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

Leah , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

The defining moment for me in my professional career was when I realized I wasn’t happy and fulfilled in my career in fashion design. Even though I absolutely love fashion and designing, after 15 years in the industry I felt there was no purpose and I wasn’t happy with my day to day.

Fitness was always a big part of my lifestyle and I realized that’s when I was at my best and felt at peace. Having been a dancer and athlete since I was a kid all the way to college, every time I worked out I felt that joy and took me back to how I felt when that was my life. That’s when I took the first step towards becoming a personal trainer with no idea how to even start it and leave behind a 15 year career in fashion.

Leah , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I wanted to make the change in career but didn’t know how and terrifying to do so at 32. Without telling anyone I started my personal trainer certification. In the pandemic I just started posting workouts when we were all stuck at home, started getting inquiries about virtual training, after a week I had a waiting list and it just grew into what it is today. I have established a career with purpose doing private personal training sessions. I’ve never been happier and at peace with the direction of my professional life.

I focus on functional training with my clients. Which I believe is the most sustainable form of working out, especially as we get older. This not only targets strength but mobility, flexibility, stability and agility. My clients that choose to work with me are ready for a healthy life, inside and out. My style of training has resonated more with people ages 30 and up, even thought anyone at any age could do it. The reason for this is my approach is more gentle on the body, creating mindful training not just going through motions. I bring different types of strength training with my clients from weight training, bodyweight, resistance bands, ankle weights and yoga type stretch flow sequences.

This approach makes it more sustainable, helps prevent injuries and even helps people with injuries to overcome them. As I always say its about “making it a lifestyle” and in order to do so, it has to be something that works every aspect of your body in a more friendly approach.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Besides training/knowledge, you need to have consistency and dedication in anything you do in life. You can bury yourself in books and learn as much as you want but if you don’t put it into practice, then what is all that knowledge good for? Another thing is don’t wait for the perfect moment to start, there will never be a perfect moment. You just have to start and learn what works and what doesn’t, that way you can adjust as needed to become better at your craft.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I think what has helped me build my reputation is full dedication to each and every one of my clients. Understanding that it’s not about me but their journey and how I can help guide them. Trusting my abilities and knowledge to connect with them in a personal level and providing a safe environment for them to feel comfortable with the struggles and vulnerability that comes with their journey.

Respect and loyalty are two of the main things I give each client. I feel they can all see this as they show me a great deal of trust as well and I am grateful to each of them.. My clients have stayed with me for years which is why I rarely have openings that has made for a long waitlist. Which is why I created my online fitness program where people can subscribe to at www.leahkyriakis.com and access a full library of workouts!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leahkyriakis.com
• Instagram: @leahkyriakis