Kate from Empower360 Fitness is not your average personal trainer. With a background in dance and a deep passion for women’s wellbeing, she’s built a thriving community that supports over 100 clients across all stages of life—from teenage girls to women navigating motherhood and menopause.

What started as a program to help young women move with confidence has evolved into a multi-generational movement grounded in empathy, education, and empowerment.

In this interview, Kate shares how she got started, the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, and her powerful mission to help women feel strong, seen, and supported in every season of life.

How many clients do you have and what services do you offer?

We have around 100 clients. We offer bootcamp style group fitness both indoors and outdoors, PT and teen girl bootcamps.

Can you tell us a bit about your journey—what inspired you to become a personal trainer, especially in women’s health?

I started my journey in the fitness industry in 2017 by launching a fitness program exclusively for teenage girls. With my background as a dancer and dance teacher, I noticed a significant gap in the fitness market that failed to address the specific needs of young women. This realization inspired me to create the Empower360 Teen Boot Camp, a program designed to celebrate what young bodies can do rather than pushing them to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. The focus was not only on movement but also on educating teens about nutrition in a way that emphasized fueling their bodies for energy, not restricting calories.

As I interacted more with the mothers of these teens, I discovered another crucial area of need. Many mothers expressed fatalistic views about genetics and body image, which could profoundly influence their daughters. This insight led me to extend my support to include these influential women, emphasizing that the health and fitness education of a child is deeply intertwined with that of their parents.

To adequately support mothers, I recognized the necessity of understanding postnatal body care, prompting me to become a MumSafe™️ certified trainer. This certification enriched my ability to cater to women post-pregnancy and beyond, covering various stages from new motherhood to menopause.

Today, our programs at Empower360 Fitness are comprehensive, supporting women at every stage of life, from teenagers grappling with body image to mothers striving to set a positive example, and reaching women navigating the challenges of menopause. This holistic approach not only enhances individual lives but fosters a supportive community across generations.

What’s the most rewarding part of your career as a female-specific personal trainer?  

There have been countless rewarding moments in my career, but two stand out particularly. The first was when I received an email from a mother whose 11-year-old daughter attended one of our teen wellness workshops. This young girl had faced serious trauma and bullying, leading to depression and self-harm. After just one day at our workshop, she came home smiling, laughing, and genuinely happy for the first time in a long while. Her mother felt like she was starting to get her daughter back. This girl stayed with us for over six years, growing to be one of our strongest participants and even managed to hold a four-minute plank!

Another moment that really hit home was during our recent Total Body Reboot program. One of the women told me she had managed to shed a lifetime of toxic diet culture. She no longer felt pressured to be thinner but was thrilled to see herself getting stronger. She's done with feeling guilty about food and has discovered joy in moving her body. Hearing that was just amazing—it's exactly why I do what I do.

Were there any challenges you faced as a woman in the fitness industry, and how did you overcome them?  

I've been lucky not to face overt challenges as a woman in the fitness industry, such as discrimination. However, once I deepened my understanding of how to support women properly in fitness, I realized how widespread misinformation and ignorance really are.

For instance, my own personal trainer would make constant comments about my body and dismissively react to my explanations about feeling low on energy during my period, almost mocking them as excuses. Additionally, I once had to correct a personal training manager at my local gym who was telling my clients that he could train them just six weeks postpartum, despite having a stage two prolapse.

These experiences opened my eyes and reinforced the importance of proper education in our field. It's clear that there's still a long way to go, but I'm hopeful that as we gain better knowledge, we can improve and do better.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in fitness but feel uncertain about taking the first step?  

My advice to any woman considering a career in fitness is simple: Just go for it! If you feel a pull towards this path and you're passionate about it, dive in. The rewards are immense. We need your unique magic, your special touch that only you can bring. Our industry is crying out for more heart-led, female-focused trainers to support the incredible women in our community. Don’t hesitate—your contribution is needed and will be truly valued.

How do you stay motivated and maintain your passion for empowering other women through fitness?  

Staying motivated isn't always a smooth ride. Life definitely has its ups and downs—tasks pile up, some jobs don't get finished on time, and certain daily grind activities can feel downright tedious. But honestly, if you're fueled by a genuine passion for supporting women and have a clear mission of what you want to achieve in the world, that passion becomes your beacon. Even on the toughest days, it's what keeps me pushing forward, lighting up the path ahead. This inner drive is essential, especially when external circumstances are challenging.

What’s one moment in your career that made you step back and think, “Wow, I’m really making a difference”?  

One of the most defining moments of my career was witnessing the transformation of an 11-year-old girl who attended one of our workshops. When she first came to us, she was struggling with depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Over time, I watched her grow into a confident, happy, and empowered young woman. Seeing her journey and her incredible turnaround really made me step back and realize, "Wow, I’m truly making a difference." It was a profound reminder of the impact we can have through our work.

How do you tailor your approach to meet the unique needs of female clients, and why is this important?  

I tailor my approach to each female client through several key steps, starting with an in-depth discovery call. This includes a thorough pre-screening and a detailed questionnaire that covers aspects like menstrual cycles, exercise history, and childbirth stories if applicable. Understanding a woman’s goals, the reasons she’s seeking my services, and what she hopes to achieve is crucial for customizing her fitness journey.

Practically, one of the most valuable tools I use daily in my programming is the traffic light system, a technique from Nadia Norman’s Female Health and Performance course. It involves asking clients—whether they're teens, adult women, or new mums—to rate their energy levels at the start of each class. Green indicates feeling great, amber is okay but not perfect, and red signals low energy, possibly due to factors like menstruation, lack of sleep, stress, or injury. This system helps us tailor the workout intensity for that day, ensuring it aligns with their current state.

Moreover, we are adept at adjusting exercises through progressions, regressions, and variations, making sure every woman can complete her workout safely and effectively at a level that feels right for her.

Why is this important? There’s a saying I love: "Boys need to play good to feel good; girls need to feel good to play good." Our approach is designed to make every woman feel secure and supported in every workout. This way, she can perform at her best, leaving each session feeling confident and energized. This philosophy is fundamental to fostering an environment where women can thrive.

What do you think is the most important quality for a successful personal trainer to have?

I believe the most important quality for a successful personal trainer is empathy. It's crucial to meet each woman exactly where she is, to listen actively to what she's saying, and to be intuitive about what she might not be able to express. Many women, particularly mothers, carry a significant amount of guilt, and often their training session is the one hour in their day—or their week—where they can truly be themselves. They might need to vent, or simply enjoy a moment of 'me time.'

The most effective coaches aren't those who push their clients the hardest physically, but those who listen the most attentively, understand their clients' needs, and demonstrate empathy. By meeting clients where they are, we create a supportive environment where women can let down their guard, express their needs, and focus on their wellbeing. This approach is not just about building physical strength; it's about fostering resilience and self-care, making each session a nurturing space for growth and empowerment.

If you could go back and give one piece of advice to yourself at the start of your journey, what would it be?  

If I could go back and give one piece of advice to myself at the start of my journey, it would be this: "Girlfriend, you can't possibly imagine what the universe has in store for you! What lies ahead is more rewarding, exciting, and brilliant than you could ever possibly imagine. Keep following those breadcrumbs that are leading you closer and closer to the most rewarding experiences of your life."

What book and podcasts would you recommend every trainer should read or listen to?  Are there any particular coaches/influencers or experts that you recommend people follow?

Book Recommendations: I believe it's crucial for women, especially in our industry, to cultivate a positive relationship with money. Many of us struggle to ask for what we're worth. My top picks for tackling this are "You Are a Badass at Making Money" by Jen Sincero and "Get Rich, Lucky Bitch" by Denise Duffield-Thomas. For broader personal growth, I highly recommend anything by Dr. Joe Dispenza, "Everything is Figureoutable" by Marie Forleo, and "Profit First" by Mike Michalowicz. These books offer transformative insights into managing finances, personal development, and entrepreneurial success.

Influencers and Experts: For coaching and influence, I recommend Kellie Sanders, Daniel Henderson, Molly Galbraith, Jen Dugard, Olivia Park, Emma Masters, Dr. Stacy Sims, Taryn Brumfitt, and of course, Michelle Bridges. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration in fitness, wellness, and women's health.

Podcasts: I’m a bit obsessed with fitness, business, and spirituality podcasts. Here are my favorites:

"Profit Made Simple" by Dan Henderson

"Confidence Chronicles" by Erika Kramer

"The Successful Mind Podcast"

"Mind Your Business" by James Wedmore

"Goal Digger" by Jenna Kutcher

"The Marie Forleo Podcast"

"Huberman Lab"

"The Human Design Podcast"

These podcasts are fantastic resources for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of business acumen, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Kate’s story is a powerful reminder that fitness isn’t just about workouts—it’s about connection, care, and creating safe spaces for women to thrive.

Through Empower360 Fitness, she’s not only transforming bodies—she’s shifting mindsets, healing relationships with movement, and helping women reclaim their power at every age.

Whether you’re a woman thinking about stepping into the fitness industry or a trainer looking to better support your clients, Kate’s message is clear: lead with heart, stay curious, and never underestimate the impact of showing up with empathy.

If you’re thinking about becoming a qualified personal trainer or group fitness instructor, check out our Certificate III and IV in Fitness. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!