Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Sullivan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The thought of participating in group fitness used to make me cringe, break out into a cold sweat, full on clammy hands (you get the idea). The mere concept behind working out with 20+ other people, sweating alongside them, having to carry on a conversation before the sun rose did not appeal to me. My idea of the perfect workout experience: headphones on and the company of me, myself and I!
When I stepped into Barry’s Bootcamp for the first time, almost 10 years ago, the fear melted, the high-fives commenced and the friendship/family circle grew within the first few months. 5 am’s were my jam and quickly became my crew. After a few months of taking classes, I knew I could recreate that same experience and improve upon it if I could simply put that mic on and teach my own class.
Fast forward to December 2013… after months of pestering Barry’s manager at the time, I was given the opportunity to audition/teach my first class. Have you ever had a moment where something felt so right, that moment where you knew you could do that thing for hours/days/weeks and never grow tired of it? I had that moment, that day in that first class.
Today I find myself having taught 5+ years of group fitness and having trained private clients for over 16 years and I still feel like I did on that first day! The transfer of energy during a group fitness class is unlike anything I have ever experienced. My goal during an H.I.I.T. style class or Indoor Cycling class (I currently teach H.I.I.T. at Orangetheory Fitness Point Loma & Indoor Cycling at SPARKCYCLE Liberty Station) is to create that individualized experience for each participant, making them feel as though a one-on-one session takes place during that hour-long class or 45-minute ride.
My desire is that each participant leave elevated, feeling better about themselves, their accomplishments and life in general after having spent time with me!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
What would life be like if I had nothing but smooth roads? Boring!! Bumpy roads throughout the journey are my bread and butter! The biggest obstacle in growing my community has been ME! Yup, I get in my own way more often than not by second-guessing myself, criticizing the HELL out of myself (appearance, worthiness, ability… you name it, I’ve questioned it) and all around just doubting myself! Every day is a struggle in an industry dominated by the need to compete and compare.
I work (DAILY… HOURLY… MINUTE BY MINUTE) on coming back to my core values: authenticity and community! If I can shift my perspective and focus on those two values, find a few minutes to be still and analyze the voice of self-doubt (or as Brene Brown calls those voices ‘gremlins’) I can rise about public enemy #1: myself!
Please tell us about KSullivan Solutions.
Short answer: Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Indoor Cycling Instructor.
Long answer: DJ, Psychotherapist (during Personal Training), Cheerleader, Dance Party Starter, Comedian, Costume Wearer (A Themed Class is always a good time) and last but not least born leader of my #fittribe
Personal Training: I am lucky enough to train a handful of private clients using a local one-on-one training facility off Morena Blvd. and specialize in whatever my clients need during each session (ex: glute specific exercises, a kick in the booty, etc.). My private training experience is both unique to the client with whom I’m working and specific to their requests.
Group Fitness Training: January 2019 will mark my 4 year anniversary at Orangetheory Fitness Point Loma. I specialize in creating a unique experience at OTF during my group fitness classes. Fun/Creative/Relevant playlists, connecting with members and paying close attention to form/technique have been the key ingredients to building my following in all of my group fitness classes.
Indoor Cycling: Adding on teaching at SPARKCYCLE was the third spoke to my fitness wheel. The best descriptor of my class: a combination of the widest variety of musical beats, #spinspo (my daily dose of #spin + #inspiration at the beginning of each ride) and a judgment-free/expectation-free zone. Any fitness level can ride at SPARK, and I thrive upon reminding people that JUST SHOWING UP is the biggest step they can take to being successful in that studio space.
What sets me apart?
#1 – I remind people on the daily: we are all on a mission of being the best version of ourselves! Each and every day, the definition of what looks like ‘our ABSOLUTE BEST’ shifts and changes, and we MUST be okay with that!
#2 – Community is KEY! We are NOT ALONE on this journey. Running, riding, working out together allows us to energetically lift those people around us in a powerfully motivating way!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Riding my little green Schwinn up and down my neighborhood streets for endless hours. Summertime days were never-ending, and those bike rides were my jam!
Contact Info:
- Email: ksullivan.solutions@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Lululemon Fashion Valley
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