Meet Kelita Hollins | Fitness Trainer + Mama

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelita Hollins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelita, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Affirmation: “SHE IS MORE.”

This particular affirmation is so very important because it continues to empower me in the midst of doubt, when the nay-sayers are relentless or simply when I’m suffering from extreme fatigue. It reminds me that God sees/knows the bigger picture for me and I just need to trust Him.

Sure enough, the opportunities that present themselves, the way my network has grown exponentially, I know it’s His doing and this affirmation encourages me to keep pressing on!

Finally, I love that this affirmation challenges me to think BIGGER!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently, I am the Director of Training for Train Moment. Its a strength forward concept that highlights the simplicity of functional movement as we grow stronger not only by learning how to lift properly but also with the help of some spicy HIIT on the VersaClimber.

I have been in the fitness business for 16 years, starting at Bally Total Fitness (yes, I’m dating myself) as a group fitness instructor/personal trainer. Soon after the boutique fitness craze emerged and I was able to teach the best of both worlds in a small group setting.

My ride on the Orangetheory train definitely opened my eyes as to the many way I could either climb the corporate ladder or create some magic on my own.

After shifting into a more strength based approach at Train Moment, I found myself among women, mothers that wanted to pair the inner strength with their physical strength.

Now, while I’m not teaching classes, hiring coaches, or opening new studios you can find me sweating with postpartum or mamas-to-be as they connect with their ever changing bodies and build their confidence.

Im most proud of my ability to connect with so many through my passion for fitness. I believe that everyone is an athlete, they may need a little help tapping into that inner athlete but it’s there. I truly believe that is what sets me apart from most fitness trainer/instructors.

I have found it challenging as a woman of color to be heard and/or seen. I haven’t always been the bold and courageous coach that I am today. I’ve had to overcome assumptions, stereotypes and doubt., LOTS of doubt. Always proving yourself can be tiresome and can even force you to think that you need to shift your own identity in order to be accepted. I had to create parallels between Coach K on the mic and how Kelita represents herself in the board room, on that podcast interview or that panel discussion. Coach K demands your best, even on your worst day while Kelita was insecure, meek and wanted to be a leader outside of the studio but didn’t really know how.

Overtime, through overcoming challenges, becoming a mother and beating cancer- I have learned that those struggles will never leave me desolate or alone. I came, I conquered and I left those challenges a CONQUERER! Those fights and struggles I will be forever grateful for!

MamaKFit if honestly a brand that many walks of like can relate to. I am most proud of that!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LOVE me some coffee!

So a stop in the Humboldt Park area to see my friends Antoine & Arianna, owners of Atmos coffee would be a MUST!

Im sure my friend knows that this trip to visit would have to include a trip to Train Moment for a quick sweat sesh in the West Loop!

Many walks on the lake would be in order. Sipping and chatting while on the move because all of my folks know that I can’t stay still!

A quick train ride to my favorite part of the city, Hyde Park would definitely be at the top of our priority list!

From festivals, to grabbing soul food from Soul Shack and taking in the beautiful U of C campus would be in order. The old charm and rich culture is so refreshing to be surrounded with.

ANY museum is will always put a smile on my face and watching the sunset at 31st street beach would end our days in the best way!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I find so much encouragement from other full time mama’s on the grind like me!

Having a career and being a full-time mama is definitely daunting and doable at the same damn time!

After having the second child and jumping back into work I realized that the “work-life balance” idea was a sham and us mama’s literally make it happen by any means necessary!

The long nights, early mornings, pumping breast milk while programming strength segments fo clients and those random closet cries make us so much stronger.

Being a pregnant fitness instructor and trying to “snap-back” (worst. verbiage. ever.) taught me that my pace, my journey, my post pregnancy experience was specific to ME and I didn’t have to have that six pack by the time I returned to work!

After receiving my youngest child’s diagnosis of autism my energy shifted and I had to find a way to be a mom that catered, supported and advocated for BOTH of my children while making ends meet. Setting boundaries, saying “NO” more often and even completely changing jobs helped me become more involved in my children’s lives and also helped our family grow and develop into a the supportive “awe-some” family that we needed to be for our ausome boy, Max!

With the hold of Max being unapologetically him and seeking other autism parents, I was able to shift into a productive space that was suitable for both my family AND my career goals. I owe that shift to my little guy!

Website: Trainmoment.com

Instagram: Mamakfit

Facebook: Kelita Hollins

Image Credits
Hannah Schweiss Photography