It’s been a while since I’ve introduced myself, and what better time than at the start of a new season and energetic new year! It’s officially Spring here in the Midwest, USA and I can say without a doubt the sunshine brings a special kind of motivation to my soul. I’ve had this blog for a few years and I have had some others in the past, so in total I’ve been blogging on and off for about 20 years 😅😅 Doesn’t seem real or true to me, but I also don’t feel my age (36) – time is wild!!!
Here we go- I’m Kate Needs (yes, my actual last name by marriage) and to say I NEED fitness is an understatement. Yes we all need it, but there is a part of my heart and soul that is reserved for my connection to movement and being a part of the earth! I see myself (and all) no differently from the animals and plants around us; we as humans were just the fortunate ones who got to evolve to the top (thank goodness). I started working on this blog again because I feel like I have SO MUCH to say about wellness and the related, and other social media outlets feels like posting into the void at times. I know we can connect much better here!
I love to share tips about how I live a healthy lifestyle, without giving up joy or sacrificing anything I love in the process. There is a place for everything, rest and movement; veggies and desserts; motivation or not – there is always a way to find your joy through healthier habits AND living life your way!
Want to feel empowered to make healthy choices and work towards a balanced lifestyle that works for you? You’re in the right place!
The Come Up
I fell ass-backwards into the world of fitness in 2016 when I joined a gym for the first time. Let me back up a little first. Since I was little I have always been curious about exercise and being physically fit, watching from afar because I didn’t know how to get involved; I had no idea where to start. After years of reading fitness blogs and saving a billion pins on Pinterest about fitness, finally in 2016 I said to myself, “I’m going to start one of these programs and actually STICK with it for once in my life to see what happens.”
I set up a spot in my garage with a couple small hand weights (3-5 lbs) and a resistance band- the kind with handles. I typically would look at workouts from bodybuilding.com, but I’m not sure why I wasn’t using YouTube? Was YouTube the same kind of workout library it is today back in 2016? If so I don’t think I was using it. Anyhow. I was dedicated this time. I was following workouts that I could do with my little dumbbells, even though these workouts were crafted for use in the gym- somewhere I was too afraid to try, but I was doing my best to work all the same muscles with modified moves. I was feeling and seeing the results, and that was motivation to keep going. Fast forward- a friend asked if I wanted to join her gym because we could workout together AND they had childcare where our kiddos could play together. Double Whammy! This is where the fun really begins…
Going into the ‘machine’ area of the gym was scary. A group of us girls would stand nervously, looking into the machine section of the gym, too intimidated to walk in or ask for help. So we joined lots and lots of group classes…until the trainers stopped looking like scary fit people and started looking like normal helpful people!! The probz of introverts. That’s me, I’m the introvert.
Finally, we started trying out machines with the help of the trainers on staff. It wasn’t as bad as it seemed. Here’s the ass-backwards part. I was pretty much brand new to working out in a gym when some of the other gym patrons were entering a bodybuilding competition and asked if I wanted to join too. I blindly said yes and got to work right away. This process forced me to learn how to workout and feed myself to become a new version of myself in just about four months total! I loved every minute, even though it was really hard work.
I won 2nd place in both of the (two) shows I entered, and decided to take a break from there. The break has lasted close to 10 years. The people who compete in those kinds of shows are BEASTS and I applaud their dedication to their craft. I wanted more flexibility in my life, and really disliked that bulking season was during the summer lol! I wanted to show off my stage body during the warm months, but competition season always fell during cold months. Oh well, overall it was a great experience and helped shape me into who I am today!
EDIT: After I posted this I realized I didn’t mention becoming certified in personal training and teaching group fitness for almost five years, most recently teaching Barre Intensity at a local boutique studio. I found a passion for this style of workout set to the beat of fun music! I have a new program coming out in a couple weeks that combines this style with the classic lifting style I’ve known from the beginning! Check back soon for updates, drop date 4.4.25.
What Really Matters
My experience with the competition lifestyle helped me find some kind of balance. I knew I wanted to keep working on myself because it feels AMAZING, inside and out, but that previous part of life was TOO fast paced for me. Everybody is different, but I know a slow, low key, chill lifestyle is for me. (I resonate with all descriptions of a Projector in Human Design). I discovered during the pandemic, especially, that being at home with nowhere to go is my favorite place to be and I strive for that in every day life now as much as possible.
I have a husband and daughter, plus three dogs and a cat, so being home is important to me and knowing they are nourished and cared for is EXTRA important to me and something I love to tackle every day…and I do mean tackle! I don’t magically have the motivation to cook and clean all day long, but when I think about my little fam coming home at the end of a long day to a tidy(-ish), calm space I know I can sleep soundly at night. When we are all nourished and cared for, we can take on the world!! This is what keeps me going.
What’s to Come
Previously, I posted a lot about my experience with food sensitivity elimination programs, like Whole30 and Gut Protocol, because I’ve had major success in my health and wellness journey after following these programs. A great idea for anyone dealing with autoimmune or different kinds of body issues because these kinds of programs help reduce inflammation, a likely reason for your issues. I still have a ton of that info here for your to read through, feel free to click through old posts and menu options.
Going forward, I want to touch on all of the things that make me feel like I’m living my best, healthiest life! Because my ultimate goal, while once upon a time was simply to “have abs” has progressed into a want – no NEED *wink – to live to my fullest for as long as I can! Living to 100+ is no longer out of reach, and I hope to get there while staying mobile, flexible, and strong! I don’t believe the lie that we’re going to slow wayy way down as we age, I believe it’s (mostly) a choice!
I post most Mondays, I say as I post this on a Wednesday🤷 but as you may have gathered from this post, I’m a chill kind of gal – a Capricorn. To quote Janelle Monáe, “I come in peace, but mean business.” 💯💯 I fly by the seat of my pants, and I don’t plan on changing anytime soon!
I’m me, times three
Aside from obsessing over personal wellness, I also enjoy thrifting and secondhand shopping – yard/garage sale, estate sales, etc. It all counts. I love knowing I’m not contributing to the over-consumption problem we have here in the states, and I love knowing I have unique pieces too! Spending a morning sifting through random potential treasures perhaps with a to-go matcha in hand. Yes. Please. Sign me up.
In the day to day you might also find me shuffling tarot cards, playing The Sims on PS5, gardening (in either form), or heading to a tee time with friends! I may post about any and all of these things over time because they make me who I am and contribute to my personal overall wellness; something I want you to find in your life.
I recently dyed my hair from my natural blonde to (my preferred color) Rose Pink (by ION at Sally Beauty) and am feeling like we’re opening up a brand new chapter of life and I want to make it the healthiest yet, for all!
Your Turn
I want to hear about your favorite wellness activities, anything that makes you feel good inside and out! Learning tips and tricks from others gives us lots of options and helps us stay consistent on our path.
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Find me on IG @kateneeds_ (link below)
kateneedsfitness 