Balancing Career and Family: Insights from the Woman Behind Elevate Training
Bekah Klein's journey to becoming the owner of Elevate Training, a successful Lagree studio with four locations in San Diego County, wasn't without obstacles. When she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, she had to modify her activity and began doing pilates, then discovered the Lagree Method. Later, when the gym she was working at went up for sale, she took a leap of faith and bought it, turning it into the thriving business it is today. Despite facing self-doubt along the way, Bekah has learned to love and accept herself, and now strives to provide opportunities for her 40+ employees while also being present for her daughter and practicing self-care.
What inspired you to create your business? I began as a trainer at Pure Fitness and gradually took on more management responsibilities. While attending college classes, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I had to modify my activity. That's when I discovered Pilates and it led me to become Lagree Certified. In 2016, the ownership of the gym changed and they needed a new manager, so I stepped up. Later on, the business went up for sale so I bought it.
Have you ever struggled with an "inner critic" when you were trying to accomplish your goals? If so, how did you handle that? Yes, it's a deeper journey of loving and accepting yourself, despite performance and actions.
How do you define success? My goal is to provide opportunities that were given to me. Now I have 40+ employees with fair wages. I'm able to provide for myself and my daughter and be in charge of my own schedule.
What's your morning routine? My toddler wakes me up, we enjoy slow mornings, I have a 30 or 60-minute block of time to adjust to the day and connect with Penny.
How do you balance your career and home life? Balance is something we're always striving for. "Killing it" is a false expectation. I accept my humanness and limitations. The need to schedule time for oneself is huge.
Do you have a clearly defined purpose? Identity, yes. Purpose can shift.
How do you plan your week and month? I was a paper and pen person and I realized that I needed to go back to that for the structure. The crazier life is, the simpler the strategy needs to be.
What women have served as role models for you? Sara Blakely because of her business sense. I admire strength, grace, and humility.
What's on your playlist that gets you ready to take on the world? Trending songs at work and beat-heavy music, but when I'm by myself, I listen to country and worship music.
There you have it! Thank you so much Bekah for your time and for sharing your thoughts with me and my readers at Jessie Hancock Coaching. Now I just need to book a session at Elevate and try it out for myself!