We recently connected with Ashlee Pulliam and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlee, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

The fitness industry often promotes an unrealistic, thin ideal of beauty and health. This creates significant hurdles for those who don’t fit this narrow mold, especially plus-sized individuals like myself. It’s disheartening to face doubts about my credibility as a Group Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer, based solely on appearance.

I never imagined myself in the fitness industry, let alone co-owning a studio like Kratos Fitness & Performance Group. Initially, my self-doubt as a plus-sized person kept me behind the scenes. However, with a push from my partner, Clarence Gleton, I stepped into the spotlight.

The overwhelming support I’ve received has been humbling. Many clients connect with me because I understand their struggles firsthand. As a plus-sized person on my own fitness journey, I offer a unique perspective.

It’s time to challenge the bias that plus-sized individuals can’t be qualified fitness professionals. Our unique experiences and knowledge can empower others to embrace health and fitness at every size. Let’s work towards an industry that celebrates all bodies.

Ashlee, 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?

I’m a resilient cancer survivor turned Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer on a mission to help others achieve their health and wellness goals. My journey to becoming a beacon of hope was far from easy. Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2017, I underwent surgery and radiation treatment. While these challenges were immense, it wasn’t until a severed ACL injury in 2018 that my life truly transformed.

During my recovery, with the support of my now business partner, Clarence Gleton, I discovered a profound passion for fitness. It became my lifeline, helping me regain both physical and mental strength. Realizing the transformative power of exercise, I pursued certification as a fitness trainer, and now hold group fitness classes at my fitness studio, Kratos Fitness & Performance Group.

Having battled cancer and overcome a major injury, I deeply understand the challenges my clients face. I create personalized fitness plans tailored to individual needs and limitations, offering unwavering support and motivation every step of the way. I’m living proof that resilience, positivity, and a healthy lifestyle can conquer any obstacle. My story is a testament to the belief that everyone can achieve their fitness goals.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

For as long as I can remember, the conventional wisdom was clear: finish school, get a “good job”, climb the corporate ladder. It was a well-trodden path, a blueprint for success. I followed it diligently, trading my time and energy for a paycheck, a sense of security wrapped in a familiar routine.

A growing restlessness began to gnaw at me. The rigid structure of someone else’s schedule felt increasingly suffocating, stifling my creativity. I craved autonomy, the freedom to chart my own course. Entrepreneurship had never been on my radar, but as Kratos Fitness & Performance Group expanded and the demands of early hours loomed, the allure of independence started to shine through.

Unlearning the ingrained belief that employment was the sole path to fulfillment was a challenging process. It involved confronting fears of failure, financial instability, and the unknown. When I quit my job and began my journey towards entrepreneurship, a sense of liberation grew. It has been a journey of self-discovery, of realizing that my worth wasn’t defined by a job title, but by the impact I could create.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

What started as a passion project in 2020 has evolved into a full-time mission. Kratos, born from outdoor bootcamps, transformed into a boutique gym in 2021. Since relocating to our new Redford space in March 2023, we’ve expanded to offer 1:1 training, group fitness classes, and nutrition coaching.

Our unique approach centers around family fitness. We believe in the power of shared goals and offer children’s training at no extra cost. Kratos is more than a gym; it’s a community dedicated to helping families achieve their health and fitness aspirations together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kratosfpg.fit
• Instagram: @kratos_fit_boss

Image Credits

Dele Nguyen