We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristie Lengel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristie below.

Kristie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

The pivotal moment of my career occurred one weeknight in 2018, precisely at 7:00 pm. I was leading what must have been my 1500th boot camp class of the year, with around 70 eager participants awaiting my next instruction. Suddenly, my heart rate surged, my knees threatened to buckle, my palms turned icy yet sweaty, and my vision blurred. I collapsed to the ground, enduring what felt like both an eternity and a mere moment. My entire body trembled uncontrollably. Rushed to urgent care, I was diagnosed with severe vertigo, rendering me barely able to stand for two weeks following the episode. It was my first experience with an “adrenaline surge.” My exhausted body, constantly trapped in “fight or flight” mode, responded by flooding me with epinephrine, mistaking overwork for imminent danger. That moment marked my body’s desperate plea for help and I knew I needed to make a change.

Kristie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Certified Exercise Physiologist, fur Momma, cooking enthusiast, serial entrepreneur and lover of all things Fall! My 20’s were spent living a completely unbalanced lifestyle. Whether it was owning my own fitness studio, competing in natural bodybuilding, running the most successful franchise gym location in the country, or owning a meal prep restaurant, I would push myself so hard that I would get to a point that I just couldn’t push anymore! I’d then find myself on the opposite end of being unhealthy: gaining or losing 30 pounds more than 10 times, constantly starting over, feeling like I could never do enough, fighting depressive feelings and body image issues and completely neglecting my health and career goals. I finally learned that balance is the key. I’ve tossed the extremes to the curb and given myself constant grace.

Amidst the pandemic’s whirlwind of changes, I transitioned my newfound Balanced lifestyle online! Enter the Balance App—an all-encompassing solution tailored for busy women and moms, empowering them to prioritize health and wellness through 30-minute workouts, whole food nutrition, and fostering a positive mindset.

While dedicated to aiding women nationwide, my own health took a sharp decline post-2018’s pivotal moment. Despite enduring a slew of misdiagnoses and medical gaslighting, it wasn’t until 2023 that I received a conclusive diagnosis: Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, Lyme Disease, and Mold Toxicity—each wreaking havoc on my body alongside the stress of my former lifestyle.

I firmly believe that my journey can serve as a beacon of hope for others navigating similar challenges. That’s why I’ve embarked on a journey to further my education through the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy, aiming to become board certified. My newfound expertise complements the holistic approach of the Balance App, allowing me to help women unearth the root cause of their health struggles and embrace lives brimming with vitality and joy!

As I embark on this path towards my own optimal health, I’m thrilled at the prospect of guiding others on their journeys towards vibrant living.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My resilience is truly evident in my journey—having launched not just one or two, but three LLCs. The first two ventures weren’t failures; they were invaluable learning experiences. Despite facing challenges that could have dampened my entrepreneurial spirit years ago, it continues to burn bright. Now, I’ve found a way to pursue my passion while prioritizing my own health and wellness—no longer sacrificing my well-being to keep a business afloat.

My resilience also shines through my unwavering self-advocacy. Despite countless physicians dismissing my concerns with remarks like “maybe you’re obsessing over this” or “perhaps you should seek professional mental help,” I refused to accept their dismissals. I persisted, even in the face of gaslighting, holding onto the belief that something wasn’t right. Now, after enduring permanent damage, I know that I was never “crazy” – I was unwell all along. It took tremendous resilience for me to persevere in the pursuit of my health and well-being.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

I wholeheartedly believe that my purpose on this earth is to make a difference in people’s lives—to guide them toward a life filled with energy, happiness, and vibrant health. There were countless moments when I felt tempted to throw in the towel and pursue a different path, perhaps a job at Hobby Lobby. But deep down, I knew that such a move would leave me unfulfilled. Changing lives gives me a profound sense of purpose, and that’s something I’ll never want to give up.

However, the real challenge lay in finding a way to pursue this passion without sacrificing my own health and happiness. After 15 years of trials and tribulations, I’m proud to say that I’ve finally discovered how to strike that balance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://balanceworkoutapp.com/
• Instagram: Kristie Lengel | The Balance Workout App | (@kristielengel) • Instagram photos and videos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristielengel14
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristie-calise/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmE1Qi0qlRgwgpDO50F1Dtg
• Other: https://balancebanter.buzzsprout.com

Image Credits

Half Moon Photography