We recently connected with Missi Russ and have shared our conversation below.

Missi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

After working 10 years in my “dream” job in law enforcement, I resigned in February of 2021. I had been a Certified Personal Trainer for 5 years and my business was growing. I was burnt out working 60+ hour weeks with both jobs. The pandemic hit and it put things in perspective for me. Life is just too short. If I am not loving what I do for the next 20-30 years, what am I doing?

For me, it was now or never. One of my careers had to go and I chose to follow my passion in the health and fitness industry, even though all the unknowns were terrifying for me.

I prayed and followed the signs. I didn’t know how I would make a fulltime income (plus benefits) and all the other “stable” things that come with a normal 9-5. I felt the pull and knew I would regret if I didn’t try to make my own business work.

Being an entrepreneur was never something I identified with. I was told to go to college, get a degree, and a stable job. I did just that. I still was not happy.

Just six months after going full-time with my own personal training business, training online and in person, I decided that I would follow my real dream and attempt to open my own gym.

I received the keys to Kaleo Fitness in November 2021. It was exciting and terrifying. Tons of overhead, unknowns on how I would actually make this work. But, one thing about me- I will figure it out. I will be the hardest working person in the room and that I did.

Today, Kaleo Fitness is a private gym and online coaching business ran by myself and my husband. Kaleo means “your calling” in Greek and was very appropriate to rebrand our business to such a great meaning. We have a team of amazing coaches and we have transformed and changed so many lives. We have the freedom to live the life we have always dreamed of, on our own time, and also we are following our passion. It is really overwhelming still at times but I would not trade it for the world. We are only getting started and I cannot wait to see how many lives will be impacted as we continue forward.

Nothing great comes from staying in your comfort zone. Turning that page to the next chapter in your life is necessary, whether that be letting go of something no longer serving you, or saying yes to something “scary.” Every “scary” thing has its purpose. That fear of doing something different, that voice in your head telling you there must be more…don’t ignore it. Let it drive you forward. That comfort zone may lead a mediocre life, but not a great one. So if you’re reading this, I urge you to listen to that voice, that pull, that longing for whatever it is you desire. Know your worth. You have one life to life so make it a great one.

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

My name is Missi Russ and I am a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. I am the owner of Kaleo Fitness in Roseville, California, a private personal training gym. I have certifications in Weight Loss Specialization, Corrective Exercise, Behavior Change, and Fitness Nutrition. I love helping others achieve their fitness goals and educating them on healthier lifestyle choices.

I have been a Certified Personal Trainer since 2016 and have experience training clients of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. I have worked with clients with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, asthma, cancer, arthritis, sciatica, fibromyalgia, Chron’s disease, pregnancy, post-partum, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, PCOS, and many different injuries/recoveries. I have a clientele of men, women, and youth of all ages that I train one-on-one, in group settings, and through customized online programs.

I worked in law enforcement for 10 years and took the leap to follow my passion in the health and fitness realm by opening Kaleo Fitness in 2021. I first started training people through “online coaching” by offering customized programs, based on individual client goals, while still working in law enforcement. This was ideal for those wanting support and proper guidance, but were not local for personal training. I then began to expand my services by offering a Bootcamp class for all ages, which quickly grew in popularity and results. My Bootcamp class was given the nickname “Body By Missi” from clients, as they enjoy the fast-paced, energetic, and diverse workouts offered during classes.

I created Kaleo Fitness in hopes of creating a safe, judgment-free training environment for all, with customized programming specific for YOU. I want to change the way people look at fitness and help them become stronger, better versions of themselves not only physically, but mentally as well.

I believe health and fitness should be a lifestyle approach, not a diet, but something realistic and attainable. I preach self-care and the first step to being a better you begins with your health. The most important investment we can make is in our own health.

We offer 1:1 personal training, online coaching through our formulated Kaleo Fit Method that guarantees client results, Zoom bootcamp memberships, supplements, nutrition coaching, and a coaching relationship that will change your life and the way you view health and fitness forever. We have an amazing in person and online community of members just like you that provided support, encouragement, and friendship.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media has been a huge part of my business from the very start. At the request of members, I made a separate Instagram page where they could engage and interact with each other to be a part of a community. As I posted client transformations, workouts, tips and tricks, our following grew organically. We are not Instagram “famous” but our following is quality people who do engage in our posts and purchase our services.

The number one tip I can give to anyone with social media- just show up. Stay consistent posting. Show who YOU are. People don’t buy products, they buy the person. I truly believe that. Work on being yourself and show people that side of you to gain trust. The sales will follow.

You can find us on Instagram at @kaleo.fitness, Tik Tok, and Facebook.

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

The most effective strategy for growing clientele has been providing a quality service and building relationships that go past just “personal trainer” and client. Getting to truly know our clients, connect with them, and listen to them has been key in forming these relationships.

Word of mouth referrals are still our number one client growth system. We kindly ask clients for reviews if they are inclined. We do free consultations on Zoom to actually “meet” people. It has been game-changer having video vs. just emailing back and forth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kaleofitness.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaleo.fitness/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaleo.fitness/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kaleo-fitness-roseville

Image Credits
Michel Russ