We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelly Hafer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Sadly, I have learned, not everyone has your best interests at heart. There are some people who are only interested in bettering themselves at any and all costs. Not everyone is trustworthy, nor does everyone deserve your trust. I am an open book, and have nothing to hide, so I am very open, trusting and share with everyone. It has caused me to fail many times,because not everyone I’ve vented to, or shared with is really a friend or confidante. Some people enjoy seeing others fail, because it makes them feel better about themselves and when you shine too bright or succeed they feel threatened. I still struggle with this. I feel like everyone should be helping, and supporting everyone.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a mom & wife first, then a group fitness instructor and personal trainer, as well as a Program specialist & retreat leader. I have not always been into fitness. When I started my journey I was overweight, unhealthy & unhappy. I struggled with body image issues my entire life. I didn’t have a very good family support system as a young girl, which led to a lot of very negative situations. I began drinking at a very young age to cope with trauma and self esteem issues and continued drinking quite heavily until 12 years ago. When I quit finally.

In March 2018 I was about 226lbs+, unhappy with myself & unhappy in general. Now, almost 49 years old, I’m stronger AND more importantly HEALTHIER then I have been in many years, Like MANY MANY years. I started drinking & partying when I was very young, as in 13…. so although I had a more “fit” per sey body, I was already not healthy… sad story really, but had things have gone differently I wouldn’t be who I am today or where I am today, so that’s that. My drinking continued and became more extreme the older I got. Honestly though, I did take a little break from about 19ish – 23ish, kinda….

But mid 20s to mid 30s all I did was drink. My body looked pretty freaking AWESOME, but I was very weak & unhealthy. 12&1/2 years ago my life changed for the better in so many ways, and I stopped drinking, but lost my identity along with that. It was hard & depressing. I gained weight, my liver was healthy for the first time in 35+
years, but I was struggling. 6&1/2  years ago I made a huge leap of faith and chose to join a gym, I fell in LOVE with working out, it became my life! I wanted to help others make that leap, & help them on their journey. That’s why I became a fitness professional. I haven’t looked back since. My body, my mind, my heart & my spirit are so happy & so clear now. I share this to help inspire anyone else who may be struggling with anything. My sisters who are quite a bit older then me are very unhealthy & have a lot of health issues. They are embarrassed to go to the gym for fear they will look stupid or people will laugh or whatever. I know there is an entire population of people who feel that same way, and I want to be that bridge to help people find themselves again. To support people who are unsure. to inspire people to start their own health, wellness and fitness journeys.
You are NEVER too old to start, It is NEVER too late to find your purpose & passion.

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

Absolutely yes! Although I would’ve started sooner in life. There are a few things I would change, as far as knowing who you can & can’t trust, finding your lane & your tribe. And always, not matter what being who you are, truly, honestly & authentically.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Being approachable. Being authentic. No one is perfect, and no one should expect perfection. I feel like I can relate to almost everyone who comes to my classes, and who I train, because I’ve been in their shoes in one way or another. I’ve been overweight, I’ve been unhealthy, I’ve been depressed, lonely, sad. I’ve been an addict. And knowing it’s never too late to change your story & your path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kellyjhfitness
• Facebook: Kelly Hafer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings

Image Credits

I took all of the pictures myself