Many students enjoyed working out and staying fit, but for sophomore Kelsey Steed, working out and maintaining her physical fitness became more than just a hobby. Over the summer, Steed became fully certified as a fitness trainer through the International Sports Science Association. Though typically a four-month process, Steed compacted the course and trained several hours a day, getting her certification in one month. The course ended with an intensive eight-hour final.
After completing the course, Steed created her own personal training service called K.L. Steed Fitness. Through personal consultations, exercise sessions and nutritional plans, Steed taught her clients how to best take care of their bodies.
Steed, who had battled insecurity about her body, used her business as a method to reach out to others, share the message of Christ and help people have a healthy perspective about their bodies. She shared her own personal story with her clients to explain why she became a personal trainer.
“I was not healthy, and I did things that hurt my body, mind and spirit in the name of being thin and looking good,” Steed said. “I eventually got help, learned better, healthier and more effective fitness styles, and became a more fit and healthier person as a whole. My own struggles made me want to help others, so they never have to feel the way I did.”
Steed had three clients she worked with weekly and three others whom she worked with as their schedules allowed. Her friend and workout partner junior Austin Blue was proud of the work she was doing.
“It started last year when she would do weights at the gym with me,” Blue said. “She really enjoyed it and liked the results so much she kept doing it. She loves what she does and wanted to help others. Kelsey knows what it’s like to hate your body and doesn’t want anyone to feel that way. She doesn’t do it for the money so much; she does it so people feel better about themselves.”
Client and fellow Iota Chi club member junior Antasia Lewis, contacted Steed because she wanted to lose weight before spending a semester in Greece. Lewis saw significant results from the personal training done with Steed and appreciated Steed’s knowledge and training techniques.
“She is such a great trainer,” Lewis said. “Kelsey provides individualized workouts and meal plans. If I don’t like a particular exercise or food item, she finds an alternative. She’s been working with me since the first week of school, and I’ve already lost 10 pounds. It’s great because she’s genuinely interested in getting people healthy for life.”
Steed enjoyed the opportunity to help others to build their self-esteem. Gaining her trainer certification inspired Steed to minor in kinesiology, and she intended to continue the personal training business on the side.
“My passion of fitness, my personal struggles and past, my enthusiasm for helping others and my love for The Lord are all what motivated me to start my business,” Steed said. “I can honestly say that I love my job because I’m helping change people in so many ways. It’s an indescribable feeling knowing that you’re helping change and improve someone’s life.”
