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

Hi Katrina, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
After moving across the country with my spouse three times in four years I was always finding myself building and rebuilding my business each time. The primary focus was to apply myself 110% to my career and sow the seeds now so I can reap the benefits later.

However, in my line of work as a fitness professional I found myself putting my own health on the back burner. This contradicted what I was educating my clients on having that work-life balance and prioritizing their health.

I found that creating my own boundaries is what works for me and helped me to take back control over my health. It took saying “no” to certain opportunities that didn’t serve me and staying within the guidelines I had set for myself to maintain that balance.

This ultimately led to me leaving the commercial gym setting and starting my own coaching business to where I could create the schedule that worked best for me and still allowed me to take care of myself. After all, if I’m not performing at 100% I definitely won’t be able to serve my clients the same way!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
[HOW IT STARTED] I discovered my passion for health & fitness after battling negative body image issues and disordered eating throughout my adolescence. Although I had some martial arts experience I felt goofy & was always the last one to be picked to play team sports in PE class. I had low self esteem.

In college I quickly put on the pounds from an unhealthy lifestyle of substance abuse, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and a toxic relationship. Stress was at an all time high from balancing a corporate 9 to 5 working at a law firm and going to school.
On top of that, I had a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure which I was predisposed to if I didn’t make a change soon…

[REALIZATION AND PURPOSE]
I found a positive outlet through dance fitness. To me dancing was fun and didn’t feel like a workout. Little did I know this was just the beginning of my new life!

I went on to try other means of exercise like resistance training to build strength and body sculpt. I went so far as to compete in my first figure competition in 2013 and continued until 2015. However, I found the extreme dieting and training unsustainable for my lifestyle and it enhanced my body dysmorphia.

The lessons learned from being on both ends of the spectrum have shaped me into the coach I am today…

A coach who stands behind making my clients’ health their #1 priority and living an active, balanced lifestyle with sustainable habits, stress management, and a healthy relationship with food. No quick fixes here!

[TRAIN WITH KO FIT!]
My positive judgment-free outlook, educational background, and attention to detail make me an ideal coach for clients of just about every background: Men and women, moms and moms-to-be, athletes, physical therapy and orthopedic patients, seniors, and college students.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First- Buc-ee’s lol. I never understood the obsession until I started taking road trips in TX. Cleanest gas station ever! And you can get just about anything from BBQ sandwiches to sugared pecans to cool beaver merch!

Second- We would do all the foodie things from Bellaire to The Heights. Some notable spots: Pondicheri, Common Bond, Chung Chun Rice Dogs, and Pit Room BBQ!

Third- Explore Buffalo Bayou, Memorial Park Eastern Glades, and drive around the city during the day. Go out for a night on the town around EaDo or Montrose.

For me fun is what you make of it. Doesn’t matter what it is–it’s the company! 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Gotta thank my Number One from up above first and foremost for blessing me with the opportunity and gift to serve others!

Secondly, my husband Brian for being so selfless, supporting all my endeavors and believing in me. Thanks for encouraging me to take risks I wouldn’t normally have on my own. I love you babe!

Dr. Michael Davis aka “Doc Mike'”, my very first mentor in this profession. I am so glad I started my career interning for his physical therapy practice as he has opened my eyes to be more than “just a trainer” and has helped me to be thoughtful about the way I approach each individual client. Because of him I also value expanding my knowledge through continuing education on a regular basis.

Jenny Sanchez, owner of The Fitista Consulting and Dance House Fitness in Houston, TX for her mentorship and helping me with the other aspects of the biz such as social media, technology, etc. She’s helped me to catch up with the times lol. You rock!

Lastly, to my family, friends, and clients throughout the U.S. that I’ve made relationships with along the way. I appreciate you all and KO Fit would not exist without your support!

Website: www.katrinaowenfit.com

Instagram: @ko_fit_coach (business) or @trinab3ast (personal)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrinaowenfit

Image Credits
Tina Leu www.tinaleu.com @tinaleufotos (instagram)

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