Her Story
About Kayla
My approach to training is holistic and mind-body focused. I have a dual bachelor's degree in psychology and politics, which shapes how I work with people. I love to push people past their perceived cap, whatever they think their highest potential is. I like to show them that they are capable of anything and everything that they put their mind to. Before becoming a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder, I was an elementary school teacher. I like to make sure people know that they're capable of hard things, and myself included. That's why I actually did the bodybuilding journey, because it was one of the hardest, most challenging, discipline-type journeys I've ever been on. I proved to myself that I am capable of extremely hard things, and I like to take that and transfer it on to everyone else. I work long days, typically starting at 4:30 AM with back-to-back training sessions, then training my own body for about 2 hours, followed by more client sessions throughout the day, often finishing around 8 PM. My days are very long but really fun and filled with people, learning people and talking to people, so it's never dull. I help clients reach various goals, from significant weight loss to building muscle for health and longevity, and I work to make the gym a comfortable space for those who feel vulnerable working out. I work at TMPL, a luxury gym, at two of their flagship locations, and I also do independent training. I find clients through social media and through the gym, often approaching people who might benefit from suggestions on form or technique.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say something that people don't often say: be gentle with yourself. As important as it is to stay active, rest is just as important, especially in this hustle and bustle society. You want to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward, and in order to do that, you also need to make sure your mind's in the right place, and you need to make sure that you do rest, and that you are capable of hard things. Burnout is real in this profession because you do work these long 12-plus hour days every day, and you don't really take too much vacation because if you're not working, then you won't get paid. You have to figure out and balance when to take the time that you do need for yourself to rest, because in order to be your best self, you do have to put yourself first. I'm here for all my clients, of course, but I want to make sure that I'm there for them as my best self, as my 100%. And in order to do that, I do have to take time for myself, whether that be a day, or a few hours, or just scheduling 45-minute breaks in between clients every now and again so I can catch breath and breathe and be refreshed for them.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Burnout is real in this profession because it is a hustle and bustle environment, and you do work these long 12-plus hour days every day. You don't really take too much vacation because if you're not working, then you won't get paid, and then you can't live. The challenge is trying to figure out and balance when to take the time that you do need for yourself to rest. In order to be your best self, you do have to put yourself first. I'm here for all my clients, of course, but I want to make sure that I'm there for them as my best self, as my 100%. And in order to do that, I do have to take time for myself, whether that be a day, or a few hours, or just scheduling 45-minute breaks in between clients every now and again so I can catch breath and breathe and be refreshed for them.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say a positive attitude is one of the most important values I bring from my personal life into my work life. I like to have the perception of just being positive, because sometimes I'm tired, of course, that happens. But you have to put your best foot forward and just be positive. Believe in yourself, believe in your clients. Sometimes you get a little bit of imposter syndrome while doing these things, but you just have to know that you've done this journey, you've gotten this far, and you can do it. I think just a positive mindset is quick and easy to change a perception or a doubt in the mind. Beyond that, longevity and independence are core values for me. I want to be independent forever, I want to be mobile and able. I want to be strong forever. I want to be able to walk myself when I'm older and be able to pick things up and open jars as I get older. As a woman, you lose bone density around a certain age, so you're losing your muscle mass, and it's harder to put it on. So independence and longevity drive everything I do.
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