We recently connected with Kelsey Gordon and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Interestingly enough, I am currently in the middle of taking a BIG risk. A pretty life changing risk. I recently left a gym that I have worked at for 4 years to pursue full time building my own training business and brand. Deciding to walk away from the certainty of a busy class (fitness) schedule and consistent client base to go all hands on in my business hasn’t been without much consideration. It’s been a lot of waiting for the perfect time and moment. That “in a perfect world” type of situation.
After being asked a few times in the last year, “So what’s next?” I felt like it got the wheels spinning. When I got into fitness, the goal was always to start my own business and to have a little more say in my accessibility for people/clients. I wanted to be able to reach more individuals to help people reach their fitness goals. I didn’t know if that meant in person, online or what. But the goal has always been to help others.
And we all have to start somewhere. The only way to get good at what you do, is to do it! So I trained clients, I taught classes, wrote workout after workout, and kept trying to learn as much as I could. I built this knowledge to help people. I think along the way, I was always planning for “whats next!” I didn’t always know it, but I was building the knowledge and ability to finally take the risk.
I’ve found as I’ve gotten older that I don’t want to live this life afraid of what’s next. I think that uncertainty is scary, its RISKY! But not jumping in and taking this risk, betting on ME… I would forever wonder, “what if?” And for me, I decided that I needed to answer that question for myself, and not wait for anyone else to for me.
So cheers to all the people wondering “what’s next?” or contemplating a change… TAKE THE RISK. BET ON YOU! You’ve got this!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello everyone! I am Kelsey Gordon, personal trainer and owner of Kelsey Shay Fitness, a personal training/fitness company. I provide in-person and online 1:1 training, customized training programs, and group/event fitness classes. I’ve been working in the fitness industry for about 6 years now.
I relocated to Middle Tennessee in 2012 and began working in the recruiting industry. Like many people, I found myself stagnant and wanting more out of my days. I got into the fitness industry as a former collegiate athlete that was just constantly looking for an outlet after graduating. While working in the recruiting industry, I continued to workout and prioritize my health post college career and eventually decided that I wanted to help others do the same. I realized through a few injuries, that it was imperative to continue to move my body as I got older. I decided to get my certification and then went back to college and got a second degree in Exercise Science.
I try to meet each client where they are in their fitness journey and then establish and develop a plan to help them achieve their goals. Every client has a different set of skills, experience level and requires different attention. I work to make sure everyone’s individual needs are met.
I love to see the change in people. Not just the physical changes people make, but the mental and emotional changes they make. Watching them realize they are capable of more. I love those lightbulb moments when a client is finally understanding a movement, or when they’ve met a new milestone. That new PR or growth through movement.
I’m most proud of my transition and growth in the last few months. I’ve continued to come into my own in the last year within the training space and am eager to continue growing training in Nashville.
I think what sets me apart from others is my versatility and ability to really connect and build relationships with my clients. I take pride in getting to really know these people.
I am extremely proud of all the clients and gym members that I’ve had the opportunity thus far to train or coach! I hope to continue to be a small part in peoples fitness journey. At the end of the day, I want potential clients/ followers/fans to know that there is no secret to this fitness thing. It takes time, effort, hard work, honesty and commitment to yourself every day. Ultimately, I want to see people build healthy habits that help them better live their everyday lives. I want to help people become healthier, more confident individuals and to realize their power!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think that staying honest and true to the clients is what has helped me continue to grow within the market. I’m a people person, and want nothing but the best for my client. Putting them first is and has always been my main objective. By taking the time to understand what they want or need, and focusing on that, I think that’s whats helped build a positive reputation.
How did you build your audience on social media?
To be honest, building my audience on social media is still a work in progress! I’m trying to figure it out every day! Being affiliated with a gym for most of my training career didn’t hurt when building an audience, but I’m learning that quality content is key. Content is general is cool, but good content, factual, evidence or science based, educational content is what has helped me the most. Your audience needs to know that you are interested in their interests, that you understand their wants/needs and that you are giving that helpful information. Your audience needs to know you, You need to be relatable.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kelseyshayfitness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyshayfitness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelseyshayfitness/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseysgordon/
Image Credits
Rachel Deeb Jeston Cade