connection is the foundation of everything. It’s what gives life meaning, what makes challenges feel more manageable, and what allows us to keep going even when the road isn’t smooth. That’s why I do what I do—and why I’ll keep showing up, in business and in life, with heart and purpose.
Pricing:
- Complimentary 30-Minute Health Coaching Session: We offer a free session to help new or existing members choose the best membership based on their goals, lifestyle, and schedule.
- Flexible Class Options: We offer a variety of memberships that include various perks like 24/7 gym access, InBody scans, buddy passes, and more. We have Unlimited membership options and our popular Flex 8 Pack—so whether you want unlimited access or a set number of classes each month, there’s an option to suit your needs and schedule.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rogueawakening.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogueawakening and www.instagram.com/altitudesocialhouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rogueawakening and https://www.facebook.com/people/Altitude-Social-House/100091511287518/
- Other: https://www.altitudesocialhouse.com
