Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Petersen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been coaching professionally for over 10 years. I offer a holistic approach to wellness, including strength training, nutrition counseling, belief-system work, and energy healing services. In my earlier years in the fitness industry, I personally competed in national figure competitions (2007-2012) and continue to prepare competitors for local and national level shows.
I was introduced to kettlebells back in 2008 and loved the mind-body connection it required. I had to be fully present to harness the movements. In this, I became stronger, leaner, and improved my cardio capacity beyond belief.
That being said, kettlebells have become my niche in the training world; although I practice a full integration of bodyweight training, barbell exercises, yoga and kettlebells. I am an RKC team leader in Chicago, which means I help organize and teach kettlebell certifications to fellow trainers. The kettlebell is just one tool we use; but the system itself teaches us how to move in our bodies safely and athletically.
My mantra is to keep it simple and keep it fun. Workouts are a time to check into our bodies and nourish them. We should look forward to this as a self-care routine, not as an obligation or punishment. My hope is to create a welcoming space to tap into your body’s authentic nature. I believe this task is necessary and magnificently beneficial for every human being, from someone who has never-worked-out to a professional athlete. I offer 1-on-1 sessions, group classes, and have a handful of projects in play to continue spreading the fitness fire!
Has it been a smooth road?
One of the biggest hurdles in running my own business is the ebb and flow of clients. When I worked at a corporate gym, I could count on almost too many training hours. The beauty in the “ebb” times is that it allowed me to stretch and expand my practice. I found that learning reinvigorated passion; and passion always pulls people toward you.
Another struggle was finding balance in being a professional “body/lifestyle” role model and releasing self-judgement and pressure. We are all human, doing the best we can. Although I am teaching people to tune into their bodies, it doesn’t mean I have absolute mastery! I have always practiced what I preach and find that exposing personal vulnerabilities can really help other people find their own footing along this path.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Active Evolution – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am the co-founder and sole trainer for Active Evolution. I specialize in teaching powerlifting and kettlebells in 1-on-1, weekly classes, local workshops, and national certifications, I offer nutrition packages that work with habits, meal-planning, and undoing negative belief patterns. I am also a Reiki practitioner and work with clients 1-on-1 for healing/counseling sessions.
I dance across several studios, HiFi Fitness, I.D. Gym, Evolve Fitness, and Go Row, and love being able to reach more people in this way. I am blessed to be immersed with talented colleagues and do collaborative work with many of the trainers in the city.
I am also the co-founder of KETTLE PRT, a kettlebell and lifting competition hosted in Chicago biannually (www.kettleprt.com). Our next event is coming up May 6, at Movement Republic CrossFit. This is my baby and one big channel through which we have been weaving Chicago fitness community together!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I LOVE Chicago summers! It’s almost cliché to say, I know! There’s nothing like that first 60-degree day when the whole city comes alive. I look forward to the days of outdoor patios, paddle boarding, and biking without 100s of layers!
What I like least is the lack of open land. I crave trees, mountains and water; so, I try to plan enough vacations to feed my soul!
Pricing:
- *1-on-1 Sessions $95 (ask about packages)
- *Nutrition Packages beginning at $400+
Contact Info:
- Address: I.D. Gym, 2727 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614 - Website: www.activeevolution.net and( www.kettleprt.com)
- Phone: 402 871 4242
- Email: petersenkatie1@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiepetersen22/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katie.petersen2
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/katie-petersen-chicago
- Other: http://experentialwisdom.blogspot.com/
Image Credit:
Mary Carol Fitzgerald
John Ducane
Jon Mackoff
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.
