We were lucky to catch up with Kiersten Zimmermann Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kiersten , appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success in the health and fitness industry goes far beyond what many see on the surface. It’s not just about mastering the mechanics of lifting weights, perfecting form, or memorizing nutrition facts. While those elements are critical, the foundation for long-term success is built on a deep commitment to learning, adapting, and pushing through challenges. In an ever-evolving field, staying ahead requires a mindset rooted in resilience, consistency, and an unwavering passion for both personal growth and the growth of others.

The health and fitness industry demands constant education, whether it’s staying informed on the latest scientific research, understanding the unique needs of clients, or developing new strategies for optimizing results. Those who succeed in this field are lifelong learners who embrace change and innovation, all while maintaining a solid base of evidence-backed practices.

I’ve dedicated myself to continuous growth and self-improvement not only for the success of my business and brand, but more importantly, to better support my clients and their individual journeys. I will be heading into my 10th year of business and my client success and retention says it all.

At the core of success is the ability to connect with others. The most impactful professionals understand that fitness is a deeply personal journey for each individual. Whether it’s guiding someone through weight loss, strength training, or rehabilitation, a successful coach listens, adapts, and leads with empathy. Building trust and cultivating motivation in clients is an art form that takes time, patience, and care.

But above all, success in this industry requires showing up—even on the days when energy is low, or obstacles seem insurmountable. It’s about leading by example, demonstrating that growth comes from perseverance and embracing both the victories and the setbacks.

With that in mind, I’m a strong advocate for mental health and believe that sometimes you need to take a step back and reset. Doing so doesn’t make you “weak”; it shows the strength to recognize and honor what you truly need.

Ultimately, the health and fitness industry is not just about achieving physical transformation but empowering others to live healthier, fuller lives. It’s about fostering lasting change and encouraging people to discover the best version of themselves. Those who thrive are the ones who understand that success isn’t measured by how much weight you lift or how perfectly you eat, but by the positive impact you make on others and the relentless pursuit of personal and professional evolution.

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?

Kiersten is a passionate and driven personal trainer, nutritionist, and certified life coach with over 9 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. As the founder of Kzeefitness Coaching, she has built a thriving business dedicated to helping individuals achieve their fitness and wellness goals through evidence-based training and personalized nutrition plans. With her own inspiring 75-pound weight loss journey, Kiersten understands the challenges her clients face and uses her personal experience to guide and motivate them toward success.

In addition to being a competitive powerlifter, holding provincial records and qualifying for international competitions, Kiersten is an advanced Pilates instructor, offering specialized strength and reformer training. Her holistic approach to fitness also includes her expertise as a certified sports nutritionist and a whole health approach to working with clients, where she focuses on natural solutions for weight loss, hormone imbalances, PCOS, and stress management.

Kiersten also works with powerlifting athletes from the local to national level, helping them achieve their strength goals and excel in the sport.

Kiersten is a strong advocate for mental health, believing in the importance of balance, self-care, and resilience. She is passionate about empowering women to discover the best version of themselves and is committed to continuous learning and growth, both for her clients and her own professional development. With a robust presence on social media, Kiersten uses her platform to educate, inspire, and share her journey, motivating others to pursue their health and fitness goals with confidence.

She truly loves what she does and would like to continue to grow and expand her business every year, like she has in the past

Instagram- kzeefitness / kzeefitnesscoaching
Website – kzeefitness.com

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My personal health and fitness journey is a testament to the resilience I’ve developed throughout my life. Overcoming severe obesity at 15 was the first of many challenges I faced, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the past 11 years has been just as important. This transformation is what inspired me to start my business 9 years ago—I wanted to share my love for the journey and help others achieve the same.

Growing up, I endured severe bullying because of my weight, which motivated me to work toward becoming a healthier version of myself. In my late teens and early twenties, I faced another difficult chapter after being a victim of sexual assault, which deeply impacted my mental health. Despite the emotional battles, I worked through that pain and emerged stronger.

Through it all, I’ve learned that what truly matters is focusing on what we can control and how we choose to respond to life’s challenges. That mindset has been key in overcoming every obstacle I’ve faced.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started building my social media presence about 10 years ago, using it as a platform to document my journey. I focused on being real, authentic, and raw with my followers, sharing both the highs and lows of my experiences. My goal has always been to be truthful with others while providing motivation, valuable information, and insights from my own triumphs to help them on their journeys.

Social media has played a crucial role in connecting me with thousands of clients. For anyone new to starting their social media, my advice is simple: be yourself. Be genuine, post a few times a week, and avoid cold calling potential clients—let them come to you. Engage with others in your industry, and most importantly, have fun with it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Kzeefitness.com
• Instagram: Kzeefitness
• Youtube: Kzeefitness

Image Credits

All my own photos.