Case Study: Kelly’s Commitment
Kelly’s journey is one of profound transformation, steadfast commitment, and the power of a coach-client relationship that has spanned more than a decade. Her story is more than just numbers and milestones; it’s a reflection of perseverance, growth, and what happens when two people work tirelessly toward a common goal.
From the Beginning
When I reflect on the past eleven years, I can’t help but marvel at the journey Kelly and I have shared. At 19, when I signed up to become a personal trainer, I could never have envisioned what lay ahead. Now, at 35, I’m approaching a decade of business ownership, and Kelly has been an integral part of that journey. She is one of the rare individuals whose dedication and loyalty have not only changed her life but profoundly shaped my career as well.
Our story began with an introduction from Amy, my very first client, who invited Kelly to join her for a workout. As Kelly later described it, "It was hard to say no to Amy." She had recently completed an eight-week challenge with Farrell’s and was seeing some success related to weight loss, but she didn’t have a concrete plan for what to do next. It was the perfect storm: Kelly was ready for the next step, and I was eager to help her build something lasting.
At that time, Kelly was stuck in a cycle many can relate to—years of yo-yo dieting and fitness challenges that never seemed to stick. Her initial goal was simple and relatable: "Get fit, baby!" However, what began as a straightforward fitness journey quickly turned into something far deeper. It became a partnership rooted in trust, a shared commitment to growth, and an understanding that sustainable progress requires patience and consistency.
The Early Years
Kelly and I met at the crack of dawn for workouts in a small local gym. These sessions weren’t just about exercise; they became the foundation of trust and a shared commitment to her goals. When I moved facilities across town, Kelly didn’t hesitate. She adjusted her schedule, waking up an hour earlier to make the 20-minute trek to the new gym. That kind of dedication spoke volumes about her character and set the tone for the years to come.
When I eventually took the leap to start my own business, Kelly was one of the first to follow me. She joined me alongside 16 other clients, becoming a cornerstone of my fledgling coaching practice. Since then, she has been unwavering in her commitment. Every month, for 134 months and counting, she has shown up for measurements and coaching conversations. Every Saturday morning, before most people are even awake, Kelly meets me for her training session. Thousands of workouts, food logs, and check-ins later, her consistency remains unmatched.
The Transformation
Over the years, Kelly has achieved results that are nothing short of extraordinary. She has lost 6 inches from her waist, 5 from her hips, 4 from each thigh, and 2 from each arm. She’s gained 12 pounds of muscle and lost 28 pounds of fat. Beyond the numbers, her body composition has completely transformed: from 28% body fat to 13%. As Kelly humorously put it, "In 10 years I’ve lost about 11 pounds (one pound a year, who would sign up for that!) but I’ve totally changed the composition of my body."
But it’s not just about the physical changes. Kelly has grown into someone who fully embodies a lifestyle of health and wellness. She has developed a mindset that’s as strong as her physical transformation. She’s moved beyond the cycle of yo-yo fitness and embraced a lifestyle centered on longevity and sustainability. "Deciding to never start something that I can’t do for the rest of my life has made decision-making so much easier," she shared. This shift has liberated her from the allure of diet crazes and fitness fads, giving her the confidence to focus on what truly matters: consistency and health.
The Power of Coaching
Kelly attributes much of her success to the coaching process itself. "I’m surprised that the simple act of taking dedicated time to talk about food and fitness each month makes such a big impact," she said. Those monthly check-ins have been a cornerstone of her journey, keeping her focused and on track. In the rare months she’s missed a check-in, she’s noticed how easy it is to veer off course—a reflection of the importance of accountability.
She’s also been instrumental in shaping my coaching philosophy. Many of the phrases I now use with all my clients originated with Kelly: "I’ve paid more for less," "It’s not worth the calories," and "What’s the minimum effective dose?" Her insights and feedback have helped refine the way I approach coaching, making it more effective and tailored to real-life challenges.
The coaching relationship goes beyond just tracking measurements and workouts. It’s about creating a safe space where clients like Kelly can openly discuss their goals, challenges, and triumphs. It’s about fostering a partnership where both coach and client are equally invested in the process. Kelly has taught me as much as I have taught her, and that mutual exchange has been the foundation of our long-term success.
Beyond the Gym
Kelly’s transformation hasn’t been limited to the gym. The changes she’s made have rippled out into every aspect of her life. She’s noticed a tenfold increase in her confidence, not just from strength training but from the knowledge that she’s stuck with this process for so long. "Finally feeling like I’m tackling that inner fat girl that lives in my head" has been a breakthrough moment for her.
What’s more, the philosophies we’ve discussed in coaching—written on a piece of laminate board siding and duct taped together as the "whiteboard of truths"—have had applications far beyond health and fitness. Kelly often finds herself referring to these principles in other areas of her life, using them as a guide to navigate challenges and make better decisions. She’s embraced the idea of progress over perfection, understanding that health improvement is never a false binary, it exists on a continuum that’s as unique to each person as their fingerprint.
A Beacon of Health and Fitness
Today, Kelly stands as a beacon for women’s health and fitness. Her transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed; people constantly ask her what she does and how she achieved such incredible results. She’s become a role model, sharing her knowledge and experiences with others, including her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. Her story serves as proof that with the right mindset, support, and commitment, lasting change isn’t just possible, it’s enjoyable.
Kelly’s advice to anyone considering coaching is simple yet profound: "If nothing changes, then nothing changes." It’s a reminder that transformation requires action and that the first step is often the hardest but most important one. She encourages others to focus on building sustainable habits rather than chasing quick fixes, knowing that real progress takes time.
A Reflection of Gratitude
As I write this, it’s 6:20 on a Saturday morning. I’m about to train Amy and Kelly, two incredible women who have been integral to my journey as a coach. The weightlifting movements we’ll focus on today are the same ones I first learned two decades ago. In many ways, it feels like coming full circle. After their session, I’ll be working with two other women who have been with me for over a decade, followed by two men who have recently crossed the five-year mark. When I set out to build a sustainable business for myself that mirrored the sustainability I wanted to teach clients, I didn’t believe I could do it. Well, I did, and to anyone reading, when you set your mind to something and go all in, I find it hard to see anything you can’t accomplish.
Kelly’s journey has been a defining chapter in my career. Her loyalty, dedication, and trust have not only transformed her life but have shaped the way I coach and the person I’ve become. "Please clean up these answers," she told me when responding to my client success survey. "You know my story better than I do!" She’s right. Kelly’s story isn’t just hers; it’s ours. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when two people commit to the hard, unglamorous work of showing up day after day.
To anyone reading this, let Kelly’s journey be an example of what’s possible with consistency, accountability, and a willingness to embrace the process. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck, know that change is within your reach. All it takes is the decision to begin—and the courage to keep going.
