Life & Work with Kayla Sue Ward of Poway CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Sue Ward

Kayla Sue , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, I was an active kid but not very coordinated or confident. I tried out for every sport and never made the team. I desperately wanted to fit in. In my early 20s, after losing a family member, I decided to take control of my health. I quit smoking, started walking, eating better, and eventually signed up for my first 10K. That led to my first full marathon.

In 2012, after meeting my husband while living in Virginia, we got married and moved to Hawaii (he is in the Navy). In that beautiful state, I couldn’t help but stay active—the weather was amazing. A coworker introduced me to BOCA Hawaii, and I fell in love with their running group and later their Ironman group. BOCA Hawaii was diverse, with individuals ranging in age from 16 to their 80s, all united by a common goal: to be the best version of themselves through endurance sports. They cheered, supported, and pushed one another, creating the sense of belonging I had craved in my younger years.

One day, after a long run in Waikiki, I mentioned to my coach, Raul Torres, that I’d love to do an Ironman but didn’t think I could. Without hesitation, he said in his Brazilian accent, “Kaaauya, YES YOU CAN.” That belief was all I needed. Since then, I’ve completed 2 full Ironmans, 6 half Ironmans, 10 full marathons, and over 50 half marathons.

I never imagined becoming a trainer; I thought fitness was just a hobby. However, in 2016 while working a stressful desk job with no joy, my life took another turn when my dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. He passed away six months later at the age of 54. His passing was a wake-up call: life is too short not to make an impact. When I returned from his funeral, I talked to my husband about switching careers. His unwavering support gave me the courage to take the leap.

Fast forward to 2024, I’ve been the Lead Trainer at Burn Boot Camp Poway since November 2021. Our core values—inspiration, empowerment, positivity, integrity, and community—resonate deeply with me. My dad’s passing continues to fuel my passion for health and wellness, and I carry with me the belief instilled by my first triathlon coach: Yes, you can. With the help of our incredible team and our amazing community in Poway, I’m dedicated to helping others transform their lives just as I have transformed mine.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. With anything worth pursuing, there’s always learning, setbacks, and failures along the way. But I’ve come to view failures as opportunities to grow. Did I have that mindset in my early 20s? Not at all. However, as I approach 38 next year, I’ve learned that setbacks and challenges are opportunities to learn and improve.

It’s all about what you choose to do with the feedback or lessons you receive—whether it’s from a personal training client, a gym member, or life itself. Good or bad, you take it, reflect on it, and work to be better every single day. That’s my motto: aim to be 1% better than I was the day before.

If I’m doing that, I’m not only improving myself, but I’m also setting an example for my children and my gym members, showing them that progress is a daily choice and mindset.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Working at Burn Boot Camp Poway is an incredible experience. Burn Boot Camp is more than a gym—it’s a fitness community dedicated to empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. We offer high-energy group training sessions, personalized one-on-one focus meetings, and a supportive environment where members are encouraged to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.

What I love most about my job is the opportunity to inspire others, especially my daughters. One of my greatest joys is bringing my girls to work with me. They watch me train and encourage others through the window, and they see the “Yes, you can” mentality I strive to instill in everyone I meet.

What I’m most known for is my ability to build and nurture a sense of community. This stems from my early days with BOCA Hawaii, where I first experienced the power of belonging. I know there are people out there feeling isolated, just going through the motions of their day. My mission is to create a space where they feel seen, loved, and supported. When members walk through our doors, I want them to know they have a cheerleader in their corner, ready to lift them up—even when life feels overwhelming.

I’m incredibly proud of several accomplishments. First and foremost is the growth of our gym. When we opened in November 2021, we had around 60 to 70 members. Today, we’re a thriving over 500 members! This growth speaks volumes about the dedication of our entire team, who go above and beyond because they love what they do. At Burn Boot Camp, it’s not just about fitness or just a gym—it’s about family.

Another source of pride is the transformations I’ve witnessed in our members. Many women walk through our doors unsure of their abilities—afraid to lift 10-pound dumbbells, lacking confidence, or battling negative self-talk. Over time, I’ve seen these same women achieve incredible milestones: coming off diabetes medications, lowering cholesterol, doing push-ups they once thought impossible, and discovering newfound strength and resilience.

These wins fuel me to keep learning, growing, and evolving. My goal is always to stay at the top of my game so I can continue to help others realize their potential, both inside and outside the gym. After all, everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed—and that’s exactly what we aim to provide at Burn Boot Camp.

What sets me apart is my unwavering drive, relentless pursuit of excellence, and deep care for each individual I work with. Members often note my dedication and the genuine support I offer, sometimes even saying I care “maybe sometimes too much.” My goal is to ensure everyone feels loved, supported, and seen.

I like to think of my ADHD as my secret power—it keeps me energized, creative, and ready to juggle about a million things at once (though let’s be honest, I might misplace my water bottle in the process). It helps me connect with people on so many levels and keeps me thinking outside the box.

I am always open to feedback and view it as an opportunity for growth. My passion for this work feels like a gift, and I truly believe I’ve been blessed with the ability to bring a sense of belonging and encouragement to others. With someone who believes in you, you’re never alone, and you can achieve anything.

This combination of relentless energy, heart, and a little ADHD flair is what makes this work so meaningful to me—and hopefully a little fun for everyone else, too!

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If I could share just one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t let fear take over your life. Stop saying, “I’ll do this when…” and start now. Go after your goals. Be relentless in your pursuit and know there’s a community ready to cheer you on every step of the way.

Sometimes, that first step might look like walking through the doors of our gym. I always say the hardest part is showing up. But once you’re here, we’ve got you. All you have to do is take that step and trust the process.

Show up for yourself. Show up for your kids. Show up for the life you deserve. It will make you the best version of yourself—a better wife, mother, daughter, friend—and it will show you that your potential is truly limitless. YES YOU CAN. . Just take that first step.!

Burn Boot Camp Poway and Burn Boot Camp Oceanside are excited to invite you to join us for our winter promo: 30 days for just $59, starting January 6th! Say YES YOU CAN and let’s crush your goals together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://burnbootcamp.com/locations/poway-ca/
• Instagram: @kaylaSue228

Image Credits
Cheryl Polk Photography