Let me tell you how I met my soul sister, Kayla.  As a result of my health struggles in 2014, it left me with a body diagnosed with insulin resistance, leptin resistance, weight gain, fatigue and muscle loss.  Coming into the new year, I was over 10 pounds heavier than I had been last year at this time.  None of my clothes fit, and I was discouraged every time I walked into my closet.  My body had changed from a well-oiled machine to a tired and sluggish jalopy.  I wanted the well-oiled, sleek and efficient sports car back!  I sought out a program called, Fit in 42, offered by a local gym, Next Level Fitness.  NLF had developed a program guaranteed to get results in 6 weeks!  I couldn’t believe my ears… 6 weeks!  At the end of January, I needed the jump-start and the support that only a dedicated and firmly regimented program could offer, so I enrolled.  I began my fitness journey with NLF on Monday, February 2, 2015 at 4:45 a.m.  This is where I met Kayla Michelle.

I was impressed immediately with all of the trainers and the driving force they created, but I became most connected with Kayla.  At 6 feet tall, and all legs, this gorgeous lady was always poised, gracious, classy and empowering to all of the members.  One particular day, I pushed myself to my limit, and “hit the wall” as they say in the running world.  My asthmatic lungs seized up on me and I was forced to stop mid-exercise.  Kayla immediately recognized the situation and helped me outside for some air.  She assisted me through the tears and disappointment I was feeling in myself and calmed my breathing and emotions.  We were connected… for life.

I chose Kayla to inspire the HYB community because she inspires me.  I see in her all of the qualities I want to possess and more.  Kayla is beauty, grace, compassion, class, and a true “lady”.  She can “throw it down” better than any man in the gym, but still be feminine and graceful.  I know Kayla has a story to tell, and yet this is another reason why she is perfect for a healing community.  Over the next few months, I will be conducting interviews with Kayla so you can “get to know her better”.  For the time being, rest assured, I have chosen only the “cream of the crop” to lead YOU through your fitness journey.  If fitness is an area you want to, or need to, work on, tune into this blog and search for Kayla Michelle.  My soul sister, I extend love and gratitude for your contributions to our HYB community!

Kayla Michelle:  ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, DVRT Level 1 Certified Sandbag Coach, C.H.E.K Institute Certified in Scientific Core Conditioning, Primal Movement Patterns, and Spine/Back Training and Rehabilitation

Hello Beautiful!

I am honored and overjoyed to be a guest to the HYB family. Thank you, Lori for inviting me into your blog-home! I’m happy to provide a little bit about me, my history and professional experience so we can get to know each other better! 

My athletic history began 23 years ago at age 3 when I followed in my mothers footsteps as a dancer studying disciplines of Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Tap, and Ballroom. In my teens I enjoyed mixed martial arts training, traveling competitively and earning nationally recognized titles in Keichu-Do; a style consisting of Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kung-Fu, Karate and street wise Cajun fist-fighting.  Then, starting when I was just 16 years old, I was blessed with opportunities as a runway model, walking for Ready To Wear and Haute Cotoure designers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY. Being represented by internationally renowned modeling agencies FORD and RED NYC, I was honored to regularly work with clientele such as Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Wilkes Bashford, among many others.

My entrance into the fitness realm was marked by my exit from the fashion industry. I sought out my initial certification in exercise and nutrition as a means of empowering myself with knowledge. You see, I allowed pressures of the fashion industry to consume me and I became very ill mentally — Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating disorders destroyed my sense of self worth and my health. Through fitness I found my voice, my strength, again. Most importantly, I was able to rebuild my health! Years ago I practically adopted the attitude my beloved “Boppa” (Grandfather – RIP) instilled in me at an early age, “Always be learning, as long as you’re living.” and I strive to put this perspective into action daily in my personal and professional endeavors. My education as a health and fitness authority includes Nutrition, Supplementation, Strength and Conditioning, Rehabilitation, TRX Suspension, Kettle Bell, Sandbag, Flexibility/Mobility, and more. I am dedicated to offering my clients the very best support, accountability, motivation and program design I can. Whether you need a taller version of Jillian Michaels or a soft-spoken encourager, I meet you where you are (physically, emotionally, mentally) to help determine your individual needs and develop a comprehensive/holistically focused plan necessary to achieve the best and strongest version of yourself you can be!

As part of my quest to “lead by example”, quench my thirst for competition, and hunger for the stage I grew up on, I began competing in physique competitions as an NPC (National Physique Committee) bikini competitor in 2013. Currently, I am a champion national level competitor and a proud member of Team Zero Gravity, Coached by Ryan and Taylor Bentson. I’ve been awarded the following titles in my competitive career:  2nd Place at the 2013 NPC Southern California Championships which earned me qualification for the 2013 NPC USA’s National Championship in Las Vegas. In 2014 I won 3rd Place and national qualification at the NPC Los Angeles Grand Prix, 1st Place and national qualification at the NPC Los Angeles Championships, and 9th Place at the 2014 NPC USA’s Las Vegas National Championship. I am currently preparing for my next National Show this Spring and pro-card qualification when I will begin competing as a professional athlete.

Thank you for reading and I look forward to contributing in any way I can to your healthy journey!

I encourage you to follow Kayla on her social media sites:
Website:  http://www.palmdesertfitness4u.com/
Facebook Athlete Fan Page: www.facebook.com/kaylamichellefit
Instagram: KaylaMichelle_Fit

Twitter: @Kayla_Fit89