We recently connected with Kayla Keller and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I’ve taken to date was starting my own business. I had been encouraged by others for roughly 3 years, but truly let fear of failure hold me back. When the world turned into arguably one of the most unstable times with Covid, I was laid off and forced to re-evaluate what I truly valued in my life and what I wanted for my future. I gave more thought into what would develop should I go off on my own. A few months into the pandemic, I had another unexpected, life-changing occurrence that ended up pushing me head first into the deep end – no floaties! I put my trust in God that this was the next stage of my life He was calling me into and immediately got to work. I contacted all of my mentors just to make sure that what I visualized for my business was doable. While it was foreign territory for most of them, they encouraged me that I can and will. Anyone who tells you entrepreneurship is a roller coaster is not exaggerating. One day you may be overbooked and the next day only have one appointment. The passion is what keeps your head in the game and my faith is what keeps me centered. I am grateful to have a business that is still so young, and yet is thriving as it has. I give full credit for this to my supporters as well as God. I am only as strong as those around me.

Kayla, 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 have been practicing as an Athletic Trainer for 12 years, and hold a Masters of Education in Health & Kinesiology, with certifications in Corrective Exercise Specialist, Nutrition Coaching and Performance Enhancement. My specialties are Sports Medicine and combining injury prevention with personal training.

I served as a lecturer at the University of Texas at Tyler for the Department of Kinesiology (2011-2014). I have served as NBA Pre-Draft Medical Director and also provided services for the NFL Combine Prep Classes, NFL and NBA off-seasons.

Sports Medicine services provided are: dry needling, cupping, Graston, stretching, injury evaluation and rehabilitation and much more. I got into the industry because of the combination of sport and physical therapy. Athletic training is a very demanding profession, but incredibly rewarding in getting to work with others everyday on their journey to get better.

My proud moments come each time I see an athlete return to play following a major injury or when a fitness client has achieved a first or experiences a victory moment. Compassion is the glue to my business and I genuinely care about the success of each and every person who chooses High Level Fitness and Therapy for their needs. I am thankful each time I am trusted with an individual’s health.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

What proves to be most successful is building and maintaining your relationships with others. Sports Medicine is a highly competitive field in this area, and it is easy to be forgotten. When you take the time to get to know the client, what their needs are and most importantly what hasn’t worked for them in the past, this is what matters most. No one can do it alone. Talk to your mentors, ask clientele, especially your long-timers, for feedback. Most importantly, do not become complacent.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

I feel very fortunate that what I chose to study is what I still love doing today. Fitness was originally more of a side hustle for me, and expanding it out the last few years has proven to be just as satisfying. I cannot imagine being in another field.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.highlevelfittherapt.com
• Instagram: @highlevelfit