Exploring Life & Business with Candy De Bord Hoke of Body by Candy Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candy De Bord Hoke.

Hi Candy De Bord, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve luckily shared this story before with Voyage, so I’ll give you the quick version. I was a personal trainer at Gold’s Gym in Downtown LA when COVID hit and everything shut down. My husband, who’s a metal fabricator and motorcycle builder, helped me convert our Sprinter van into a mobile gym so we could train outside at Elysian Park near our home in Echo Park. We found a few kettlebells on Craigslist and just started.

Friends began joining our workouts, and soon we were training in the Dodger Stadium parking lot while people waited for COVID tests. It gained a lot of attention, and before I knew it, people were asking for business cards…which I didn’t even have yet. What started as survival and community quickly turned into something bigger.

For three years I trained one-on-one clients and ran group classes outdoors, all while continuing my education and focusing on helping people work around pain and meet their bodies where they were to give them the best work-out. I dealt with hot weather, cold weather, park closures, events, etc…things I couldn’t control that would effect my business. Eventually, a small space opened up right around the corner from my home in Echo Park. It felt scary and slightly out of reach financially, but I believed I could grow into it. With the support of my husband, my clients, and the incredible community around me, Body By Candy version 2.0 was born.

I truly couldn’t have done it alone, and I’m so grateful for everyone who helped turn a van gym into what it is today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road…but in the best way. Every obstacle ended up shaping me and strengthening the business.

About a year into training out of my Sprinter van, it was hit and run. I replaced it, and that van was hit and run a month later, before I even made the first payment. At the time, vans were scarce because of COVID and supply shortages, and I took a hit to my credit buying two vehicles back-to-back. But my clients stayed loyal while I trained out of rental cars and made it work with whatever equipment I had. Eventually, I secured a third van and kept going.

When I decided to open my studio, I faced financial hurdles. I didn’t have any savings, and my landlord required a cosigner. Both of my parents had passed away years earlier, so that wasn’t an option, but a close friend stepped in because she believed in me. Two clients also offered support to help me get the space off the ground. These weren’t things I asked for, they were gifts of trust from people who believed in the vision.

For the first five months, I paid rent using a mix of income and credit, determined to make it work. Now, almost three years later, the studio stands on its own…and so do I.

Looking back, none of it was smooth, but every challenge showed me what I’m capable of. I’m incredibly grateful for the community that carried me through it. Sometimes ya gotta risk it for the biscuit!

We’ve been impressed with Body by Candy Fitness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Body By Candy, I train humans first. I offer one-on-one personal training and small group classes capped at eight people so everyone still feels like they have a personal trainer. I truly believe everyone should have someone in their corner pushing them…not just physically, but mentally. Strength training changed my life during hard seasons, and I’ve seen firsthand how it improves confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.

What I specialize in is meeting people exactly where they are. I train beginners who start with body-weight movements, and I train people lifting over 200 pounds; but nobody starts there. I’m known for helping clients work around pain, injuries, and limitations instead of giving up. My goal is to bridge the gap between physical therapy and real-world strength training so people don’t just recover…they get stronger.

My classes are structured, progressive, and programmed in four-week cycles, but they’re also fun, welcoming, and full of personality. I fight against “chair life” programming by building strong glutes, backs, and posture for the real world. The community inside my studio is something I’m most proud of because it is supportive, a little silly, and completely authentic. I want people to feel like they can let their freak flag fly and have fun while getting stronger.

Education is a huge part of my growth. I obtain several certifications a year to enhance my training with the newest information…on top of that I’m currently completing prerequisites to transfer for a bachelor’s in Kinesiology and eventually will pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I don’t necessarily want to become a traditional physical therapist…I want to be the trainer who understands the body deeply enough to be a one-stop shop for strength, rehab integration, and long-term performance.

What sets BBCF apart is simple: BBCF builds strong bodies, but also builds strong humans…in an environment where you’re seen, supported, and challenged.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
If you’ve ever been curious about training with us, your first class is free when you book online using the code FIRSTGROUPFREE. I train all fitness levels and all ages…from clients in their 20s to their 60s…and every workout can be customized to meet your body where it’s at. There’s absolutely no reason to feel intimidated. Our environment is fun, welcoming, and sometimes a little silly, but we take strength training and personal growth seriously.

Our programming runs in focused four-week cycles, so you repeat key movement patterns each week and actually see measurable progress, whether that’s more reps, heavier weight, better form, or increased confidence. It’s structured enough to build real results, but flexible enough to adapt to your needs.

We also now use InBody scans for monthly check-ins. The scan gives us real data on muscle mass, body fat, hydration, metabolism, bone health indicators, and even segmental muscle balance. It helps us train smarter…guiding both your workouts and your nutrition so we’re not guessing about what your body needs.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just a workout…it’s a supportive space to get stronger, learn about your body, and be part of something bigger.

Pricing:

• 2x per week Class Pass $209
• Unlimited Class Pass $259
• Drop in Class $40
• 1 personal session per week & 2x Classes $490
• Other package options available, please email.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bodybycandyfitness.com
• Instagram: bodybycandyfitness

Image Credits
All photos are by Sarah Sido. www.studiosido.com and instagram sarah_sido