Hometown: El Paso, TX
When and why did you come to Austin?
I graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos and decided to make Austin my new home.
What is your background? How did you get into personal training?
I began as a group fitness instructor in 2010 as a part time job and fell in love with helping people and seeing them thrive in their fitness journeys. I was enthusiastic about learning all of the different ways to teach and became certified in boxing, kickboxing, TRX, step aerobics, yoga, cycle, strength and circuit training, and wanted to keep learning.
I became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer in 2016 and have since continued my career as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, nutrition coach and have led my peers as a personal training manager.
Tell us about your current fitness goals and training.
My goals are constantly changing, and I’m currently focusing on improving my overall health and fitness in long term and sustainable ways. I’ve begun taking dance and yoga classes to compliment my strength and cardio to allow my body to move in all the ways it feels best.
What is the most common fitness myth you work through with your clients?
The scale is not the metric of health and progress. I’ve seen more definition in my physique at higher weigh-ins than I had expected, and I feel better when I’m not chasing a weight on the scale. We are all built differently and the scale is not a one size fits all.
What do you want your clients to take away from each training session with you?
I find value in just getting to know my clients on an intimate level and understanding all their personal needs are met. With my holistic approach to training, I prioritize having a deep understanding of their personal goals and creating programs to achieve them in a realistic and timely manner. My clients have called me “Caring Kelly” because I care about them as a person and all of their successes.
What sets you apart from other fitness professionals?
I believe in finding joy and empowerment in the process. I want you to laugh and learn along the way. I care about you connecting with yourself and I’m just a means of helping you get there.
Favorite quote and who said it?
“Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
I love Deadpool, because he is the ultimate example of coping with pain through humor. He’s hurting physically and emotionally and always pulls through with a smile on his face. He may not be the strongest, or smartest, or even the coolest. But to me, he’s one of the most relatable, sympathetic, and endearing characters.