Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kiara Burns. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kiara, 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 to be remembered for making movement feel possible—for every body, in every season of life. My goal has never been about chasing perfection or aesthetics; it’s been about helping people feel strong, connected, and proud of what their bodies can do. I want to leave behind a legacy rooted in accessibility, joy, and longevity—where movement isn’t intimidating, but empowering.

I hope people say that I made them feel seen. That I met them exactly where they were, and helped them move forward—literally and figuratively—with more confidence. Whether it was a dancer rediscovering their power, a grandparent gaining strength through a chair workout, or someone simply learning to move pain-free again—I hope I was part of what made that possible.

With Burns and Burns Gold, I’m building a lasting platform that prioritizes care, community, and consistency. I want to be remembered for creating a space where people felt better because they showed up—not just physically, but emotionally. A space where movement was never about “fitting in”—it was about coming home to yourself.

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

I’m Kiara Burns, a movement specialist, personal trainer, and lifelong dancer. I’m the founder of Burns—a digital fitness platform offering on-demand and live workouts that support strength, mobility, and confidence at every age and ability level. I’m also the creator of Burns Gold, a subscription-based program bringing safe, seated, and supported workouts to retirement homes and older adult communities.

My approach blends classical dance roots, deep knowledge of functional training, and thousands of hours of hands-on experience. Over the past 7 years, I’ve trained thousands of unique bodies—across all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. That real-time experience has shaped how I teach and how I connect—with intention, empathy, and a true commitment to helping people feel good in their bodies.

Movement has always been a part of my life, not just professionally but personally. My parents are two of the most active people I know, and their dedication to staying fit has absolutely shaped their zest for life. My dad lives with Parkinson’s and remains deeply committed to his fitness as a lifelong athlete. My work—especially with Burns Gold—is rooted in that same belief: that movement can be a lifeline, a mood booster, and a form of freedom.

The Burns app is truly for every body. While Burns Gold specifically supports older adults and those seeking accessible movement, the platform also includes more advanced offerings across strength training, Pilates, barre, and mobility. Whether you’re training from a chair or building long-term strength, there’s a place for you here.

What sets me apart is that this work is deeply personal. My grandmother inspired much of Burns Gold, and I carry her influence into every seated strength class I design. I also lead with inclusion—always creating space for people who may not feel represented in traditional fitness spaces.

What I’m most proud of is the community that’s grown from this work. Clients trust me not just because of credentials, but because I show up consistently, meet them where they are, and truly care. At the end of the day, Burns is about more than movement—it’s about feeling strong, connected, and empowered in every season of life.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

In January 2020, I took a leap—leaving behind the restaurant job that had been supporting my part-time group fitness work to pursue fitness full time. Just weeks later, the world shut down. Gyms and studios closed, and like many in the industry, I lost all in-person work overnight. I was receiving unemployment benefits, but I also continued training clients virtually through one of the studios I had worked with. That moment of uncertainty became the spark—I used that time, experience, and financial support to start building something of my own.

With that initial capital, I launched kiaraburns.com, offering personal training and on-demand workouts. It was the beginning of what would become Burns, a digital fitness platform designed to help people move better, feel stronger, and stay connected—no matter their age or ability.

As a classically trained dancer and movement specialist, I’ve always believed in the power of intentional, feel-good movement. And as my grandmother aged, I saw firsthand how vital seated and supported workouts were to her independence and quality of life. That personal connection, paired with my professional experience, inspired me to grow the platform and launch Burns Gold—a subscription-based program bringing safe, accessible movement into retirement homes and older adult communities.

What started as a creative pivot during a crisis has grown into a mission-driven, self-funded business rooted in accessibility, longevity, and joyful movement through every season of life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Consistency, care, and community. Over the past 7 years, I’ve trained thousands of unique bodies in real time—logging countless hours of in-person and virtual sessions. That hands-on experience has shaped how I teach and how I connect with every individual in the room. I’ve built my reputation by showing up—week after week, class after class—with a genuine commitment to helping people feel good in their bodies.

That trust is what led to Burns Gold. It’s not just another workout program—it’s an extension of the relationships I’ve built, rooted in accessibility, encouragement, and thoughtful movement. Whether seated, standing, or somewhere in between, people know I’ll meet them where they are. And I think that steady, supportive presence is what’s helped me stand out.

The Burns app is truly for every body. While Burns Gold is tailored for older adults and those seeking supported movement, the platform also includes more challenging workouts across strength training, Pilates, barre, and mobility—designed to meet you wherever you are and grow with you over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kiaraburns.com
• Instagram: @kiara_burns_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572717394089
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiara-burns-020251167/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kiaraburns?themeRefresh=1

Image Credits

Selo Turner