Start Before You're Ready

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with Inergy trainer Ted Moore to talk about his transition from athlete and member to strength coach. Ted shares what he loves about coaching Group Strength and small-group training, including helping members improve their form, build confidence with heavier weights, and see the progress they are making over time. Kelly and Ted also discuss why small-group training can be such a valuable complement to regular classes: more individualized feedback, greater accountability, personalized goals, and the chance to work closely with a coach who knows your strengths and challenges.Ted also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at training for HYROX, the fast-growing fitness race that combines running with demanding strength and conditioning stations like sled pushes, sled pulls, farmer’s carries, weighted lunges, burpee broad jumps, rowing, and wall balls. Together, Kelly and Ted explore the value of mixing strength, conditioning, recovery, and steady-state cardio—while remembering that the real power of training often comes from the people beside you. If you are ready to get stronger, challenge yourself, or try a more personalized training experience, this episode is for you.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Kelly Young and Amy Beyer talk about how to make nutrition simpler, more sustainable, and more realistic for everyday life. Amy shares how her approach to food evolved over 12 years of coaching, from strict rules to a more flexible, whole-foods-based method that helps people build habits they can actually maintain.The conversation covers practical tips for meal planning, packed lunches, ingredient labels, cravings, and the difference between hunger and stress eating. They also discuss Amy’s Clean and Shred program, the power of community support, and how small, consistent changes can make a big difference over time.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This week on Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with two young women who spent the summer pouring into the KBC community: Bella Maniscalco, a marketing student at College of Charleston, and Alli Connors, a JMU kinesiology student and daughter of longtime KBC instructor Jess Connors. Bella came on board to help with marketing as part of her college coursework, and Alli ran a youth strength program all summer while also stepping into her own identity as an instructor and coach.  They talk about building confidence in front of a room, what it means to run a small program with total commitment and how growing up around fitness shapes the way you show up for people.The conversation also digs into life as a college freshman navigating food, fitness, and finding your footing away from home. Alli and Bella compare notes on dining halls, cooking for themselves, and staying consistent with healthy habits when the options are suddenly unlimited. Bella reflects on what she learned about branding and community building watching Kelly run KBC, and both women share their own “start before you’re ready” moments, from Alli’s first time leading a class solo to Bella’s leap from an individual sport to a team sport. It’s a fun, heartfelt episode about mentorship, independence, and the reps it takes to grow into who you’re becoming.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, I sit down with Evans Armantrading, CEO of CNU Fit and CNU Stretch in Dover, Delaware. Evans is a Brooklyn native, former Air Force service member, and entrepreneur who transformed his own struggle with weight into a career helping others build healthier, stronger lives. After losing 42 pounds and discovering a passion for metabolism, nutrition, and behavior change, he began coaching clients out of his home and eventually trained people with bands in a borrowed OBGYN office.Evans shares the real story behind building his business through unemployment, foreclosure, subleased spaces, donated equipment, and a community of clients who believed in him. Today, CNU Fit has grown to three locations and has helped nearly 4,000 people lose more than 45,000 pounds. His approach has always been bigger than a quick-fix diet or workout plan: it is about helping people believe they are worthy of taking care of themselves, creating sustainable habits, building muscle, and staying accountable for the long term.We also dive into the creation of CNU Stretch, the innovative stretch-therapy system that caught my attention at the SCW Fitness Conference. What began as one client asking for a workout made entirely of stretching has grown into a powerful service inside his gyms—and a certification program now reaching fitness professionals across 19 states. Evans explains how he built a client-centered, systematic model that teaches trainers not only how to deliver high-quality stretch sessions, but also how to confidently integrate the service into a fitness business. This conversation is full of heart, practical business wisdom, and a reminder that taking care of your strength, mobility, and health is one of the best investments you can make.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This week’s episode feels more like a coaching session than a podcast. Kelly shares what came up during Run Club this morning as members set their intentions for August, and breaks down five of the most common goals her community sets: steps, food and meal prep, sleep, workout consistency, and connection. She explains why the goal itself matters less than picking one thing that actually feels important to you right now, and why having someone to check in with makes all the difference. Kelly walks through her own approach to each category, from her Ultra Human ring and step tracking to her go to meal prep staples.Kelly closes with a challenge for every listener, not just her in person community. Pick one thing you want to accomplish in August, whether it is a daily habit, a number to hit, or something you want to do by the end of the month. Then reach out to Kelly directly to share that goal, and if you do not already have an accountability group, she wants to help you build one, ideally four to six people who check in on a regular cadence. As she says, there is no wrong goal for the month. What matters is that it is yours, and that you have someone in your corner.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with friend and original KBC student Beth Maier for a heartfelt, funny, and inspiring conversation about fitness, resilience, and what it really looks like to keep showing up for yourself over time. Beth shares her journey from working in real estate to staying home with her kids, building a dog-walking business, and learning to balance life, family, and fitness through every season.The conversation also dives into Beth’s powerful return to strength training after years away, the hidden pain she was living with, and the life-changing impact of addressing her hips, back, mobility, and nutrition. From bootcamp memories to hip replacements and the importance of getting stronger before surgery, Beth’s story is a reminder that it is never too late to take care of your body, rebuild your health, and start before you feel ready.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This week Kelly sits down with Meg Phillips, a longtime friend and one of the most versatile coaches at KBC and INERGY. Meg teaches every format in the studio, leads the Retro program for the 55+ community, and just became a certified stretch therapist. They dig into why yoga is worth trying even if you’ve written it off before, the difference between the Tuesday flow class and Wednesday night’s Yin class, and how something as simple as slowing your breath can change your nervous system and your flexibility. Meg shares tips for building a home yoga practice, from bolsters and blocks to setting the right atmosphere, and the two talk about how the Zenergy Reset chakra series has added a new layer of connection and education to class.The conversation also covers Meg’s new stretch therapy certification, including the story of how she pushed through a tough season to finish the training and what she learned working with different bodies and imbalances. Kelly and Meg close out with a well-deserved shoutout to the Retro program, celebrating the community, the strength gains, and the real-life wins members have shared, from easier hikes to a canceled shoulder surgery. It’s a conversation about consistency, self-awareness, and what happens when you stop following everyone else and start listening to yourself.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with physical therapist and clinical Pilates instructor Viraj Chang, owner of Accelerate Physical Therapy in Ashburn, Virginia. Viraj brings over 20 years of clinical and fitness experience and specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy, orthopedic injury rehabilitation, and preventive wellness for women at every life stage—prenatal, postnatal, postpartum, perimenopause, and beyond.Viraj explains how her whole-body, root-cause approach blends Postural Restoration, clinical Pilates, and a unique biomechanical lens to help women lift, run, and return to fitness safely after pregnancy and throughout midlife.A major focus of the conversation is breath and how the diaphragm actually works, why most of us don’t use it effectively, and how asymmetric anatomy impacts breathing and core function. Viraj breaks down what she looks for in a breathing assessment, why many pelvic floor clients breathe from their necks or bear down into their belly, and how tools like straws, balloons, and Pilates machines help retrain the rib cage and restore true core support.You’ll also hear what a typical session with Viraj looks like: a detailed health history, sneaker evaluation, breathing assessment, functional fitness and strength screens, and hands-on work with clinical Pilates equipment. She shares how she develops individualized treatment plans that may include manual therapy, dry needling, rib cage mobilization, and progressive exercise and why she created her own app so patients can follow her cues and breathing in real time at home.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this continuation of her story, Kelly takes you deeper into the moments that shaped not just her career, but her values as a business owner and leader in the fitness industry. From navigating integrity in a corporate role to stepping into motherhood with three young boys, she shares how those experiences led her back to fitness in a way that felt aligned, flexible, and deeply meaningful. What started as a simple Saturday boot camp quickly grew into something much bigger, rooted in community, accountability, and a belief that fitness should feel doable.Kelly also pulls back the curtain on how the fitness industry has evolved over the last two decades, and what she believes is coming next. From the rise, and limitations, of boutique specialization to the growing demand for more well-rounded, sustainable fitness approaches, she shares honest insights for both fitness professionals and everyday participants. If you’ve ever wondered what actually works long-term, or how to build a fitness business that lasts, this episode will challenge the way you think about both.—Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode shares Kelly’s lifelong journey in the fitness industry and why community is still the heartbeat of fitness. From being a three‑sport athlete in the 80s to joining Bally’s Health Club and falling in love with her Reebok step bench and the GIn Miller step aerobics tape, Kelly realized early that her true passion was “getting better together” on a team.   She reflects on how the industry has evolved from Jack LaLanne–inspired health clubs to today’s world of lifestyle brands, wearables, AI, and hybrid memberships. Through all the trends, one thing has stayed the same: people show up consistently where they feel seen, supported, and inspired, and that place is community. If you’ve ever been part of a team, class, or boot camp, this episode will help you reconnect with your own fitness story and the communities that shaped it.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with her friend Meghan, a fellow lacrosse mom who lives two hours away in Richmond and has never actually set foot in the studio. What started as a sideline conversation after their boys’ game turned into a powerful commitment to her own health through virtual classes that made her feel like part of the community from day one.Meghan shares how showing up four mornings a week from her sunroom has changed her energy, confidence, and even how she nourishes her body, right down to feeling “hungry” after workouts in the best possible way. If you have ever wondered whether you can truly feel seen, supported, and transformed without being local, this conversation will show you how much can change when you decide to start.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with athlete and recent Freedom High School graduate, Ty Beyer, to talk about his senior capstone project at Kelly’s Boot Camp and Inergy. Ty shares how he went from doing kids’ boot camps at five years old to becoming a three-sport athlete in cross-country, wrestling, and track, and now a soon-to-be freshman at UVA. Kelly and Ty dive into what the capstone program is, why Freedom High offers it, and how working inside a real-world fitness business helped Ty connect his passion for sports and community with potential future career paths.They also explore the discipline and time management it takes to excel as a multi-sport athlete while keeping up with school, AP exams, and life outside the classroom. Ty talks about winning a state track meet, what he’s learned from growing up in the Kelly’s Boot Camp community, and how being immersed in fitness has shaped his mindset as he steps into this next season of life. Whether you’re a parent, a student, or someone who loves seeing young people step into leadership, this conversation will inspire you to say yes to new opportunities and create meaningful experiences right where you are.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode is your summer game plan if you want structure, accountability, and fun without feeling tied down. Kelly introduces two virtual-friendly programs Camp Adventure with Lori and Zenergy Reset with Gretchen.  Both are programs you can do from anywhere, even while traveling.You’ll hear:How Camp Adventure uses movement missions, habit challenges, badges, and community to keep you consistently moving all summerHow Zenergy Reset blends simple nutrition, chakras, breathwork, and journaling into a 7-week, feel-better-from-the-inside-out resetWhy these camps focus less on perfection and more on how you want to feel by the end of summer--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode of Start Before You’re Ready is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply inspiring conversation with one of the biggest gifts of my life, my dear friend since high school, event planner and creative powerhouse, Jen (Rivera) Newman. We go all the way back to where it started, from basketball, big hair, and being mistaken for each other in college, and trace Jen’s journey from ad agency prodigy working on iconic campaigns and helping launch a major digital firm to co-founding The Joy Standard, a thriving boutique event company built on rolling up your sleeves, serving others, and intentionally creating joy. Jen shares how she helped name both Kelly’s Bootcamp and Start Before You’re Ready, why “everything is figure-outable” has become a family mantra, and the simple questions she wants you to ask before you overspend or over-stress on any big celebration.We also go into the hardest chapters of Jen’s story, including a terrifying health crisis and rare biliary condition that led to massive surgery and a long, humbling recovery. This conversation is packed with honest wisdom, laugh-til-you-cry memories, and a powerful reminder to seek joy, lean on your people, and start before you feel ready.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with longtime boot camper Anneli Connell, whose fitness journey has carried her from casual college runner to accomplished athlete, working mom, and powerful example of resilience. Anneli opens up about training through pregnancy, discovering the real impact of strength and variety on her running, and how fitness became her anchor during her son’s diagnosis and open-heart surgery as a newborn.She also shares candidly about slipping into a nightly wine habit and how KBC’s goal-setting and accountability helped her radically cut back and reclaim her energy, clarity, and confidence. If you’ve ever used workouts to cope, felt stuck repeating the same goal without progress, or wondered whether change is still possible in the busiest seasons of life, Anneli’s story will make you feel seen and ready to take your next small step.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode is all about building goals that actually matter, finishing what you start, and giving yourself enough wiggle room to handle real life. Kelly walks through the “Summer Strong Society” challenge she built for her 20-something boot campers, why smaller groups create safer accountability, and how simple systems like a one-minute weekly Google Form can keep people engaged and honest about their progress. She shares her own 10,000-step experiment, what she’d tweak next time, and why meaningful goals must move the needle in your life instead of just adding pressure.Kelly also opens up about the emotional side of showing up: a member who almost quit before starting, how radical honesty changed their plan, and why having someone to talk to can be as powerful as any workout plan. She reflects on supporting a close friend through grief, the importance of saying struggles out loud, and how conversation creates mutual healing. To wrap up, she previews a new “summer camp” series of accountability programs and growth-focused offerings some free, some paid designed to help members connect, expand, and actually finish what they commit to this summer.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode features KBC member and mom Lisa Glasgow, who shares her path to motherhood through international adoption of her two children from Russia, including her daughter, Anzella, who has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and her son, Sasha. She talks about the hard early years, the confusion before diagnosis, and how both kids have changed her life and pushed her into becoming a stronger advocate and more patient, grounded parent.Lisa also opens up about being a caregiver for both her daughter and her 92 year old father, how that led to isolation, and why joining Kelly’s Bootcamp became essential for her mental health. She explains how movement, strength training, and the KBC community help her feel better emotionally, stay strong in her 60s, and stay connected through Level Up, barre, and other classes that support both her body and mind.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, I’m talking with my friend Carrie Armacost, founder of CareFit and Barriers Into Bridges Coaching. Carrie has spent more than two decades in the fitness industry helping people move better, understand their bodies, and build strength from the inside out.We talk about functional fitness, rotational training, mindset, rebuilding after major life transitions, and why movement is often the first step toward clarity.Carrie’s story is such a powerful reminder that you are not broken, you are not lazy, and sometimes what you really need is a system that works for your life.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with longtime KBC member-turned-trainer Ted Moore to unpack his evolution from “Saturday boot camper” to one of the strongest, most consistent leaders in the room. Ted shares how his background as a three-sport athlete, marathoner, and former P90X follower eventually collided with the community and variety he found at Kelly’s Bootcamp, helping him move from chronic back and shoulder pain into the best shape of his life in his 50s. He walks through the key levers that finally shifted his body composition and shares some of the things that he thinks made a difference.Ted and Kelly also dive into his recent leap into coaching, why he thinks his team won the Winter Challenge, how Dude Camp turned him into a quiet leader for the men of KBC, and what he loves most about small group strength training. They talk about the unique way KBC’s community supports real conversations among guys about stress and anxiety, the difference a coach’s eyes make in small group versus larger classes, and Ted’s message for anyone who feels intimidated to start.  Stay until the end, where Ted shares a very fun fact!--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly talks with KBC member and former University of Delaware lineman Scott Conley about rebuilding his health in his 40s. Scott shares how he went from 340 pounds, skipped workouts, and unhealthy habits to quitting drinking, running consistently, and stepping into the KBC community in June of 2024.   He opens up about the fears he had before joining, how accountability and team energy changed everything, and why he now treats morning workouts as his edge in life and business. Scott also talks about working out with his son, modeling healthy habits at home, and why it’s never too late to start again, even after years of feeling stuck.  --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

After weeks of one-on-one assessments, Kelly has seen firsthand what people are really struggling with and this episode is her answer. She shares 10 rapid-fire tips that cover everything from mindset to movement to meals, so no matter where you are on your journey, something here is going to hit home.Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve fallen off track after vacation, this episode is your reset. Kelly brings a little tough love alongside her own personal rules, her go-to fridge staples, and why PFF really is your BFF. Take a listen, and let Kelly know which tip resonates most.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at life, marriage, and movement with my dream guest: my husband, Andrew. We talk about how he went from “I’ll only work out if it’s a sport” guy to day-one boot camper that has been consistent with workouts for the last 18 years. From those early days of hiring a babysitter just so we could treat boot camp as our standing “date,” to building deep friendships that show up to watch basketball 2 days after his recent hip replacement, this conversation is all about how fitness can anchor a family through busy seasonsand big life changes.We also get honest about injuries, aging, and what it looks like to keep showing up when your body can’t do what it used to. Andrew shares how he stayed consistent through years of hip pain, why he’s so committed to doing “whatever I can do” instead of all-or-nothing, and how his analytical brain helped him build simple, sustainable habits with food and movement (yes, the beer stays). We dig into competing with yourself, making time when work is insane, supporting each other’s dreams, and respecting that your partner might need very different rocks in their “jar of time” than you do. --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This is a Start Before You’re Ready story from the inbox to the red carpet. Kelly shares a James Clear idea that lands at just the right time, a studio challenge that doesn’t go as planned, and why she’s doubling down on truly listening to her people through the podcast and a new 21‑day ab challenge.Then she pulls back the curtain on an audacious, carefully planned “yes” that took her and Andrew to the Oscars complete with dress drama, traffic nightmares, and surreal red‑carpet moments and what that night taught her about controlling the controllables and belonging in any room exactly as she is.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this powerful episode, Kelly talks with fitness professional, author, and coach Yvette Salva about her raw, unfiltered journey through anorexia, bulimia, alcohol, cocaine, and ultimately 23 years of sobriety. Yvette shares how moving from Spain to the U.S. as a teen left her feeling like she never fit in, and how that pain turned into restriction, over‑exercise, and a long battle with food and body image she hid even as a successful fitness pro. Drawing from her book Booze, Blow, and Pancakes, she explains why pancakes became the symbol of her bulimia, how addiction quietly escalated from weekend drinking to blackouts and cocaine, and the terrifying reality of losing everything and living out of her car before choosing recovery.Yvette and Kelly break down the four stages of change and spend time on the hardest part: being willing to stay uncomfortable long enough to truly transform. Yvette talks about why nine rehabs didn’t stick, what finally made her willing to change, and why no one can save someone who isn’t ready. She shares the simple but powerful “plan, accountability, and routine” framework she still uses today, and the story behind the phrase “Make SHIFT Happen” and how a keyboard became the metaphor for taking radical responsibility. This conversation is for anyone who has struggled with food, alcohol, perfectionism, or people‑pleasing—or loves someone battling addiction and wants to understand what real change looks like from the inside.Resources mentioned in this episode:• Booze, Blow, and Pancakes by Yvette Salva• Being Seen by Jennifer Gauntlett• Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes• Rachel Hollis’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rachel-hollis-podcast/id1245763628?i=1000755504222--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly reconnects with longtime friend and Chief Granola Officer, Aaron Anker, the sole owner of Grandy Organics. From growing up in upstate New York to building one of the largest employers in his small Maine town, Aaron shares how a ski-bum detour, a vegan café in Aspen, and a deep love for the environment shaped his path into organic granola, trail mixes, and nuts that now line shelves at MOM’s Organic Market, Whole Foods, college campuses, smoothie bowl shops like South Block, and more. He opens up about becoming a solo owner, converting an abandoned elementary school on the Saco River into a solar-powered bakery, and why paying a living wage and knowing his team’s families means more to him than revenue milestones.  Aaron and Kelly dive into the real behind-the-scenes of running an independent food brand in a world of massive conglomerates, from tariffs and ingredient sourcing to staying nimble when chocolate prices spike and regulations shift. Along the way, Aaron talks about intentional living, why local really matters in a state like Maine, and his belief that business is just a series of partnerships with employees, suppliers, and retailers. He leaves listeners with powerful ideas, including his favorite Mr. Rogers inspired mantra “anything that’s mentionable is manageable” and the reminder that you rarely feel ready before you start, whether you are launching a company, changing careers, or simply deciding to live where you truly want to be.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this solo episode, I’m sharing 17 lessons from 17 years of coaching people through real-life seasons of health, busy schedules, and start again moments.  You’ll hear how simple challenges and tiny habits like  can create big shifts in consistency, confidence, and results without an extreme all-or-nothing approach.  I also get honest about being a naturally disorganized person learning to ask for help, use tools like AI, and build systems so I can keep showing up for the people I serve.  If you’ve ever wished you had more accountability, more community, or just a nudge to get back on track, this episode will give you ideas you can borrow and make your own—no membership required.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this emotional and hope-filled episode, I sit down with my childhood friend, Tonya Duncan, who shares the ultimate lesson in resilience.   Tonya shares the story of her son Alex, who was born with multiple special needs and later diagnosed with aggressive testicular cancer in his early 20s. She talks about his fighting spirit, how he used the gifts given to him to help others, and how that generosity inspired the Alex G. Duncan Foundation for Fighting Testicular Cancer, which supports men and families walking through this diagnosis.Tonya also opens up about her daughter Ashley, a beautiful, high-achieving competitive cheerleader whose life was slowly taken over by addiction after an ankle injury and early exposure to opioids. She walks us through Ashley’s decade-long battle, the signs she missed, the guilt she wrestled with, and the reality of losing a child to overdose. We talk about the differences between losing a child to disease and to addiction, the strain and strength in her marriage to Darren, the role of faith and mindset, and how she’s slowly rediscovered movement, creativity, and joy while choosing, day by day, to seek peace rather than chase happiness.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode of Start Before You’re Ready features Sara Kooperman, founder and CEO of SCW Fitness Education, who has spent over 40 years shaping the fitness industry through her MANIA® conventions, certifications, and continuing education. We talk about how SCW grew from a single workshop to six national MANIA® conferences, why live and hybrid education still matters in an online world, and how Sara continues to create affordable, accessible learning for group fitness instructors, personal trainers, and studio owners through events, livestream summits, and free monthly webinars.Sara shares her unlikely journey from dancer to lawyer to fitness entrepreneur, including opening (and closing) her first Chicago studio, taking big risks on credit cards to launch new cities, and what those failures taught her about leadership, money, and resilience. We also dig into the current state of the fitness industry, why in-person certifications and connection are so powerful, her perspective on GLP-1 medications and active agers, and her best advice for aspiring fit pros: ask for help, take risks, expect to fail, and keep going.SCW Fitness Education: https://scwfit.com--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

After more than three decades in fitness, Bobby Kelly has learned that real transformation goes far beyond the gym floor. In this episode, Bobby—founder of Results Only Fitness in Phoenix and author of The Next Chapter Starts Now joins Kelly to talk about reinvention, purpose, and what it really means to start again in the messy middle of life. From his beginnings as a step instructor in D.C. to mentoring midlife changemakers in Arizona, Bobby shares how fitness became his vehicle for coaching life’s biggest pivots.   You’ll hear the story behind his new book, what it takes to truly own your disconnect, and why chasing desire isn’t selfish—it’s data. We talk about simple, intentional steps to start your next chapter right where you are, how to listen when your life is trying to get your attention, and the courage it takes to reset your standards in midlife.If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or ready for what’s next but don’t want to burn everything down to find it, this conversation will give you language, tools, and a whole lot of permission to begin again.  Learn more about Bobby and grab your copy of The Next Chapter Starts Now at thenextchapterstartsnow.com--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with Brian McGee — longtime coach and owner of Fit360 in Washington, DC. Brian shares how a personal heartbreak launched his 24-year fitness career, how his grandfather’s active lifestyle and his father’s MS diagnosis shaped his purpose, and how he built one of DC’s most respected coaching gyms from a former laundromat.They explore what it really takes to grow a brick-and-mortar fitness business, navigate risk, and stay rooted in the identity of being a coach first, owner second. This one’s full of hard-earned wisdom for anyone who loves fitness, coaching, and the idea of starting before you feel ready.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly Young talks with coach, author, and mindset expert Sarah Stack, host of the Her Time podcast. Sarah is devoted to helping teen and tween female athletes stay confident, healthy, and in sport longer, and she shares why so many girls leave sports around ages 14–15—and what coaches and parents can do to keep them connected to the game and themselves.Sarah breaks down her MENTOR Model (Mindset, Nutrition, Training, and Recovery) and how it helps young athletes build sustainable routines around fueling, rest, and confidence. She also shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to strength coach and member of Todd Durkin’s Mastermind, and how she supports families through big decisions like taking time off or stepping away from competition.Kelly and Sarah dive into burnout, identity beyond sports, and why adults, too, need recovery and purpose outside work or fitness. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or midlife athlete, this conversation will encourage you to trust your gut and start before you’re ready. Listen to Sarah’s show Her Time here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/her-time/id1777931345?i=1000745867708--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this inspiring episode of Start Before You’re Ready, host Kelly Young welcomes Heather Comerford, a longtime KBC community member whose journey from self-doubt to leadership will leave you feeling motivated to take action—no matter where you’re starting from. Heather opens up about finding her strength through community, navigating personal loss, and the life-changing lessons she’s learned about consistency, connection, and courage.  Together, Kelly and Heather explore the emotional side of transformation—the moments that stretch us, the people who lift us, and the small steps that create big change. You’ll hear Heather’s refreshing take on nutrition and how movement became her therapy. This episode is a love letter to community, growth, and the reminder that progress begins the moment you decide to start before you’re ready.  --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You're Ready, host Kelly Young engages with Dr. Todd Miller, an exercise physiologist and public health researcher, to discuss the paradox of declining health despite advancements in nutrition. Todd shares insights from his extensive experience in metabolic health, emphasizing the importance of personalized dietary interventions based on individual metabolism and muscle mass. He explains how technologies like DEXA scans can help tailor diet programs, removing guesswork and leading to better health outcomes. The conversation also touches on the societal shift towards inactivity and its implications for chronic diseases, particularly in adolescents, and the need for a cultural change to reintroduce physical activity into daily life.Throughout the discussion, Todd highlights the significance of resistance training for metabolic health and bone density, debunking myths around weightlifting, especially for women. He advocates for a balanced approach to nutrition, stressing the importance of protein intake while allowing flexibility with fats and carbohydrates. The episode concludes with Todd's insights on the systemic issues contributing to obesity and chronic disease, including the role of GLP-1 medications and the need for a holistic view of health that prioritizes activity alongside diet.For listeners who want to go deeper into the science of metabolism, movement, and modern health, follow Dr. Miller’s writing on Substack at The Flux Files: https://toddmiller67.substack.com/Learn more about his clinical and testing work at LiveLean RX, a national chain of body composition and metabolism testing centers: https://www.liveleanrx.com --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge wondering what to eat, this episode is your reset. Kelly breaks down her real-world system for eating better without spending more — starting with how to take inventory, shop smarter, and fill your kitchen with real, satisfying food that fuels you.She’ll walk you through her go-to fridge setup, quick meal tricks, and the fiber-rich foods that keep you full and energized. It’s practical, no-pressure advice that proves healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs a plan.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Kicking off 2026, Kelly sits down solo to unpack what really happened  this past year—from year-long InBody check-ins and and accountability that actually got people to follow through when motivation dipped. She shares the honest truth about projects that took way longer than planned, why finishing hard (and sometimes annoying) things matters, and what she noticed about the people who stayed consistent versus the ones who quietly fell off.This episode is also a nudge to pick a word for your year that actually means something in your real life, not just on a vision board, and to build in the accountability you know you need instead of pretending you’ll “just be more disciplined.” Kelly talks about choosing “audacious” for herself, how saying yes changed things for members and coaches, and why she’s doubling down on real conversations, coaching, and community inside the studio and on this podcast in 2026.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Bob Wells is one of our most iconic KBC members and the perfect example of “start before you’re ready.” At 54, he took over his wife’s membership, showed up to a brutally hot August class, moaned his way through the warm‑up, and had other students quietly convinced he’d never return. But he did. Again and again. Now, more than a decade later, Bob is in his mid‑60s, running 5Ks whenever he wants, lifting heavier than ever, and holding onto muscle that most people his age would love to have.   In this episode, Bob and Kelly walk through how one Saturday class turned into a full routine, how a single Winter Challenge and a nutrition workshop with Amy Beyer changed everything, and how tracking his food daily (for nearly 10 years!) helps him enjoy travel, lobster rolls, and pizza without losing control of his goals. They talk about family history, longevity, MyZone, steps, and why the real magic isn’t in extremes—it’s in layers, community, and showing up when you’re not quite ready yet. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s “too late” to start, this story will shut that down in the best possible way.  --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This week on Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with her longtime friend and original boot camper, Christine Varanelli—a mom of four, lifelong learner, marathon runner, and one of the most quietly powerful women you’ll ever meet. From the early boot camp days to crossing finish lines across the country and chasing new degrees and dreams in her fifties, Christine’s story is a masterclass in perseverance.She opens up about life’s twists—the hard seasons, the evolving identity of motherhood, and the courage it takes to keep reinventing yourself no matter what’s happening around you. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep moving forward when life feels heavy or you’re unsure where to start, Christine’s story will remind you what’s possible when you refuse to give up on yourself.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Kelly welcomes her lifelong friend and Great Energy co‑founder, Daniela Hess, for a raw, and real conversation about energy, autoimmune issues, and what it actually takes to feel like yourself again. From Friendly’s shifts at 16 to navigating brain fog, hair loss, puffiness, and crushing fatigue in her 40s and 50s, Daniela shares how she uncovered anemia, Hashimoto’s, gut issues, and the hidden gaps in “normal” lab results so many women are handed.They dive into why so many midlife symptoms (weight gain, mood swings, low libido,  are really rooted in inflammation and gut health, how the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) and smarter labs can change the game, and why midlife can actually become your most creative, intimate, and joyful chapter. If you’ve ever felt, “What is happening to my body?” this episode will give you language, direction, and serious inspiration. --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

This episode of Start Before You’re Ready is a full-circle conversation with longtime KBC member turned instructor, educator, breast cancer survivor, and all-around community spark plug, Lori Molnar. Lori shares how a love of movement shaped her journey from Virginia Tech exercise physiology major and  to 25 years of teaching middle school health and PE, to finally stepping onto the mic as a group fitness coach at KBC. She and Kelly talk candidly about navigating  motherhood, career pivots, changing bodies in midlife, and how Lori used clean eating, strength training, and accountability tools like InBody to lose significant body fat, rebuild strength after cancer treatment, and arrive at 53 feeling better than ever—in her body and in her relationship with food.The conversation also dives into Lori’s experience with breast cancer, the mindset work behind “everything is figureoutable,” and the small daily choices that help her keep showing up for herself and her community. --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly sits down with one of the most important people in her life, longtime friend and honorary family member, Chris Kerns, From a 16‑year‑old “cafe kid” at an American Family Fitness in Richmond to the guy doing burpees in Annapolis after a long night, Chris has always been about movement, hard work, and making everyone around him feel seen.  Kelly shares how he became part of the Young family—living in their basement, helping with the boys, and evolving from employee to uncle, brother, and trusted friend.Chris opens up about the losses that broke him—first his father, then his sister—and how, after completely checking out on life, he was pulled back into purpose through a idea from his best friend Jay: leading a free 6 am Wednesday workout called November Project.  He talks about pouring grief into something bigger than himself, showing up in every kind of weather, and helping grow a grassroots movement in Richmond from a handful of people to hundreds each week.  Kelly reflects on how her own boot camp became a lifeline during dark seasons, and how both of them found healing and meaning by creating spaces where other people could come to move, connect, and feel alive again.Together, they trace the parallel lines of their stories: losing their dads weeks apart, relocating, raising kids, building community, and leaning on fitness as therapy for anxiety, nervous energy, and “too many screws loose.”  They laugh about late cafe shifts, brutal burpee streaks, KBC parking‑lot creativity, Dude Camp, and Myzone leaderboard rivalries that keep them honest.  Most of all, they honor a friendship that neither of them saw coming but now can’t imagine life without—a friendship that has stood beside each of them in the best and worst moments, quietly proving that sometimes the workout, and the person waiting for you at the crack of dawn, really can save your life.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode of Start Before You’re Ready, Kelly welcomes Amy Beyer, a standout fitness and nutrition coach whose programs have become community favorites. The conversation kicks off with the return of Project Zero—a journaling-based accountability challenge designed to help participants navigate the holidays without gaining weight. Amy shares why writing things down and community support matters, especially during high-stress, high-sugar seasons. They discuss the holistic impact of the program, touching on how it builds better energy, sleep, and mindful eating habits, but without demanding perfection. As the episode progresses, Amy reveals her journey of personal struggle and transformation, which inspired her Menopause Makeover program. She opens up about hormone therapy, changing nutrition needs, and practical ways women in midlife can value themselves, embrace change, and maintain wellness.Listeners get practical tips for building healthy routines—make space to get hungry, cut down evening snacking, prioritize non-exercise movement, and adapt wellness strategies to individual needs. Amy and Kelly emphasize that health is never one-size-fits-all. Their candid exchange provides a blend of inspiration, humor, and actionable advice for anyone wanting to feel better through the holidays and major life transitions. They close with thoughts on how finding support, trying new approaches, and signing up for community programs like Amy’s can spark a fresh start and lasting results. --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Looking for a jolt of motivation, laughter, and authentic connection? In this uplifting episode of "Star Before You're Ready," Kelly brings together two of the most iconic members of the KBC community, Jen V. and Heather M., for an unscripted conversation about friendship, overcoming medical challenges, and what keeps them coming back to bootcamp year after year. These two powerhouse women share how fitness turned acquaintances into best friends and created a network of support both inside and outside the studio.Listeners will hear heartwarming and hilarious stories—like getting “dragged” to early morning workouts, overcoming serious heart conditions, and returning from major setbacks stronger than ever. They open up about using data and consistency to track real transformation, grant themselves grace, and how community makes every rep, recovery, and celebration more meaningful.Whether you’re new to group fitness or just trying to start a fitness routine, you’ll find actionable tips on building healthy habits, the importance of showing up, and why you should never compare your beginning to someone else’s journey. This episode will have you reflecting on your own friendships, laughing out loud, and ready to say “yes” to your next challenge.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Kelly kicks off this episode of "Start Before You’re Ready" with an honest behind-the-scenes confession: it’s her third attempt at recording this week, but this time she gets real about connection, community, and why meaningful conversations matter. From Friday treats to the challenges her clients face—motivation, nutrition, sleep, stress, and pain—Kelly shares practical advice and stories from her community.  She highlights the power of checking in with others, progress over perfection, and the importance of small wins. The episode closes with a reminder to be present, ask better questions, and always start before you’re ready.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this inspiring episode, Kelly Young interviews Heather Whisenant a vibrant new member whose energy, gratitude, and goal-mindedness have quickly made her a standout.   Heather shares her evolution—from overcoming back injuries and learning to celebrate small wins, to developing real strength and learning to love her arms.Listeners follow Heather’s path as she adapts to new routines, pushes past physical and emotional challenges, and emphasizes the value of trying new things. The episode highlights practical nutrition hacks, sustainable fitness habits, and the mental shift that makes all the difference: showing up, staying curious, and never letting critic voices win.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this deeply moving episode, Kelly sits down with her friend, Barbara Gladieux, to share a conversation about love, loss, and the language of healing. After losing her husband, Ken, to suicide, Barbara turned her grief into advocacy—helping others navigate their own journeys through loss and raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.Together, Kelly and Barbara discuss the power of words like “died by suicide,” the importance of community support, and the value of open, honest conversations about mental illness. Barbara also shares her experience founding a support group in Lynchburg, her children’s continued advocacy work, and how hope and connection can help carry us through unimaginable pain.This episode reminds listeners that mental illness is an illness—not a choice—and that healing begins when we start talking.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this heartfelt episode, Kelly Young interviews her dear friend Kristen Kime, affectionately known as KK, who shares her inspiring journey through breast cancer. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, the role of fitness and nutrition in recovery, and the significance of early detection through self-exams. KK's positive attitude and determination to maintain normalcy during her treatment serve as a powerful reminder of resilience and hope. The episode also emphasizes the need for awareness and support for breast cancer initiatives, encouraging listeners to engage with their communities and support one another.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

In this episode, Kelly Young sits down with Kathy Curtin — a mother of seven, one of the original boot campers, and the creative force behind What Kathy Creates. Kathy shares how fitness has shaped her approach to both motherhood and entrepreneurship, explaining how the strength, discipline, and confidence she’s built at bootcamp have fueled her creativity and growth in business.Listeners will hear how Kathy developed her craft, mastered power tools, and continues to inspire others to embrace new challenges. The episode also explores the importance of community, the value of self-care for moms, and the joy of giving new life and purpose to forgotten furniture.Follow Kathy on Instagram at @whatkccreates for a behind-the-scenes look at her projects and daily inspiration.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Frank Pucher, a decades-long leader in fitness coaching and author of "Smart Money Moves," joins Kelly for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation. Frank shares lessons from his journey as an athlete, personal trainer, studio owner, and mentor, including what it takes to maintain longevity, balance, and joy in life. He introduces his "Core Four" philosophy, showing how small, intentional actions across relationships, health, career, and happiness can transform your year. The episode dives into the importance of accountability, why simple routines (not the latest fitness trends) really work, and debunks common myths about fitness, business, and aging. Frank closes with his signature advice: "Fear the change and do it anyway"—a motivating reminder to start before you feel ready and keep learning as you go. --Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

On this heartfelt episode of "Start Before You're Ready," Kelly sits down with Margery Pratt, a true pillar of the KBC community and a living example of aging beautifully and strong. Known for her consistent fitness journey since 2009, Margery shares her philosophies on family, work, community, and resilience.Listeners will hear about her 29-year career as a much-loved high school teacher, her deep commitment to showing up for others, and how the KBC community helped her through profound loss. Margery discusses the importance of modeling physical activity for the next generation, maintaining a healthy approach to food, and what it means to find light even in life’s darkest moments. The conversation covers everything from fitness routines and nutrition habits to fashion, family, and the healing power of connection.Don’t miss Margery’s wisdom on staying consistent, how her family values shaped her, and why showing up—even when it’s hard—is the secret to building strength, inside and out.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/

Kelly Young marks the 50th episode by swapping roles with KBC team member Erica Collins—an instructor, long-time friend, and dedicated mom—who hosts this milestone conversation. Rather than a typical interview, Kelly answers candid questions sourced directly from her own team, they asked the best questions! Topics DiscussedHormonal health and wellness for women in midlife, with special attention to trends like peptides and HRT, and the importance of individualized, evidence-based choices.Kelly's hierarchy of non-negotiable habits for vitality and happiness.Lessons from fitness business ownership—including the surprising advice to "get out of your studio" and why Kelly stays actively engaged with her community.Inspiration from students: the value of vulnerability, honest communication, and celebrating wins together.Books that shaped Kelly's life and leadership—recommendations include Smart Brevity, Mind Magic, Into the Magic Shop, The Energy Bus, and Setting the Table.Strategies for getting out of a rut and “controlling the controllables”—reconnecting with foundational habits and using fitness to recharge.Healthy habit tweaks: how to satisfy a sweet tooth in moderation and why palate discipline matters.Men’s health and the evolution of Dude Camp—building connection and accountability for men in the fitness community.Kelly’s “best salad” techniques, from prepping fresh ingredients to building flavorful dressings—and of course the chopper.Future vision for KBC: growing passionate instructors and nurturing the next generation of leaders.Kelly’s dream podcast guest—a lighthearted discussion about family, real people, and insights over celebrity interviews.--Let’s connect!IG: @kellys_bootcampMy website: https://kellysbootcamp.net/