July 6, 2016

Meet West Hollywood Fitness Trainer: Katie Seigel

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Seigel.

Katie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

I started dance training at the age of 4 and went to college for Dance Performance. In college (age 18) I began teaching group fitness at Golds Gym and from there got my personal training certification. I loved teaching and training so much that I continued to work at several gyms and getting group fitness certifications while I was choreographing and directing full time. I moved out to California 12 years ago, which was supposed to be for only 6 months and wound up meeting my husband so stayed.

After having my daughter Kennedy 2 years ago I decided to get recertified and personal train a few select clients. That’s when I met the owner of the Sherman Oaks Sandbox Fitness and was offered a part time job teaching there. I was obsessed with the concept and in love with all of their classes! At first I only taught a few classes a week because I was still a stay at home mom. When Minna, the owner, tore her ACL I stepped up and started teaching a lot more to help her out through her recovery. At that time Todd and I were looking to buy a home and after a lot of thought and consideration we decided to take that money and open up our own Sandbox Fitness. I absolutely LOVE teaching and couldn’t be happier with our decision.

Has it been a smooth road?

In my heart I’ve always seen myself teaching for a career. Whether it be dance or group fitness, I was always in love with being a part of inspiring someone to be the best they can be. When I moved out to California I kind of lost my way and dabbled in a few careers but nothing really gave me that same feeling. I worked in Publicity at a film company, was a commercial and print agent at a talent agency and then even designed and owned my own clothing line, placing it into over 300 stores in just 1 year. When my business partner for the clothing line wanted to close the company I took a year off really trying to figure out where I belonged and what my calling was. It wasn’t until after having my daughter that I had my “come to Jesus” moment and it clicked! I needed to go back to my roots and what I had excelled in and was truly passionate about. Training and Teaching. I wake up every single morning at 4:30am to train clients at the gym before our first 6am class starts and say a prayer thanking god for being given the gift to do what I really love. I honestly do…..every single morning. I’m blessed.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m so thankful for every single day of success and loving what I do. I’m looking forward to making a difference in more lives, making a positive, healthy change in someone’s life is what gets me up with a smile at 4:00 am every single day. I look forward to and have plans to expand my business and walk into a fully packed class every single day.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?

The hardest time in my career was when I stayed away from fitness and kind of lost sight of what I truly love and am meant to do. I found myself after I had my daughter Kennedy and knew that I needed to get focused back on my passion to teach. Growing up I looked up to my mom and grandmother as hard workers, business owners, and was proud of everything they accomplished. I want my daughter, Kennedy to do the same. I do it all for her and to set a great example. I want nothing more than for my daughter to look up to me like I did as a young girl.

Do you ever just stop and think WOW – I’ve made it?

I will always strive for more, to better myself, better my studio and make a positive difference in more lives. I have my “wow” moment after every single class when I look back at the sweaty yet smiling faces in my packed class.

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