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

Alma, appreciate you joining us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

When I first got into the health and fitness world, I started as a group fitness instructor teaching Yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing and a personal trainer. I thought it would mostly be about reps, sets, meal plans, and motivation. And yes those things matter. But I had no idea just how deeply personal and emotional this work would become. I remember one of my first clients. She walked in nervous, quiet, and convinced she couldn’t change. She told me, “I’ve tried everything. I always fail.” We started small. We celebrated tiny wins. Week by week, I watched her show up, even on the days she didn’t want to. Especially on those days. Months later, she came in after a session and said something I’ll never forget. She looked at me, teary-eyed, and said, “I feel like I got my life back. I don’t hate myself anymore.” That hit me like a truck. And that wasn’t the only moment like that. I’ve had people tell me they can sleep through the night again. That their chronic pain is finally manageable. That they feel stronger, more alive, more in control. One dad told me he could finally play soccer with his son without feeling like he was going to collapse. One woman told me she wore a bathing suit for the first time in 15 years — and didn’t hide behind a towel.
This job has taught me that fitness is never just physical. It’s emotional. It’s mental. It’s deeply human. People walk into gyms carrying so much more than weight — they carry stress, trauma, shame, self-doubt. And when they start to move, when they start to believe in themselves, it’s like watching someone slowly come back to life. The joy I feel isn’t just from seeing someone hit a PR or lose a few pounds — it’s from seeing them light up. From seeing their posture shift, their energy change, their mindset evolve. From knowing I helped guide someone out of a place where they felt stuck or invisible — and into a version of themselves they’re finally proud of. That’s why I do this. Not just to change bodies, but to help people remember their strength in every sense of the word.

Alma, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Alma and I’m a Fitness Club General Manager. I began my journey in fitness 20 years ago as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. I didn’t always know this would be my path. Like a lot of people, I got into fitness for personal reasons, to feel better, healthier, more in control. But what started as my own journey quickly turned into a passion for helping others. Once I saw how powerful fitness could be, not just for physical health, but for mental clarity, confidence, and overall well-being, I knew I wanted to be a part of that transformation for others. It’s about helping people feel capable again, or maybe for the first time ever. As a fitness club general manager, my goal is to make sure everyone is taken such great care of that they come back again tomorrow one step closer to their health and fitness goals. The greatest satisfaction is the deep sense of connection and purpose when you’re able to serve others in this way. The health and fitness journey is personal and can sometimes be a struggle, but being able to show someone that they are capable of so much more than they think is a powerful thing. You get to inspire, motivate, and empower others to take control of their health and well-being, and there’s no greater gift than helping someone unlock their full potential

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Becoming a single mom 12 years ago changed everything for me but it also gave me the strength and determination I never knew I had. I can recall juggling a full-time job, taking care of my kids, and trying to keep it all together. I knew something had to give, but I had no idea how to change the course of my life. Fitness had always been a passion of mine, but it was never something I thought could become more than just a personal hobby. That was until I realized that the very thing that had always kept me grounded, being fitness, could also help me create a life of independence and purpose. But getting started wasn’t easy. I had to work around my kids’ schedules, find ways to prioritize my health while managing responsibilities at home, and face countless doubts about whether I could really make a career out of this. There were times I wanted to quit, when the balance between mom life, work, and my dreams felt impossible. But the thought of providing a better life for my children, showing them what it means to fight for something you believe in, kept me pushing forward. I started small. I trained in every spare moment I had. Early mornings, late nights, and even while my kids were napping. I took courses, went back to school, attended seminars, and learned everything I could about training, nutrition, and coaching. I went through setbacks, I stumbled, and I faced some of the toughest moments of my life. But each challenge only strengthened my resolve. My kids saw me struggle, but they also saw me keep going, and that made all the difference. Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say that what started as a dream is now my career. I’ve built a business that not only supports my family but allows me to help others transform their lives. I’m no longer just surviving; I’m thriving. I’m proud to be an example of resilience. That it’s never too late to change your life, and that no matter the obstacles, you can always find a way to move forward. Fitness gave me the strength to overcome challenges, to find myself again, and to build a future for my children

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale can be a challenging but rewarding aspect of leadership. One key resource for effective team management and leadership is the book “Coaching for Improved Work Performance” by Ferdinand F. Fournies. It provides insights into how to guide teams, offer constructive feedback, and create a positive and high-performing environment.

Create a supportive and clear communication culture

Constructive feedback and praise

Allow team members to make decisions within their roles and encourage them to take initiative.

Encourage a growth mindset and celebrate progress

creating an environment of trust and respect, you not only boost morale but also help your team feel more invested in their roles and motivated to perform at their best. When morale is high, your team doesn’t just perform better, they thrive, both as individuals and as a collective unit