Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Doherty.
Katelyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Growing up, I was not a natural athlete. I tried both soccer and softball and did not find success in either. I tried gymnastics and cheerleading as well and even though I enjoyed both I was not passionate about either and was more focused on academics. When I was a freshman in college, I faced a rough patch in my life and gained the lovely “freshman fifteen”. I made it my mission to become a happier, healthier and more fit version of myself. I joined a gym and started working out and tracking my food daily. Fast forward to a year later, I had lost all the weight I previously gained and changed my body composition. Many of my family members and friends asked me how I did it and when I explained it to them, I realized how passionate I was about helping others get in shape and reach their health and fitness goals. I just never imagined I could make a career out of it.
At the age of 22, I decided to transfer out of the pharmacy program at MCPHS and I applied to Bridgewater State University to major in Physical Education with a minor in exercise physiology. In the meantime, while waiting for my acceptance to BSU I became a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Now, I have the ability to change the lives of individuals working as a personal trainer at Fitness Together in Mansfield as well as a bootcamp instructor at BSU. I love what I do and could not image anything else. Being able to help and inspire others by changing their lives through fitness and nutrition is truly my passion.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As the saying goes, “Nothing worth having comes easy,” so yes, of course, there were some struggles along the way but that’s what happens in life and you are given two options: hide from the problem or face it. Overcoming adversity is what makes people stronger. When I first started as a personal trainer I did not have many clients at all and was not 100% confident in my training abilities. I did not have any real field experience prior to my first job as a personal trainer and every day was a new learning experience. I made mistakes but I learned from them and that’s what helped me build more confidence in myself. Since I had my heart set on graduating in a time frame of two years after transferring to BSU, occasionally some days, between working, studying and bikini competition prep, felt never ending. Nevertheless, I persisted and continued to work as hard as possible in everything I did. My advice to any women starting out in the fitness industry is to keep learning and stay up to date with the latest certifications, techniques and standards because it will give you that leg up. Also, be confident in yourself and be passionate about what you preach.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Fitness Together – what should we know?
Not only am I a NASM CPT but I am also a natural bikini competitor. I have competed in two different bodybuilding federations in the past year (NPC & OCB) and achieved success in both of them. As a personal trainer, I find bodybuilding as a good compliment. It helps me guide clients in the right direction and show them that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I do both with a passion and make it a point to show my clients that achieving goals might be hard work but it is well worth it in the long run. I want to give my clients the tools they need to believe in themselves and achieve their goals. Not only do I enjoy helping clients in a one-on-one setting but I also love helping others achieve their goals through online coaching. In this day in age, everyone has a busy schedule and online training is another option I offer. I want to give people options when it comes to becoming healthy because if individuals find a program they enjoy they are more likely to stick with it!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
There have been many different women who I have crossed paths with over the years that have inspired me to be the woman I am today, from not only teachers and professors, teammates and other competitors but also friends and family. I am so grateful to have been inspired by so many, but my biggest inspiration would have to go to my mother. I have looked up to her for years, ever since I was a little girl. She is a strong, beautiful, generous and compassionate person. She worked as a stay at home mom (yes, I used the word work because it is hard work) taking care of her own four children plus anyone else’s children who needed to be looked over for the day. She inspired me every day to never give up on my goals and to always do what makes me happy in life. She is the most amazing woman and I would not be where I am today without her.
Contact Info:
- Email: getfitbykate@gmail.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/katelynjanetfit_/
Image Credit:
Rick abt photography
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