An Inspired Chat with Kelly and Matt Megyese of Ahwatukee

We recently had the chance to connect with Kelly and Matt Megyese and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly and Matt, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
When we first launched Illuminate You Fitness, our original plan was to find a brick-and-mortar space. But we decided to start with a mobile studio model instead so we could get to know the community, explore different neighborhoods, and build connections while keeping our options open. We held classes in a local dance studio and partnered with other small businesses to bring fitness into different spaces.

When the pandemic hit and everything shut down, we were so thankful we hadn’t signed a lease. That flexibility let us pivot quickly, keep serving our clients, and keep the business thriving. Looking back, what felt like a slower start was actually the smartest move we could have made.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, we’re Kelly and Matt Megyese, the husband-and-wife team behind Illuminate You Fitness (IYF) here in Phoenix. We started IYF because we wanted to make fitness feel personal, approachable, and—most importantly—flexible. Instead of jumping straight into a brick-and-mortar studio, we launched as a mobile and then fully online platform so people could take barre, Pilates, yoga, and stretch classes from wherever they felt most comfortable—at home, at the park, even on vacation.

Kelly is the one you’ll see on camera, leading classes, offering modifications, and cheering you on. Matt is the tech wizard and behind-the-scenes problem solver who keeps everything running smoothly—and occasionally pops in to say hi during class. Together, we’ve built a boutique fitness experience where you’re not just another face in the crowd—we get to know you, your goals, and how to help you feel your best.

What makes Illuminate You Fitness special is the connection we create, even through a screen. We keep classes small, interactive, and fun, and our “first five classes free” offer makes it easy for people to try us out. Right now, we’re expanding our on-demand library with fresh mat Pilates and core-focused classes, collaborating with local businesses for pop-up events, and finding new ways to bring movement into community spaces. Whether it’s online or in person, we love helping people find movement they enjoy and a community that supports them—no matter where they are.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
We think what often breaks the bonds between people is misunderstanding—or simply not taking the time to really listen to each other. In a fast-moving world, it’s easy to make assumptions, let small frustrations grow, or forget that we’re all carrying our own challenges.

What restores those bonds is connection—genuine, intentional connection. Sometimes it’s as simple as slowing down, asking questions, and really hearing the answer. Other times it’s showing up consistently, even in small ways, so people know they can count on you. In our work with Illuminate You Fitness, we’ve seen how something as simple as sharing a workout, encouraging each other, or celebrating small wins can bring people closer. When people feel seen, valued, and supported, those bonds become stronger than ever.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
One big shift for us happened around how we define “success” in our business. In the beginning, we thought success would be about growing as quickly as possible—more clients, more classes, more everything. But over time, we realized that what mattered most wasn’t speed or size, it was depth.

We changed our minds about chasing rapid growth and started focusing instead on creating meaningful connections, delivering high-quality classes, and making sure each client feels supported. That shift has not only made our work more fulfilling, but it’s also built a stronger, more loyal community. Sometimes, slowing down and focusing on the people right in front of you turns out to be the best way to grow after all.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the fitness industry tells itself—and everyone else—is that it’s all about how you look. You see it everywhere: social media feeds flooded with chiseled abs, perfect bodies, and the message that if you don’t look a certain way, you’ve somehow failed. But the truth is, fitness isn’t about fitting into a mold or chasing a certain image. It’s about feeling good in your own skin, moving in ways that make your body stronger and healthier, and building wellness that lasts for a lifetime.

At Illuminate You Fitness, we try to flip that script by focusing on how movement can support your overall well-being, no matter your size or shape. When you shift the goal from “looking good” to “feeling good,” everything changes—for the better. We call it ‘finding your shine’ which means discovering the best version of yourself through mindful movement, confidence-building workouts, and convenience with support.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If we retired tomorrow, we think our customers would miss the sense of community and personal connection we’ve built the most. Even though we’re often meeting through a screen, we’ve created a space where people feel seen, supported, and motivated—not just as clients, but as individuals.

They’d probably miss the small tweaks and modifications Kelly offers in classes that help everyone move safely and comfortably, no matter their level. And we hope they’d miss the positive energy and encouragement we bring to every session—because fitness is about more than just exercise, it’s about feeling good inside and out.

Plus, Matt likes to pop in sometimes to say hi to students, which adds a fun and friendly touch to our classes. And, full disclosure, some would probably even miss the moments when Kelly mixes up her rights and lefts while queuing—it keeps things light and reminds everyone we’re all human!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://illuminateyoufitness.com
• Instagram: @illuminateyoufitness
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/illuminate-you-fitness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminateyoufitness/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@illuminateyoufitness