Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kellie Gristchuk. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kellie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
I hope people would remember me as someone who cares about their Pilates experiences with me. I care a lot about the people I am so blessed to work with. I applaud them when they reach their goals whether they are small steps forward or leaps. I am also a shoulder to lean on during their struggles. I am compassionate about my work and want everyone to have the best experience. I hope they will say I listened and focused on them. I am building a community of people that want to feel good in their bodies. I do not push them to “fit” a certain type. I want to people to know that ALL bodies need to move and I encourage ALL bodies to move with me in class or an individual session.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Kellie Gristchuk and my Pilates journey began 7 years ago. But we have to back up a bit. In 2011 I was diagnosed with high blood pressure at the age of 45 and I panicked. I was out of shape and weighed just under 300 pounds. I know I needed help to get my blood pressure under control. So after a long health screening and clearing process I had Gastric Bypass surgery in 2012. I have since maintained a healthy lifestyle and was able to get my blood pressure under control I was introduced to Pilates and fell in love with the movement. I went thru 3 years of extensive training and testing to gain as much knowledge as possible to work with ALL kinds of people. I work with all ages and fitness levels. I work with people with injuries and with healthy people. I am proud of the education I received at Reforming Foundation Pilates and Wellness. Their training makes you think outside of the box and gives your the tools to work the bodies presented to you in the most effective and healthy way. My attention to details and my skill set to program sessions to most effectively help people reach their goals is what I am proud of. In my group classes I focus on safety first, movement second, and then I want them to have a fun experience.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I listen and I care. Over time I got to know the clients and I started to build relationships. Yes they come to work out, but you have to connect with them. I care, I care ALOT!! I can also relate to most of the clients because I have been unhealthy and healthy….. I know what’s is like. I also listen to them. I follow up on conversations we have had and ask questions. Building healthy bonds is what I do. Sometimes its just a text the next day asking them how they are feeling after their workout or just simply telling them they are amazing. When you LOVE what you do it does not feel like work.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social media is something I have learned overtime. You can’t just simply post sales type posts and schedule of classes. Your followers will think you are just trying to sell something everyday. I mix up all kinds of posts during the month. Some class related or promotions, but I also include personal family posts too. I keep a good variety going on my Pilates page on Facebook and Instagram. I also like to highlight videos from my sessions and classes so people can see what I actually do. For some, they don’t even know what Pilates is. I have build up my social media presence and I have received messages from people that my daily “Morning Motivation” posts really help them start their day. I post one every morning.
The best way to get started to take a calendar and plan our a month of posts. Make each a specific theme. For example, Tasty Tuesday for health recipes. Mindful Monday for mood clarity. Workout Wednesday for class scheduled…..
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Pilates_Kellie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcarlfitness/