Kate Laird poses with her children. Photo courtesy of Kate Laird.
Kate Laird has worked in the fitness industry for over 16 years. She went from teaching yoga, to managing the Greenboro Community Centre, and then to full-time training. “Along the way, I also became single with a couple little girls in tow, and kind of realized how challenging it was to go through life as a mom and trying to get your needs met. Especially if you’re single, especially if you’re working,” said Kate.
From there, she said she set off to work to build a business that not only worked for her, but also for people who were in a similar position to her own. Kate said she wanted a business where she could bring her kids to work if needed, and also to serve moms.
“It really is a community that’s fairly underserved, and probably has one of the biggest needs, because moms take care of everybody else all the time,” she said.
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“I learned early on—as a mother, and especially as a single mother—that my best foot forward will always come on the days that I took care of myself,” said Kate. “So that really filled my cup: helping moms figure out how to still take care of themselves, be healthy, and feel good, while also taking care of their children.”
Kate said the desire to build a business that not only helped herself, but other moms, informed the move to start Love Your Body Fitness. She started as a solo practitioner offering in-person classes.
She worked primarily with moms, leading classes during the day while kids were at school. Kate said she also offered boot camp classes out of her backyard, where moms could bring their kids and work out.
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From there, the business grew to the point where Kate said she was having to turn away clients. It was at this point that she said she decided to bring on more trainers to meet growing demand.
When the pandemic hit, and fitness centres could no longer offer in-person classes, Kate said she got right to work adapting her business, both for her own sake but also for her clients. They told her on a regular basis that working out and coming to see her at the gym was the thing that kept them going through the challenges of being a mother.
Kate said she built an entire online platform, prioritizing community, connection, and accountability, features that one might not find by subscribing to a typical online program or relying on free fitness content. From there, her business grew at a time when many others faced struggles.
Clients at Love Your Body Fitness pose with their children. Photo courtesy of Kate Laird.
Where at the outset of starting Love Your Body Fitness, Kate’s clientele was almost completely made up of moms, now she says moms make up about 60 per cent of clients, the rest being busy men and women alike.
“Moms need the most efficient, time-friendly workout that’s going to get them in the best shape in the shortest amount of time,” she said. “But so do busy people in general.”
Asked what she enjoys about her work, Kate said, “I love making people feel good, and reminding people that making time for their health makes them feel good not just now, but later. It’s like this investment in your future.”
To learn more and try a class with Love Your Body Fitness, you can visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages!
