We recently connected with Kelli Hahn and have shared our conversation below.

Kelli, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

The hardest part about being a personal trainer these days, is trying to set clients expectations in a realistic manner when they are exposed to the social media influencers, extreme trends, “perfect body” photos plastered everywhere, and all the people yelling “no pain, no gain!” The TRENDS in the fitness / health industry tend to be the problem instead of the solution. Many trends go to the extremes where the risk of injury can outweigh the benefits and some people even appear to take pride in their injuries. And the dieting trends have people eating 5% or less of your calories from carbohydrates or eliminating things like sugar or coffee or even fruits and carrots! The trends have also put into people’s minds that if you don’t have a 6-pack you aren’t fit; and now people are striving to have dangerously low bodyfat percentages.

The truth, however, is that for most individuals a “middle of the road” approach is the way to go. Yes, you should challenge your body in your workouts, but you don’t have to lift so heavy that you are increasing your risk of injury and you don’t have to feel completely exhausted after your workouts. Instead, your workouts should leave you feeling rejuvenated and energized, and sure, you might be a little sore too!

When it comes to a healthy diet, for most people, a balanced diet is the best approach. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, with the occasional sweet treats and salty snacks. No need to eliminate your favorite foods!

You don’t have to have a six pack or a model perfect body to be healthy and fit. A healthy body will have an appropriate amount of body fat and we all carry bodyfat in different places, so one person with a 6-pack might actually be less “healthy and fit” than someone without. If your body fat is too low you risk having low energy, acne, irregular menstrual cycles, heart problems, low testosterone, irritability, and much more.

Even when we are extremely fit, we all have a genetic makeup that makes us unique and makes our bodies all look and function differently. Instead of focusing on how our body looks, it’s important to focus on what our body can DO.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in Wisconsin, playing basketball through high school; despite my small stature of under 5 feet! During college I lost and missed my usual daily sports and movement and for almost a full 4 years I did very little, besides the “once in a blue moon” run, or the two times I went to the gym freshman year to lift weights. In my final semester of school I got extremely sick for an entire month from a wisdom tooth extraction and I remember thinking, “as soon as I feel better all I want to do is go for a run.” And that’s exactly what I did. I started running again in 2004, joined a gym and began lifting weights regularly, and haven’t stopped since.

During college I studied abroad in Italy and worked for a year in social work, then I packed my bags and moved to South Korea to teach English. My love for travel grew and I’ll tell you, I ran and went to the gym almost daily in Korea and I’ll never forget when one of my young students said to me, “Kelli teacher; you have MAN muscles!” Trust me, by American standards my muscles were not “manly” at all, but in Korea it was much less common for women to lift weights or have much muscle definition.

After Korea I found myself in Colorado working as a study abroad manager with an amazing group of people and I joined an Australian Rules Football team, which was such a fun experience! I even played on the US National Team and had the opportunity to go to Australia and play teams there. Then in 2012 I became a personal trainer.

I started off doing small group personal training and boot camps out at Red Rocks and then slowly transitioned to more private 1-on-1 sessions in a gym; to eventually changing my business model completely where I now go to clients homes.

I love this model as it’s a great way for the client to be extremely efficient with their workout by eliminating the commute to the gym; allowing them to have deliveries arrive while I’m there; their children can join us, they can even swap out a load of laundry mid-workout if they want!

By being in my clients’ homes I truly get to know them, their family, and their pets :) Plus I am able to show them exercises they can easily do in their home with their equipment even when I’m not there.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Personally I think that my ability to listen and adjust workouts for individuals is a strength I have and has helped build my reputation. I don’t do a cookie cutter workout for everyone and I listen to what people want and need. I work with my clients on their injuries and muscle imbalances and we find alternatives when one exercise no longer seems to serve them well. I push when they want to be pushed; I ease up when I can see their body is tired; I fit in functional movement and stretching and balance to help them get a well-rounded workout.

Some people don’t like to be pushed, so instead I nudge just a little. Some don’t like to sweat, so I slow things down. They still get a great workout and are becoming stronger, more flexible, and finding better balance, even if their workout style differs from mine. I’d rather help someone workout the way they want, so they continue to workout, then try to push them into a different style that they hate and eventually stop working out altogether.

I listen, I adjust, I push or nudge, and I help the client find a workout that THEY enjoy.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

In addition to personal training I also do Digital Marketing, which includes social media. The number one way to build your audience is to interact with potential followers. The more real you are, the more likely people will be to follow back. Liking and commenting on people’s posts is key. Make sure the comments are authentic and engaging. It’s also important to provide valuable content for others. Keep posts fun, entertaining, informational, and show some “behind the scenes” of your business and life. If you are only showing and trying to sell products, people will be less likely to engage. They want to know the person behind the product, to understand the struggles as well as the successes and most importantly they want to feel a connection and feel as though they can trust the person/brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: strongeryoufit.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stronger_you_fitness_denver/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrongerYouFitness
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-modica-4436a012/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEhL42WgLS3vK0bdr2gs35A
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stronger-you-fitness-denver