I have loved to work out for as long as I can remember. I started lifting weights in 9th grade and never looked back. I played volleyball for 8 years and then decided to quit and pursue bodybuilding. I’ve competed in 1 regional NPC Figure show, 1 regional NPC Bikini show, and 2 NPC National Bikini shows.
Age:
22
City, State/Province:
Houston, TX
Country:
USA
Occupation:
Online Training/Nutrition Coach.
In your opinion, is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue and why?
I think weight loss is definitely a fitness issue. The majority of people don’t want to take the time to work out daily, nor do they want to deal with the inconvenience of watching their nutrition.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
- Fitness level: 25
- Health level: 75
Thoughts on HIIT, Powerlifting, TRX, Yoga, bodybuilding, others?
I personally love bodybuilding style training, but I find it beneficial to incorporate multiple training styles into your routine.
Trainer Philosophy:
My philosophy is sustainability. Unless you’re a competitor, you should be finding a training and nutrition plan that you’re able to turn into a habit. What’s the point in losing weight and getting in shape if you can’t maintain it.
Training Plan:
I figure out what my clients enjoy doing, how much time they have to train, and what their body responds to best, then create their program around that.
Nutritional Plan:
I recommend all my clients learn to track macros so they can really understand what’s in the food they’re eating and be able to take that information with them, later on, to make intuitive eating more successful.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colours/flavours/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavours and sweeteners? And Why?
My supplement plan consists of a multivitamin, creatine, and whey protein. I feel like the majority of supplements are put out there for promotional purposes and have no true benefits. People are just looking for a reason not to work as hard. I am the queen of artificial sweeteners. There hasn’t been a ton of research showing long-term effects, but as of now, they’re perfectly safe. The only time I wouldn’t recommend them is if you personally notice symptoms such as head or stomach aches when consuming artificial.
Please describe the importance of mental health?
Mental health is more important than physical in my opinion. Having a great body is not going to cure your internal happiness, your relationship with food, or the feeling of loneliness. I have struggled with binge eating and work closely with my clients to make sure they have a healthy relationship with food before starting a program.
Take us through a typical day in the life for you?
I just quit my full-time job and started my own online training business, so my day-to-day life changes quite often. Typically, I wake up and do client check-ins, create content, and respond to emails. After that, I’ll go run any errands I need to do and then go and get a lift in. I usually work best in the evening, so I’ll come home, cook, and work for a few more hours.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
What do people look for in a fitness magazine?
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you for this opportunity?
I had no idea that was an option, but I’m SO excited now! I want to try and go to the Arnold this year as well.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
My coach, Brandon Guillen, is honestly the only reason I decided to compete again this year. He is one of the most knowledgeable people I know when it comes to the sport of bodybuilding, and rather than just being a number on the roster, he truly cares about his clients’ well-being. He also turned me pro in 2 shows of working together!
Do you have a sponsor? List them and what they mean to you?
No, I do not, but would love to get sponsored for my pro debut in 2023.
Can you share with us your goals for fitness and life?
2022 is my first year in business, as well as my first year as an IFBB Bikini Pro, so my main goal is GROWTH. I’m not competing this year, so I will really be able to focus on my clients and my preparation for my pro debut in 2023.
5 things people don’t know about you?
- I’m not super interesting, but I eat a bagel and PB&J at least once a day.
- I actually really struggle on social media because I prefer to work behind closed doors.
- Chest and shoulders are my favourite muscle groups to work out.
- I love food just as much as lifting.
- I’m a natural competitor.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The only thing that can make you truly happy is yourself. Focus on you and the rest will follow.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
Selflessness, Drive, Passion, Confidence, and having a Positive Mindset.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
I want to inspire the girls who are seeking confidence and wanting to take control of their lives. Weight training is so empowering and I want to spread that with the world. I think it could change so many people’s lives.
Who inspires you? And why?
I don’t really look up to anyone specific, but people who work hard for what they want inspire me. The people that never stop working to be their best.
What is your number one tip for people on their fitness journey?
Find your WHY. Figure out why you want/need to better yourself and make it happen.
What does success look like for you?
Success for me is positively impacting people every single day I’m here on this earth. When clients tell me I’ve
changed their life and this is the most confident/happiest they’ve ever been, I know I’m doing my job.
What is your favourite quote to live by?
“Regret is worse than failure”
Connect with Kayla: IG | Website
Cover Photo By: CHRISTIAN ELI
