We were lucky to catch up with Katie Tucker recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Years ago, at the end of my maternity leave, I took a risk and left my career as a Research Psychologist as a civilian for the US Navy without a detailed plan of “what was next”. I was faced with trying to navigate the challenges associated with nursing a newborn, required traveling for my career and struggled with the idea of being “half in” for all things important to me. I had envisioned a career, but I couldn’t see how to match this vision with my dreams as a mother. Even though I took this risk, I knew there was more for me one day.

Making the decision to leave the corporate world didn’t make things easier, but it allowed me the space and time to achieve the parenting style immensely important to me, or at least what I had always envisioned. However, I can’t say there wasn’t sadness associated with leaving a career that I had worked for, for so long. Even having this fortunate option felt “wrong” to me as I was so hurt by not seeing, clearly, how to do both. Looking back, I know fear played a large role, but I made a choice that I do not regret. Feeling as though I must explain this decision is frustrating at times. Women are always scrutinized for their decisions, especially when it comes to motherhood and careers, and I find this insanely archaic.

I have always been self-driven, but the unknown was scary and maybe a little exciting. Who knew I would find a passion in fitness and helping other like minded women.

Katie, 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 am an ACE certified personal trainer, owner of Kat Tucker Fitness, specializing in training small groups of women where children are allowed to play and socialize themselves during class. I believe pregnant women are athletes and the strength of the female body is both impressive and often overlooked.

To give a little backstory, before the birth of my first son, I was craving social interaction for not only my child, but myself as a mother. I did not have a community of other mothers, and maybe, no community at all. This led me to find a fitness group where children were allowed, and encouraged to join in, socialize and witness their mothers engaging in healthy activities. No need to find childcare or stress about time away. It was more than I had hoped for and for years, this gave my family the community we needed. It also taught me just how important mental health is and how easily it can be ignored, especially in the early postpartum stages. I found the endorphins experienced with exercising helped with my ever-changing hormones and gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Within that time, an amazing friend and all-around support system saw my potential to help others. I became a certified personal trainer and began training the women I once trained alongside. I quickly realized I loved helping and encouraging others to find their daily outlet (can take the girl out of a career in psychology but can’t take the psychology out of a girl). I have kept my personal training certification not only through the pandemic by teaching classes over zoom, but also while having three other babies.

After the birth of my fourth and final child, I experienced a darkness that only some are brave enough to share. I had moved away from the community I adored, to be closer to family (and the beach), but it once again left me craving social interaction and I suppose, purpose (silly, right?). Not her fault, nor mine, I found my way out clutching to my love of fitness and reminding myself with the grandness of birth can also come massive changes with one’s own body, and maybe even more so, mind. I realized there weren’t opportunities within my new city for women to exercise with their children and find like minded fitness individuals. Thus, I decided to open my business hoping to rely on my own experiences and continue to help other women and mothers of all stages. If I had never taken the risk to leave the corporate world, I don’t believe I would have realized this passion for fitness and helping other women.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I opened Kat Tucker Fitness early May 2023 after relocating to the area not much earlier. I have relied on word of mouth in my small beach town and social media posts. I attended the grand opening of the recreation center I offer my classes and interacted with locals looking for strength and cardio type fitness classes. I regularly give out flyers and swag to those interested.

I also try to listen to those close to me. Sure, family and friends, but I have found in sharing my own experiences to other women I may meet (i.e., at the park) they become comfortable in sharing their own experiences. Since I see fitness so much more than just trying to achieve a number on a scale, I try to share my classes as something that can benefit them more holistically. Where we can find community and strength together. I often find women who are either nervous to start their fitness journey or even more so, find excuses to not exercise (such as having young children). I regard children as the reason to exercise to help both your physical and emotional strength, not an excuse to not exercise.

I believe in word of mouth and personal reviews to spread my business. Recently, I have also partnered with local online digital publications and others in the fitness community to spread my reach.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I still struggle with trusting myself. As many of us do, it’s so easy to feel “less than” or compare yourself to others. I always try to learn more within the personal training field and keep my classes fresh and unique. Each Kat Tucker Fitness class is developed by me with my clients (or potential clients) in mind. I love trying to find what motivates a client even if it’s difficult to determine. I always say “there is something for everyone in my classes.”

My goal is to give the motivation and belief that hard things can be done. And you may have fun while doing it. I am trying to unlearn that what I offer isn’t unique. That it is in fact special and needed. I believe so strongly in what I do, but self-doubt is always looming. Especially when my business is just that, a service where you must trust me.

I won’t say I have unlearned my self-doubt, as it is also what drives me to be better. I have learned to accept it as not necessarily a bad thing. The way I personally combat self-doubt is to always “stay hungry” in learning and obtaining information within the personal training field. I believe you must stay current, flexible, and open-minded to be successful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kattuckerfitness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kattuckerfitness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092456881493

Image Credits
Professional – Jomy Eileen Photography (Orlando FL)