Meet Katie Peters | Personal Trainer & Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Peters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance. This has been a subject that I have struggled with ever since becoming a mom to my twins. I used to be able to balance my work life and my personal life easily despite the large workload that I would place on myself. I was able to work my long weeks and still have time for friends, family, and even have time for myself. Now my days are ruled by the moods of 2 four-year-olds. While this often can drive a person crazy, I try to keep a positive mindset. Here’s what I do: At the beginning of the week I plan out all important tasks for the week. Things like appointments, workouts, and errands. Then for each day, I plan what needs to be done the night before. This allows me to have all of my tasks that I need to complete fresh in my mind. If you haven’t ever heard of “mom brain” just trust me when I say it’s real and you will forget things all too easily. I try not to plan too many tasks in a given day because in all honesty things can change in a heartbeat when kids are around. Then on the weekends I try to catch up on any tasks that I was not able to finish. On the days where it feels like I’m not able to get anything done, I have to remind myself that I am accomplishing so much more than a to-do list. I am there for my children in so many ways that I could never explain in words. While I am still dedicated to my job as a personal trainer, I am a mother first. But I use this as a strength for my business. I understand the demands that are placed upon a mom and know how difficult it is to carve out some much needed “me time”. I help these amazingly strong women discover just how truly awesome they are. So I now view my work life balance as a big picture. While I know that I will always have good days in which I get everything done on my list, I am very much aware that I will have bad days where work may be on the back burner. Yet I wouldn’t trade any of it. I love my job as a trainer and I love being a mom. And I am aware that they are two completely different jobs with very different demands.

What should our readers know about your business?
I recently started my own personal training business called Small But Fierce Fitness. I love working with moms to discover how strong their new bodies truly are. I incorporate strength training along with mobility for these women to gain confidence. I wasn’t always in the fitness industry. After graduating high school I became a veterinary assistant and quickly became a hospital manager. Unfortunately, I injured my back and shoulder and decided to leave the veterinary world. I was lucky enough to then explore a passion of mine and I attended culinary school. While in school, I had a nutrition module in school. This peaked my interest. I then shifted my focus to nutrition and attended school at San Diego State University to pursue a degree in Food Science. During this time I was gaining more interest in the fitness industry as well. I discovered different styles of exercises from boxing to yoga. I even started running in races (duathlons are my favorite). I want to encourage people to find a style of exercise that makes you excited to workout!  I can design workout plans that can help people attain their fitness goals. I may be small but my workouts are fierce!  I also use my culinary experience and nutrition knowledge to create custom meal plans to help achieve your goals even faster.  There are no boring meals here or cutting out certain foods either!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely have to visit the San Diego Zoo! After a day of seeing the amazing animals, we would head over to Coronado for dinner and drinks. I would insist upon going hiking in the mountains and then eating some delicious apple pie in Julian. As a recovery day we would lounge on the beach in La Jolla and hit up a taco shop. For a fun late night we would enjoy a movie or two at the drive-in in Imperial Beach since not too many exist still. And if we were feeling very adventurous, we would head up to Los Angeles for the day to play tourists and then follow it up with a trip to Disneyland.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give my husband a huge shoutout. I wouldn’t be where I am today because of him. He has supported me since day one. From encouraging me to try new things to taking over children duties so that I can teach a fitness class. For that I am grateful and I love you very much.

I also want to thank my two friends, Taylor Merritt and Katherine Brock. These two amazing ladies are strong mamas and also work in the fitness industry. I admire their hard work and joke that I want to be like them when I grow up. They have been supportive of my new business in so many ways and answer the many questions that I have. Thank you both for being such great friends.

Website: www.smallbutfiercefitness.com

Instagram: @smallbutfiercefitness

Facebook: @smallbutfiercefitness

Youtube: Small But Fierce Fitness

Image Credits
Shane Wiese