This is part three in a series of interviews I’ll be doing for a new segment on Budget and the Beach called Cool Careers. You always hear how you should follow your passion and do what you love. I happen to know a few people who I think are doing just that. Maybe you’ll get some inspiration for your own career.
If you’ve been a longtime follower of this blog, you know that aside from my love of personal finance blogging and movies, my biggest passion in life is beach volleyball. But even more than that, I try and live my life as healthfully as possible. This means five to six workouts a week, good nutrition (you know, most of the time), and my new adventure of training for a half marathon.
It’s no surprise then that I try and surround myself with healthy and fit people as well, like my friend Dara Mazzie, who I met through beach volleyball and watched transition her career from teacher to seriously kick ass personal trainer.
It’s through Dara that I met Fitness Professional, Business Owner, and former trainer on The Biggest Loser, Kim Lyons.
Having coffee with Kim one day, I marveled at her positive energy and incredible ambition. It really inspired me to keep expanding my horizons as an entrepreneur! What I didn’t know was that her career started off quite differently.
What led you to what you are currently doing now?
I started my career as an airline pilot. I needed a college degree but never planned on using it for my “profession,” so I majored in Human Development and Nutrition simply because I enjoyed it. I went to flight school on the weekends and flew at the Air Force Academy during the summers. While most of my college friends were partying on the weekends, I was up at 5am to go fly!
After I graduated I literally had an overnight change of heart and decided I didn’t want to be a pilot. I woke up one morning and said, “this is not what I want to do,” and I haven’t flown since. I was so close to interviewing with major airlines when I quit. It was strange, but I trusted my gut and it led me to the most amazing career of my life.
I went through a scary time of not knowing what to do with my life after I quit flying. I was just out of college, thirty pounds overweight, had bad acne, and was depressed. I had to pay rent, so I decided to work at a new gym that had just opened across the street. I worked the front desk but never worked out other than a few sessions on the treadmill.
One of the trainers was working with a girl that was preparing for the “Ms. Galaxy” competition, and needed someone to split the cost of her sessions with. The trainer, Bill, asked if I wanted to work out with them. I didn’t have the money, confidence, or energy, but I said yes.
Bill saw something in me that I didn’t know I had, and my life changed in twelve weeks. I didn’t have the amazing six-pack that the other gal Shannon had, but my body changed enough for me to have the desire to learn more. Long story short, I decided to start competing in 1997 and I won the Ms. Galaxy title in 2000.
During that time I went to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, began writing and modeling for fitness magazines, and became one of the most recognized fitness competitors in the industry. I also caught the eye of the producers of The Biggest Loser and was chosen from over 700 trainers to replace Jillian (Michaels) in seasons 3 and 4. That experience was life changing for me as a trainer and as a businesswoman.
What was the experience like working on The Biggest Loser? How did a high profile job help your career?
Being a trainer on The Biggest Loser was the hardest, most emotional, and most rewarding job of my life. It was not until I was on the show that I realized the power I had as a trainer to save people’s lives. I did everything from their nutrition to their workouts, and for the first time in my life I was able to see in black and white on the medical reports the incredible impact I could have on someone’s life. My job no longer was about dialing in a six pack for a client, it was about saving people’s lives. It was during that time I realized that I was doing exactly what I was meant to do on this earth.
Although I’m not doing that much differently than I did before I was on the show, I now have millions of people that know who am and what I do. I won’t lie, being on prime time NBC was amazing. I can’t say all the drama and craziness of reality TV was my cup of tea, but it was an amazing experience that I’m incredibly thankful for. It changed me as a trainer by giving me the confidence to follow my passion and dreams of helping people become healthier emotionally, mentally, and physically.
What kinds of challenges have you faced being an entrepreneur?
The biggest challenge I face is only being one person with 24 hours in a day! I have so many dreams and goals and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done!
What is the best thing about being an entrepreneur?
The best thing about being an entrepreneur is that I don’t have a bucket list! I do what I want, when I want, and although I often fall flat on my face, it feels good to get up and say that I did my best and I’m glad I tried. My goal is to never look back in life and say, “I wish I would have…” I’d much rather look back and laugh at my mistakes while admiring my crazy ambition and achievements.
A lot of people say they don’t have the money to get in good shape or eat healthy. What tips would you give to those who want to stay healthy and fit on a tight budget?
It doesn’t cost a dime to get into shape and make healthy food choices. A tight budget is the worst excuse I can think of. After all, being on a tight budget can be stressful and there is no better way to fight stress then exercise. Of course money can make it easier when you can eat lobster and have a top-notch trainer knock at your door, but it isn’t always those clients that want it the most. The desire to succeed is the most important factor to get into great shape. Anyone can do exercises like pushups, walking or jogging, jumping jacks, planks or crunches, and other body weight exercise for free. There are so many great foods that don’t cost much and are easy to prepare, like canned beans and tuna, or frozen veggies and fruits, brown rice and oatmeal.
There aren’t many things we have 100% control over in this world, but we DO have 100% control over what we eat and how much we move our bodies, and that is very cool!
What is next in your career?
I’m about to launch my own chain of functional training studios called Bionic Body. I’ve created a unique track system that goes on the wall and works with a variety of resistance bands and attachments. I have a knack for finding very talented trainers that I will mentor and put in the spotlight. I’ve loved my time in the spotlight, and now I’m looking forward to being the businesswoman behind it all. It’s like when an actress becomes a director, it’s just a natural progression!
I am also part owner in a company called Nutrie. I’ve created an online program with an App and supplements that focuses on One Small Change to get you in the best shape of your life.
For more about Bionic Body, visit www.BionicBody.com, or follow me at www.KimLyons.com.