Coach Kaytlin is a certified strength and conditioning coach here at IdealFit. She’s also a bad A MMA fighter and personal trainer. Kaytlin has helped develop fitness programs here at IdealFit, you might recognize her from the 15 Day Fit Body Challenge. I got to know Kaytlin a little better when I interviewed her.
Me: Kaytlin, can you tell me a little bit about your fitness history? How did you first get into personal training?
Kaytlin: I have always done dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading, but in high school I started to get really interested in personal training. My senior year I was even able to intern with a personal trainer.
Then, my first year of college, I got ACE (American Council of Exercise) certified and taught classes at local gyms. Then I got into fighting and got CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Certified and now I’m doing online personal training with IdealFit!
So, really I got into fitness because I love it and I’ve always looked up to physically fit people.
Me: So wait, let me get this straight, you went from cheerleader to MMA fighter? How did that happen?
Kaytlin: I got into MMA because one time in college my friends brought me to some fights, and I actually thought they were dumb at first.
I was like, “Who wants to go into a cage and beat each other up? That’s just stupid!” Then after one of the female fights I was like, “That was actually really cool!”
Then I started training for MMA.
Me: But, you’re not just a tough as nails fighter, you also mentioned your online personal training. What made you want to do that?
Kaytlin: I wanted to get into online personal training with IdealFit because it is a great way to change a lot of people’s lives. I love seeing progress pictures and people love themselves and their bodies again!
Me: So you train pretty hard, I bet it’s important to have the right supplements to support your goals. What’s your go-to supplement and why?
Kaytlin: My favorite protein supplement is IdealLean Protein! I love the taste and how it is really low-calorie and there’s no added carbs or fats, it is actually a protein shake!
Me: You always look cute, no matter what. Where do you shop?
Kaytlin: I buy most of my workout clothes either from LuluLemon, Nike or Kiava! I look for style and uniqueness. I love crazy leggings, that is why I go to Nike. And I LOVE strappy bras that is why I go to LuLu and Kiava!
Kiava has this awesome braided back bra that I’m absolutely in love with!
Me: As a trainer, I bet you’re at the gym all the time, what are your gym bag essentials?
Kaytlin: I don’t carry a gym bag when I weight train. When I train for a fight, I obviously need gloves, shin guards, mouth guard, wrestling shoes, and Green Apple IdealLean BCAAs.
Me: Interesting, so when you’re at the gym what’s your favorite workout, the one thing you always look forward to?
Kaytlin: My favorite workout is sparring! I also love/hate squats and deadlifts.
Me: Oh, I know! Deadlifts hurt so good! So I know you’re a foodie, like me, what’s your favorite healthy meal?
Kaytlin: My favorite healthy meal is tacos! I use a whole wheat tortilla with chicken and add greek yogurt mixed with a ranch fiesta dry mix! YUMMY!
Me: Wow, that sounds really delicious, I’ll have to try that sometime! I’m sure you also have a favorite treat meal, so dish!
Kaytlin: Barbecue chicken pizza, ALL DAY!
Me: Can you tell me a bit about your morning routine?
Kaytlin: My morning routine is waking up, checking my social media, drinking my IdealLean Protein shake and going to Four7 training center to get my training done.
Me: Wow, so you jump into your training right away then! That must be tough, what’s it like training for a fight?
Kaytlin: A normal fight camp is 6 weeks, but some are longer and some are shorter, but 6 weeks is ideal.
You just have to go to practice twice a day and do what your coach tells you to do, haha! The week before the fight you kind of take it easy so your body can heal and feel good for the fight.
The day before the fight I’m normally sweating every bit of water I have in my body out in a sauna to make weight. This is the hardest part of the whole fight training process. After my scale says 135, then I go to weigh-ins and they take my weight and paperwork and I can drink again!
The day of the fight, I sleep in, get my hair braided, drink a smoothie then go to the fights. I just try to stay as relaxed as possible!
Then… I kill.
Hahaha, just kidding! But, the fight is the fun part, you get to show off everything you’ve been working on.
Me: Is there anything you’d like to tell IdealFit women?
Kaytlin: Work hard. Stay positive. Believe in yourself. Don’t give up!
Try out Coach Kaytlin’s favorite protein, Chocolate Brownie IdealLean Protein!