🌸 April Newsletter: SPRING IS TRULY IN THE AIR
Hi Fitness Union Family,
I hope this shift in weather is feeling energizing and uplifting for you all.
Life can be really, really tough sometimes. I remember the first time I heard the teachings of the Buddha on a meditation retreat: To be human is to suffer. I can’t express how deeply seen I felt in that moment. Life is hard. I feel things deeply, and I’ve been through a lot, so hearing those simple words was profoundly validating.
And yet... life is also incredible, beautiful, and magical.
I spent much of my life in fight or flight — feeling misunderstood, emotionally unsafe, repressing trauma and grief, and constantly searching for distractions. Eventually, my physical body began to break down. It was trying to get my attention: that I was spiritually out of alignment with my higher self.
At the time, all I could feel was the suffering. But over time, I came to see how wise and amazing the body truly is. It doesn’t just want us to survive, it wants us to thrive.
Through plant medicine, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, breathwork, sound healing, mindfulness, dance, community, and the love of those who’ve supported me along the way — I’ve been moving closer to a life of joy, freedom, flexibility, trust, and ease. Not a life free from pain. Because pain is a teacher. But a life where I feel more embodied, safe, and alive than ever.
A New Chapter in My Coaching Journey
Along this healing path, I came across the work of Dr. Mindy Pelz on a podcast. And it truly blew my mind. She spoke directly to the challenges I was seeing in so many women: chronic health issues, burnout, hormonal imbalances, and the cascading effects of metabolic dysfunction.
I dug deep into her work and enrolled in her certification program to become a Fast Like a Girl Certified Coach. Her approach is rooted in science, rhythm, and the body's own wisdom using simple principles of fasting and nutrition to support healing and hormone balance.
If you’ve worked with me before, you probably know I’ve avoided diving too deep into the “nutrition” side of wellness. It’s always felt messy, too tied to aesthetic culture, and disconnected from the holistic, trauma-informed work I value. But Dr. Pelz’s work aligns beautifully with my values. It’s about helping women feel better, reduce stress, sleep well, and live functionally. It’s not about shrinking bodies. It’s about nourishing them.
I’m excited to begin offering this work: both in one-on-one and group coaching containers. If this sparks your interest, I’d love to chat more.
Big Shift: Stepping Away From Group Coaching
As I weave together my trainings and certifications: in trauma-informed strength, mindful running, meditation, IFS, plant medicine, and health/lifestyle coaching. It has become clear that in order to serve from my highest self, I need to step away from group coaching as I’ve been doing it.
This decision hasn’t come lightly. I’m leaning into trust. Trust in the universe, in you, and in the strong foundation we’ve built together at Fitness Union. I believe we’re resilient enough to hold this change.
Saying Goodbye (for now) to Coach Chris
Which brings me to another transition. One that’s honestly tough to share.
Coach Chris will be moving to Spain with his family at the end of July.
Chris and I go way back. He was my very first client back in 2010 fresh out of school and just certified. We orbited each other for years before reconnecting in 2018 when he began personal training with me. From the start, it was clear: he was a natural. His technique, curiosity, passion, and body awareness were far beyond the average client. I saw the coach in him. I told him so. And eventually, he became one.
In 2022, he helped open the garage gym with me. At first, I didn’t have enough work for him (times were tough). But as soon as people got to know him, his schedule filled. Because everyone loved him.
He’s Kind. Smart. Curious. Bright. Heart-centered. If you’ve worked with him, you already know.
I truly don't think I would’ve had the courage to open Fitness Union without his support. He’s been an anchor, a teammate, and a dear friend. So when he told me about the move, I crumbled. I spiraled. I grieved. And then... I came back to trust. And of course, I truly want what is best for Chris and his family and am excited and proud of them for making this decision together to live a life that aligns with their core values.
Now I’m sharing this with you, so you have the time to soak in these next few months with him: to celebrate and connect before he begins his next chapter. 🙂
I initially wanted to wait until I had someone lined up to take over his cohorts, but I decided to share now so that:
Chris can openly share his plans with you, and
We can start manifesting the right next coach together.
Help Us Call In the Next Coach
Losing Chris will be a big shift for all of us. AND I trust that the right person is out there.
My word for the year is ALLOW and this moment feels like a divine invitation to practice that.
So I want to hear from you:
Who do you see joining the Fitness Union team?
What qualities do they have? What energy do they bring? What kind of presence do you hope for?
Let’s co-create the next evolution of this space — together.
With So Much Gratitude
Thank you for trusting us on your journey toward a healthier, more embodied life. There are so many ways I want to better support you in the coming months and years, and I’m beyond excited to keep evolving alongside you.
With love,
Coach Kim
