We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carly Fauth. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carly below.

Hi Carly , thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

The defining moment in my career came when I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. As a lifelong fitness professional and advocate for a healthy lifestyle, the diagnosis felt like the ultimate test of everything I had built my career around. My approach to fitness has always been centered on making movement accessible and sustainable, emphasizing 15-minute safe, effective workouts and consistency over perfection. Little did I know that this philosophy would become my lifeline.

During treatment, including 16 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, I committed to staying active, even if it was just 15 minutes a day. I leaned into my method—not as a trainer, but as a patient—modifying movements to honor what my body could handle each day. This approach not only kept me physically strong but gave me mental clarity and a sense of control in an otherwise uncontrollable situation.

That experience transformed my career from simply teaching fitness to becoming an advocate for the power of movement in every season of life, especially during life’s toughest challenges. It reinforced my belief that fitness isn’t about aesthetics or perfection—it’s about resilience, and those 15 minutes can be life-changing. It’s now my mission to help others discover their own strength through movement, no matter their circumstances.

Carly , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Carly Fauth (FitFunCarly), a lifelong fitness enthusiast, movement mentor, and founder of FitFunCarly, where I help people discover the power of movement to transform their bodies, minds, and lives. My journey into fitness began as a personal passion and side hustle for years that grew into a professional mission to make fitness accessible, effective, and enjoyable for everyone. I teach yoga, strength, barre, cardio, aqua fitness and everything else in between! For years, I’ve specialized in quick, 15-minute workouts that fit seamlessly into even the busiest schedules, focusing on safety, consistency, and mental health benefits.

In 2024, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Despite undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, I never missed a workout or fitness class. I relied on the very philosophy I teach my clients: that even small, consistent movements can lead to incredible strength—both physical and emotional. This experience reshaped my mission, and today I also mentor cancer patients, helping them stay active through treatments and recovery with personalized fitness programs that honor their unique journey.

In addition, I started a podcast, “Chemo Coffee Talk” from my chemo chair. Since finishing my treatments, I have continued the podcast from my kitchen. My goal is to help take some of the fear out of cancer by encouraging people to talk about it. Each episode instills hope, resilience and even a little bit of humor! I also wrote a book during chemo that was published in October of 2024. “Pray for the Bear” is a guide for ordinary people to find extraordinary strength.

What sets me apart is my commitment to meeting people where they are, whether they’re busy professionals, new to fitness, or navigating a health challenge. Through FitFunCarly, I offer virtual fitness classes, a supportive online community, and mentorship programs tailored to individual needs. I also developed The GIFTT+Program (Guidance, Inspiration & Fitness Through Treatment and beyond), which helps cancer patients stay strong during and after treatment.

I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on people’s lives—helping them feel stronger, healthier, and more confident, no matter their circumstances. My work goes beyond fitness; it’s about resilience, empowerment, and finding joy in movement. For me, fitness isn’t just a career—it’s a calling to help others uncover their strength, one step, stretch, or squat at a time.

Whether you’re looking to reignite your love for fitness, prepare your body for surgery, or simply start moving again, I’m here to guide and cheer you on every step of the way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the most defining stories of resilience in my journey happened during my battle with triple-negative breast cancer. As a fitness professional, I had built my life around the belief that consistent movement—no matter how small—could transform both the body and the mind. That philosophy was put to the ultimate test when I was diagnosed.

I underwent 16 weeks of aggressive chemotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy. Every day brought physical challenges, emotional exhaustion, and moments of fear. Yet, through it all, I made a promise to myself: I wouldn’t stop moving. Even if it was just 15 minutes of gentle stretching or a modified version of a workout, I showed up for myself. Staying active gave me a sense of control over my body when so much felt beyond my control.

There were moments when movement felt impossible, but I reminded myself that resilience isn’t about doing it all—it’s about showing up, however you can. My dedication paid off. Not only did I maintain my physical strength, but I also gained an incredible mental toughness that carried me through treatment.

This experience solidified my mission: to help others uncover their own resilience, whether they’re fighting cancer, recovering from setbacks, or simply striving to live healthier lives. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession. Helping people find their strength through movement has been one of the greatest joys of my life. However, if I could change one thing, it would be to trust my gut and take the leap into pursuing this path earlier.

For years, I hesitated, feeling like I needed everything to be perfect before I fully committed to building my fitness business. But looking back, I realize that perfection wasn’t necessary—passion and purpose were enough. I had the tools, the drive, and the vision; I just needed to believe in myself.

When I finally did take the leap, it transformed my life. Not only was I able to turn my love for fitness into a career, but I also found my true calling: helping others discover their own strength, especially during life’s toughest moments. My journey through breast cancer reinforced that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be this: trust your instincts, take the leap, and don’t wait for everything to feel perfect—because the right time is now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fitfuncarly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/fitfuncarly/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitFunCarly
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChemoCoffeeTalk
• Other: My book: https://a.co/d/bgQAcqm
  My Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hJZy7LfoTykRvkjj9XCVW?si=f861dfb58d1344ea