Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Krystal Taylor. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Krystal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

When I first started online coaching, I had only three clients and was still working my full-time job. I wasn’t sure where this new path would lead, but there was one moment during a weekly one-on-one call that made me realize I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

One of my clients started our session by saying, “I have to tell you something!” She went on to share that she had gone to a wedding over the weekend and—for the first time in years—didn’t wear Spanx. I was so proud of her because I knew what a big deal that was for her. It wasn’t just about seeing the results in the mirror; it was about how she felt on the inside. Her confidence had grown so much that she realized she didn’t need shapewear to look and feel great.

That moment hit me hard because it wasn’t just a win for her—it was a win for everything I believe in. This wasn’t about quick fixes or crash diets; this was about a real mindset shift. She was starting to see herself in a whole new light, and I knew I had played a small part in helping her get there.

That call confirmed that coaching wasn’t just a job for me; it was my purpose. It reminded me that the work I do goes way beyond fitness—it’s about empowering women to show up for themselves and feel good in their own skin. That’s what keeps me going every single day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Krystal Taylor, the founder of Fitness Is NOT A Game. My mission is simple: to help women, especially Black women between 45-65, lose weight without dieting or exercising for more than 30 minutes at a time. My tagline, “Fitness is fun, but it’s not a game,” captures how I approach health and wellness—seriously, but always with a relatable and approachable tone.

How I Got Started
I never planned to be in the fitness industry. My background is in business—I have an MBA and a B.S. in Marketing. My interest in fitness began after having my second son and struggling to lose the weight. I started researching ways to shed pounds in a healthy, sustainable way. It really hit me how important health was, not just physically but mentally, when my mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Losing her in 2010 solidified how vital it is to take care of our bodies.

From there, I began challenging myself with races, like 5Ks and marathons, and even a figure competition in 2014. At the same time, I was creating workouts for friends and family, just for fun. That’s when I realized I could turn my passion into a career. It also helped that I’ve been some kind of coach or trainer my entire adult life, whether in the Army, as an adjunct professor, or as a corporate trainer. All those experiences prepared me for this journey.

What I Provide
At the core of my work is the F* The Scale System, my signature program designed to help women reclaim their health and confidence without obsessing over the number on the scale. This program focuses on creating sustainable, real-life habits by combining the three pillars of fitness: Movement, Mindset, and Mindful Eating. It’s a complete system for women ready to embrace their health journey, ditch unrealistic diets, and build lasting changes.

I also offer tools and resources to support this journey, including affirmation cards, exercise playing cards, cookbooks, and meal plans that align with my “F* The Scale” philosophy. Everything I provide is designed to help women simplify fitness, prioritize their well-being, and have fun while doing it.

The Problems I Solve
Many of my clients come to me feeling frustrated and stuck. They’ve tried every diet and workout plan out there, but nothing seems to stick. They feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. That’s where I come in. I help women cut through the noise with practical, manageable solutions. Whether it’s fitting in quick 30-minute workouts, making better food choices without feeling deprived, or shifting their mindset to focus on health over perfection, my goal is to make fitness a lifestyle, not a chore.

What Sets Me Apart
What makes Fitness Is NOT A Game unique is my approach. I don’t just focus on weight loss; I focus on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. My clients know they’ll get straightforward guidance with a touch of humor, all while feeling supported every step of the way. I meet women where they are, addressing everything from menopause and chronic conditions to the everyday challenges of balancing health with busy lives.

My tone and style are also key to what sets me apart. I’m relatable, approachable, and empathetic. My clients feel comfortable sharing their struggles with me because they know I’m here to listen, not judge. And while I’ll hold you accountable, I’ll also celebrate every win—there are no small wins—with you.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed in my clients. It’s not just about physical changes (though those are great too!); it’s about the confidence they gain, the strength they feel, and the lives they’re able to reclaim. When a client tells me they feel like themselves again—or even better than ever—it reminds me why I started this journey.

What I Want You to Know
The F* The Scale System isn’t just a program; it’s a movement. It’s about making fitness accessible, effective, and fun for real women living real lives. My goal is to show women that they can prioritize their health without giving up everything they love. If you’re ready to make lasting changes without dieting or spending hours at the gym, I’m here to help. And trust me, we’ll have a good time doing it.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

When it comes to building my reputation, I think it’s all about how I connect with the women I serve. I’ve worked hard to create a space where my clients feel seen, heard, and supported. They know I get it—I understand what it’s like to juggle all the things and still try to prioritize your health. That relatability is a big reason why they trust me.

Even though I’m an Army veteran, I’m not out here barking orders like a drill sergeant. Sure, I can give some tough love when it’s needed, but it’s always balanced with a gang of empathy. My clients know that I’ll hold them accountable, but I’ll also cheer them on every step of the way. They appreciate that I push them to do their best without making them feel judged or overwhelmed.

What’s also helped is my consistency. Whether it’s my weekly live sessions, the resources I provide, or how I show up in my programs, I’ve built a reputation for being reliable and delivering what I promise. People know they can count on me to give them practical, no-BS advice that actually works.

But more than anything, I think my reputation comes down to how I make my clients feel. They know I care about them as individuals, not just as people trying to hit a goal. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about gaining confidence, strength, and control over their health. And that’s what keeps them coming back and spreading the word.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies I’ve used to grow my clientele has been hosting free challenges. These challenges are a game changer because they give women the chance to really get to know me, my philosophy, and my coaching style—no strings attached.

During these challenges, I share practical, actionable tips that they can immediately apply to their lives. But it’s not just about the information; it’s about the connection. They get to see how I approach fitness and what it’s like to work with me. They see how I focus on making small, sustainable changes instead of pushing extreme diets or grueling workouts. By the end, they not only walk away with results but also with a better understanding of how fitness can fit into their real lives.

What’s been amazing is how these challenges turn into long-term relationships. Many of the women who join end up becoming clients because they’ve had the chance to see that what I offer is different—it’s relatable, effective, and built to last. Plus, they see that I’m genuinely invested in their success, which builds trust and makes them feel confident about taking the next step with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://FitnessIsNOTaGame.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessisnotagame/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessIsNOTaGame
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystalttaylor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FitnessIsNOTaGame

Image Credits

Ced Jay Photography

Travel Divas