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

Kristina , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

At 40 years old, with four energetic boys, I found myself at a crossroads that I never anticipated. My struggle with nutrition had caught up with me, and it wasn’t just a matter of a few extra pounds—it was my health. I was diagnosed with a heart disorder, high blood pressure, and daily life had become a battle.

I’ll never forget the family vacation that made everything hit home. We were at a beautiful lookout tower, and while my kids excitedly climbed to the top, I stayed at the bottom, too unhealthy to join them. They sent me a picture of the view from above, and as I stared at that image, a wave of realization hit me—I was missing out on moments, memories, and experiences with my family because of my health.

The very next day, we attended a baseball game that had a three-hour delay. Standing for that long was agonizing. I was wearing a heart monitor and ended up sitting in the handicap section because standing was too painful. I’ll never forget the moment when I was asked to leave because I couldn’t “prove” I was handicapped. They couldn’t see how handicapped I felt inside, how much my body was holding me back. I went back to standing, miserable, and feeling even more disconnected from my family.

A month later, my son sent me a picture he took of me waving goodbye as he left for camp. When I looked at that photo, I saw someone I barely recognized—someone who had lost herself. It was a wake-up call, but I still didn’t know where to begin.

Then, a friend posted on social media about a life-changing nutrition plan. She only needed to lose 20 pounds, but the way she described how it transformed her life, and the way she saw herself through her kids’ eyes, resonated deeply with me. I thought back to the lookout tower, to the picture my son sent me, and realized I needed to make a change. I reached out to her, learned more, and after talking with my husband, I decided to take a risk.

That risk turned out to be the decision that saved my life. I started a nutrition plan that taught me not just how to eat better, but how to sleep better, move more, and truly live a healthier life. Now, three years later, I’m preparing for a powerlifting meet, coaching hundreds of people on their health journeys, and I’ve gained so much more than I ever lost.

Looking back, I realize that the one small risk I took was the turning point that changed everything. It wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about reclaiming my life, my health, and the memories I had almost lost forever.

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

I’m Kristina, and my journey into health coaching was born out of a deeply personal experience. At 40 years old, with four boys to keep up with, I found myself struggling with serious health issues—a heart disorder, high blood pressure, and the realization that my lifestyle was preventing me from truly living and enjoying those precious moments with my family. It all came to a head during a family vacation when I couldn’t climb a lookout tower with my kids. That moment, coupled with other experiences, made me realize I needed to make a change.

I took a leap of faith and started a nutrition plan through Optavia that transformed my life. What began as a personal journey to regain my health has now evolved into a passionate mission to help others do the same. Today, I’m not only healthier but preparing for a powerlifting meet, something I never imagined possible just a few years ago.

In my coaching practice, I focus on holistic health—teaching clients how to eat better, sleep better, and move more effectively. But beyond that, I help people reclaim their lives, their energy, and their joy. I offer personalized coaching services that are designed to meet each individual where they are and guide them to where they want to be.

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived the struggle, and I understand how daunting it can feel to make a change. I bring that empathy and real-life experience into my coaching. My clients aren’t just getting a coach—they’re getting someone who truly understands the challenges they face and is committed to walking alongside them on their journey to better health.

A key part of my coaching is the Optavia program, which is centered on the mission to get the world healthy. Optavia’s approach isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about creating lifelong transformations, one healthy habit at a time. The program provides the tools, community, and support needed to make lasting changes. I’m proud to be part of this mission, helping to spread the message that health is attainable for everyone, and that small, consistent steps can lead to profound, life-changing results.

I’m most proud of the lives I’ve seen transformed through this work. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness my clients reclaim their health and happiness, just as I did. The main thing I want people to know is that no matter where you’re starting from, change is possible. You don’t have to miss out on life’s moments because of your health. There’s always a way forward, and I’m here to help you find it.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships based on trust. From the very beginning, I knew that my own journey and struggles would resonate with others, but I also understood the importance of truly listening and connecting with people on a personal level.

When someone reaches out to me, the first thing I do is make sure they feel heard and understood. I take the time to learn about their challenges, goals, and fears. It’s not just about providing a plan or offering advice—it’s about creating a space where they feel supported and safe to share their vulnerabilities. This approach builds trust, which is the foundation of any successful coaching relationship.

I also focus on being transparent and authentic. I share my own story openly, including the highs and lows, so my clients know I’ve been where they are, and I’m committed to helping them every step of the way. By being real and relatable, I’m able to establish a deeper connection, which naturally leads to stronger relationships.

Another key element is consistency. I consistently show up for my clients, whether it’s through regular check-ins, providing encouragement, or celebrating their wins—no matter how small. This ongoing support reinforces the trust we’ve built and helps them stay committed to their journey.

Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful as well. When clients feel genuinely cared for and see real results, they naturally want to share their experience with others. Many of my new clients come to me through referrals from those I’ve already worked with, which is a testament to the trust and relationships I’ve cultivated.

Ultimately, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been focusing on people first—building relationships, establishing trust, and showing that I’m truly invested in their success. When clients feel that connection, they’re more likely to take that first step, and more importantly, they’re more likely to stick with it for the long haul.

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

Absolutely. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my journey as a health coach is that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges myself—it’s also about understanding that not every client’s journey will go as planned, and that’s okay.

Early on in my coaching career, I had a client who seemed incredibly motivated at first. We worked closely together, and I was deeply invested in their success. But after a few months, they began to struggle and eventually decided to quit the program. I was devastated. I questioned whether I had done something wrong or if I could have done more to keep them engaged.

It took some time, but I realized that their decision to quit wasn’t a reflection of me or the effort I put into coaching them. People give up on themselves sometimes, and that’s just a part of life. Everyone’s journey is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. It was a tough lesson, but it taught me the importance of resilience—not just for myself, but for my clients as well.

This experience helped me understand the importance of individualizing my approach. Every client comes with their own set of challenges, goals, and needs. My role is to meet them where they are, offer the support they need, and help them navigate their journey—even if that means accepting when they need to step away.

Over time, I’ve learned to bounce back from these moments, recognizing that each client’s journey is their own. My resilience comes from knowing that I’ve done my best to support them and from being ready to help them whenever they’re ready to try again. By focusing on each client’s unique needs and being flexible in my approach, I’ve been able to grow not just as a coach, but as someone who understands the complexities of personal transformation.

Resilience, for me, is about staying committed to my mission, even when things don’t go as planned. It’s about learning from every experience and continuing to show up for those who need my support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://msha.ke/coachkristinagetsfit
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkristinagetsfit?igsh=b3NleWd6MmhteHpy&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachkristinagetsfit?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-ganow-792b9728?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app