Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Carlton.
Hi Kellie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been in the fitness industry for 34 years and have been a full time trainer for 26 years and have trained 4300 clients from age 9 to 94. I can train all ages but work primarily with the 50 and over age group doing corrective exercise and allowing my clients to regain their balance and live a healthy and active lifestyle. I work with and have helped people that have arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, strokes, parkinsons, heart issues, mental disabilities, hearing impaired, visually impaired, knee and hip replacements, Type 1 and 2 diabetes, and back issues. I also help my clients by reducing their weight and body composition through program design and nutritional consultation.I think the most important factor behind my success is when I first started in the industry I worked at supplement stores and learned the education about sports supplements and nutrition which has helped throughout my career with custom programs for clients, I also work with the whole person, I believe in a holistic approach, It’s not just the physical, but mental too. I’m an empathic person and can understand people and that’s where I can custom tailor to their individual needs. I train every person.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the struggles along the way have been that I worked in gym’s that went out of business or became a new company with no warning. One happened in 2003, I showed up to train clients and there we’re locks on the door with a sign that said go to the other location. Another one was in 2014, it had almost gone out of business with only a couple of months left before it luckily was bought out by another owner. This also happened in 2018 with the same situation, but did go out of business in 2020. I found out by driving by the gym and the staff was taking treadmills out to the parking lot. I asked what was going on and they said we lost the gym. In each of these cases I had to either switch locations or go to a new gym, which meant I had to rebuild my clientele. Fortunately I was able to and have loyal clients that have followed me to the various locations. One of my clients has trained with me since 2018 and still does to this day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a people person, I like doing creative things, and working with psychology, anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, and physiology. By helping other people I also become understanding of my own condition having cervical dystonia, which is a muscle and nerve condition of the neck. We share ideas, they help me and I help them. It creates community. I am a versatile trainer and can think quick on my feet. I can train anyone at any age, whether it’s sports specific or a health condition or injury. If I have a client that I’m getting ready to train and I’m focusing on lower body and they come in and tell me they hurt their knee or back I can design their program around that and change it quickly, not only changing their workout, but have them do stretches that will help with their injuries and mobility.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My client Laura is 51 years old and has been training with me for 6 years. She has lost 20 pounds, her body composition is down, she is leaner and stronger. In the past she was always active but her workouts were mainly cardio based. With a family member who has a physical disability and whose needs continue to grow, she realized she had to become strong in order to assist. That’s where her journey with strength training began. With a busy schedule she decided working with a personal trainer and taking muscle group classes was the best path for her to remain accountable and dedicated. She still incorporates cardio and yin yoga into her workout schedule too. Being as physically active as she is has changed her life for the better. Her mental health has also improved. The goal of helping her family member has also been achieved.
She feels truly lucky to have the opportunity to train with me. She feels I am knowledgeable, personable, and a supportive trainer. I have been her guide to achieving her goals, and living healthy and strong! I am very proud of Laura’s accomplishments.
Also, a thank you to my honey who is my biggest supporter!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelliecarlton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellie.carlton1
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-carlton-b16b2334
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cinema06
- Yelp: Mountainside Fitness Mesa
