Instructor Insight: Kim Strickland
Instructor Insight: Kim Strickland
Instructor Insight: Kim Strickland
@k.j.strickland
What classes do you teach & where?
Head Trainer at Burn Boot Camp – Carrollwood, FL
How did you get into the fitness industry?
I was an athlete majority of my life, but once I became a real adult after college, I fell off the wagon. I went to regular gyms on and off for about 10 years, and I stumbled across a Groupon for Burn Boot Camp in 2016. I did the 30 day trial and never looked back! In November 2017, I acquired my CPT with NASM and became a Burn Trainer that transitioned into a Head Trainer for Carrollwood that is opening this July.
What’s your favorite thing about being an instructor?
The greatest part of it all is seeing regular people find a side of themselves that they never knew existed. Burn Boot Camp loves everyone, but there’s something special about the “underdogs”…the majority of us here in America that watch the small percentage of people that appear to have it all when it comes to life’s purpose. I know that sounds like a lot for just a gym, but when you see someone beat cancer, break free from Diabetes medication after taking it for decades, or finally get to a healthy place where they get that get that positive pregnancy test that them and their spouse have been praying for for months or even years…it can’t help but feel like more than a gym. It’s so amazing to see people (we do primarily focus on women), taking their life, happiness and purpose back. Just by getting up and moving. But doing it in a way where they have a community of people around them that are like them, but completely different. A place where they can have their 45 minutes of “me time” because we offer complimentary child-watch. Honestly, I’ve been to countless gyms. Everyone has their own preference and niche, but Burn Boot Camp is truly a special place for all of the members who call it home. I truly couldn’t see myself training anywhere else.
Where can we find you when you’re not teaching a class?
That’s a tough question to answer. I’m a very simple person. I enjoy nature, quiet time reading a book, long walks or bike rides…nothing super extravagant. I just enjoy being in my downtime.
What’s your one piece of advice for someone who wants to live a healthier life?
Having a goal is absolutely fantastic. But I tell all of my newer clients this; keep that goal in mind, yes. However, embrace every step of the journey and make a big deal of the small victories along the way. Because losing 20lbs doesn’t necessarily mean “healthier life”, but completely eliminating soda from your diet or having the energy to play outside with your kids: those are small things that constitute a healthier lifestyle.
What is your guilty pleasure food and/or drink?
Pizza. No matter how hard I talk about trying to break free, it will never happen apparently.
Who is your celebrity crush?
No one now. Twenty years ago: Justin Timberlake. I’m also a fan of Jessica Biel, so I won’t disrespect their union. :)
@k.j.strickland
What classes do you teach & where?
Head Trainer at Burn Boot Camp – Carrollwood, FL
How did you get into the fitness industry?
I was an athlete majority of my life, but once I became a real adult after college, I fell off the wagon. I went to regular gyms on and off for about 10 years, and I stumbled across a Groupon for Burn Boot Camp in 2016. I did the 30 day trial and never looked back! In November 2017, I acquired my CPT with NASM and became a Burn Trainer that transitioned into a Head Trainer for Carrollwood that is opening this July.
What’s your favorite thing about being an instructor?
The greatest part of it all is seeing regular people find a side of themselves that they never knew existed. Burn Boot Camp loves everyone, but there’s something special about the “underdogs”…the majority of us here in America that watch the small percentage of people that appear to have it all when it comes to life’s purpose. I know that sounds like a lot for just a gym, but when you see someone beat cancer, break free from Diabetes medication after taking it for decades, or finally get to a healthy place where they get that get that positive pregnancy test that them and their spouse have been praying for for months or even years…it can’t help but feel like more than a gym. It’s so amazing to see people (we do primarily focus on women), taking their life, happiness and purpose back. Just by getting up and moving. But doing it in a way where they have a community of people around them that are like them, but completely different. A place where they can have their 45 minutes of “me time” because we offer complimentary child-watch. Honestly, I’ve been to countless gyms. Everyone has their own preference and niche, but Burn Boot Camp is truly a special place for all of the members who call it home. I truly couldn’t see myself training anywhere else.
Where can we find you when you’re not teaching a class?
That’s a tough question to answer. I’m a very simple person. I enjoy nature, quiet time reading a book, long walks or bike rides…nothing super extravagant. I just enjoy being in my downtime.
What’s your one piece of advice for someone who wants to live a healthier life?
Having a goal is absolutely fantastic. But I tell all of my newer clients this; keep that goal in mind, yes. However, embrace every step of the journey and make a big deal of the small victories along the way. Because losing 20lbs doesn’t necessarily mean “healthier life”, but completely eliminating soda from your diet or having the energy to play outside with your kids: those are small things that constitute a healthier lifestyle.
What is your guilty pleasure food and/or drink?
Pizza. No matter how hard I talk about trying to break free, it will never happen apparently.
Who is your celebrity crush?
No one now. Twenty years ago: Justin Timberlake. I’m also a fan of Jessica Biel, so I won’t disrespect their union. :)
