Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Brandon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kayla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my fitness Instagram account while completing Kayla Itsine’s Bikini Body Guide (BBG) in 2016 as a way to document my fitness journey. I had been working out since freshman year of high school a decade prior, and really only ran and completed low-intensity workouts for the longest time.
Fast forward to when my mom had spinal fusion surgery in 2015, and the doctor advised me to start building bone density and strength by lifting weights a few times a week. The fact of the matter was this: if I didn’t start building up bone density before the age of 30, I would probably have that same surgery one day.
So, I started attending Body Pump classes twice a week for all of 2015, but by the end of the year, I felt I needed more of a challenge — which is where BBG comes in.
Since then, I studied for and obtained a certification in personal training through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and created an 8-week workout/healthy lifestyle guide called “The Functional Fitness Method.”
Currently, I teach a bootcamp class every Monday night at Southport Fitness. I absolutely love the comraderie and clients that attend my weekly class. I try to leave every person with a bit more motivation and strength, and I think that’s what makes great trainers!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest roadblock to living a healthy lifestyle and sharing it with others is having confidence.
Like many women, I have struggled with body image issues and comparing myself to others, but that has only ever resulted in diminished self-esteem and a bad attitude.
It is a daily practice to be confident and grateful for what God has given you, and I truly don’t think it’s something I will *not* work on.
My best advice is to remember Instagram is a highlight reel and you never know what another person is going through.
We’d love to hear more about KB Fitt (blog + personal training website).
I am working on making the KB Fitt tribe more about holistic health than just physical health, which is something I tout in my Instagram feed, blog and 8-week workout guide.
Most of my close family and friends know me as the health nut, wellness junkie and spirituality seeker. While I am Catholic, I believe things like a daily gratitude practice or meditation are essential in living a truly balanced life.
To date, I’m most proud of being a source of encouragement for those who reach out to me. I get messages on Instagram, emails and even text messages on a weekly basis asking for information on managing anxiety naturally, go-to recipes, workout tips and even questions about my faith. I always want to keep the door open for women to talk to me about any wellness-related issues they might be having!
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Nike coined this phrase long ago, but I find it’s relevant to almost every aspect of your life:
Just do it.
If you’re thinking about trying a workout class, meeting a new group of girls for coffee or building your side hustle, just do it and don’t think twice.
Start small, set realistic goals and be honest with yourself — these three tips are ones I live by.
Pricing:
- $20 for 8-week workout guide
- $10 for weekly custom meal plans
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kbfitt.com
- Email: kaylabrandonfitness@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla__brandon/
Image Credit:
Celena Kinsey, Austin McClelland, Kayla Brandon
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
