Growing up a gymnast, Kelsey is encouraged by what one can get out of athletics since the beginning. Now an instructor at City Surf Fort Worth, she strives to create a positive space in her classes where students can be themselves and push their limits. Keep reading for what she says her full-time job would be if she weren’t in the fitness industry!
What is your WHY? Why do you teach and how did you become and instructor?
I get a special kind of high when I’m teaching a class and can see that a student/ client feels an impact from the workout/my words/whatever they picked up that may have clicked with them. I strive to create a space for people to come to class to use that time to work through whatever they have going on in their lives. I want them to feel like they have a safe spot, to be themselves, to work hard, to push their limits, and to feel amazing during and after putting in that effort I expect them to put in.
How did you first get into fitness?
I grew up doing gymnastics up until college and dabbled in a little volleyball. My high school was super encouraging when it came to athletics. We had a great lifting program for athletes and non-athletes to support it. Yoga specifically was easy to catch on to and easy to love because of competing/coaching gymnastics for years.
What’s the best health/wellness advice you’ve ever received that has actually helped?
Recovery means everything! The workout means nothing if you don’t give your body a proper chance to bounce back.
What’s your favorite workout to do when you’re not teaching?
I always love to get a good lift in at the gym. If not that, I throughly enjoy being able to actually take a hot yoga class instead of instructing ;). I always try to stay a student.
What’s the last song you listened to on Spotify (or iTunes, Pandora, etc.)?
Promises by Sam Smith and Calvin Harris
Best thing in your fridge right now?
Bacon and eggs! Breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day.
Go-to pre or post-workout snack?
Pre-work out snack: a clif bar or another protein bar. Post- work out: Acai bowl (especially after hot yoga)
Go-to morning beverage(s)?
ALL THE COFFEE.
Favorite splurge meal/dessert?
Chips and queso! That’s on the normal diet though, if we’re being honest. If I really want to splurge, I hit up Bj’s Brewery for a s’mores pazookie.
Where do you get your health/wellness information? (blog, website, podcast, etc.)
I watch a fair amount of YouTube videos and Instagram, believe it or not, has a great amount of information about different workouts and health related topics. I also get a free subscription to YogaJournal, so when I can, I take some time to read the stories and articles they write about.
If this wasn’t your job, what would be your job?
I’d be a full-time traveler. I’d pick up odd jobs and make my way around the globe, take yoga classes and run around with just a backpack.
Favorite way to unwind after a long day/week?
I love when I get the chance to watch a good flick and cuddle with my pup at the end of the day or on a day I happen to not teach!