This feature is a question-and-answer session with a new Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 169th installment visiting with Kindra Waack, Owner/Personal Trainer & Nutrition Coach at the GYM Factor which was created to help individuals reach their full potential, provide individuals with the tools to make creating a healthy lifestyle simple, and teach those how to live their everyday life with a balanced approach.

What is the GYM Factor? Through fitness and nutrition coaching, the GYM Factor was created to: Help individuals reach their full potential, provide individuals with the tools to make creating a healthy lifestyle simple, and teach those how to live their everyday life with a balanced approach. My goal as a fitness professional is to provide my clients with the tools to make it simple and to learn how to live their everyday life with a balanced approach. Most importantly, the focus of my coaching is to teach my clients how to take a lifestyle approach of eating and exercise, and incorporate it into their own everyday life; whether that be when traveling, working, at home, eating dinner with the family, special events, or the holidays.

Describe what the GYM Factor does. the GYM Factor is an online based business specializing in fitness and nutrition coaching. However, the GYM Factor also offers in-person services, specific to the corporate/business world, such as: Educational and preventative lectures on various topics, biometric screenings, company specific fitness challenges, comprehensive wellness programming, design and implementation of injury prevention in the workplace, fitness classes, 1-on-1 coaching/training, and much more! the GYM Factor works with all fitness levels and ages; from junior high students to adults. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or looking to take your results a step further, we’ll design a program to specifically meet your own goals.

How did you get started? I like to say I began my training journey as an athlete but even as a youngster, I was always on the go. I was a one sport athlete – volleyball – all through high school. I felt I needed to focus solely on one sport, to truly succeed and excel at my skillset. After high school, I was then blessed enough to play volleyball at the collegiate level. I then discovered that everything about college sports, was a whooole new game! It was from my given opportunity to play at the collegiate level, where I became hooked on the science and benefits of health & fitness. All of the training and hard work became something I enjoyed and wanted to learn more about. Fast-forward. In 2012 I receive my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition. I then went on to receive three years of course work at the Master of Science level in Strength and Conditioning. Throughout my college education I trained at a small local gym, offering personal training, strength & conditioning, and group fitness classes – to all fitness levels and ages. Most recently (2020) I decided it was time to branch out on my own, to better serve my current clientele and career path. Through the six years of my career, I can say there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing others conquer and succeed. My commitment to others health is what I live for through my training. I want to be able to offer my clients, friends, and family the best of the best! Support. Guidance. Education. Programming. Supplements – any and everything possible, to provide each and every one the path to change and build a lifestyle of optimal health.

What is your background? Like stated above, I have an educational background in Exercise Science and Nutrition. I have been working in the fitness industry for a little over seven years now.

Who is your mentor? Oh goodness, it’s truly hard to narrow it down to just one individual! My Father My father’s side gig consists of raising cattle and farming. I learned a lot growing up on a farm and watching him build what he has now. Things such as: How rewarding it can be to build and create something through hard work. How much work goes into success. How to take something you love doing and make a profit. How to take on challenges yet deal with defeat. How to break even or come out on top – financially, mentally, physically, etc. How a community of like-minded individuals will come together and truly support one another. My Mother My mother has always been my #1 cheerleader. She never missed one of my extracurricular activities! She may not have known what she was cheering for (bless her heart), but it was her presence, love, and effort that meant the most. My mother is also the one who taught me how to love and appreciate the most. My Sister My sister is also someone I’d like to highlight. She’s the person who pushed me to go down the path I am on today, and is the biggest believer of my talents. Growing up, she was always the brains of the situation and I was the journeyman. When it comes to ALL things in life, I am blessed to have my sister as a mentor. My Husband Without a doubt, my husband is my biggest supporter. His continued encouragement and drive for me to succeed, has also gotten me where I am today. I can always count on him, no matter what situation is at hand. As an entrepreneur himself, he also leads by example. I have been so blessed to have many mentors and supporters throughout my career. My family, friends, and clientele have ALL played an important role in my journey thus far, whether that be through advice, guidance, education, investment of time and money in my training, or simply just being there for support. Each and every one of them have played a role in my journey and encouraged me to follow my own path.

Describe your customers. My clients come to me during various parts of their fitness and/or wellness journey. Everyone one of them are different and each are unique individually, depending on their goals, needs, limitations, and wants. They may be unsure as to why they are not seeing success towards their goals but are ready and willing to take the next step in order to get there!

Name three things you wish you knew when you started. 1. Letting your voice be heard. Even though starting out you don’t have as much working experience as others, but you have new, creative ideas, and a different perspective that should be shared. Don’t be intimidated by others and their success. Truth is, they could be intimidated by you. 2. Mistakes are ok, they’re an important part of growing. No one expects you to know everything, especially when you are new. As long as you are trying, and most importantly, learning from your mistakes, you will gain success. Progress always trumps perfection. 3. Collaborate, don’t compete. You are not the only one in your line of work and there’s always going to be someone that has more experience and/or knowledge. Why not collaborate and learn from them? Others have different experiences, knowledge, and ways of approaching situations or resolving issues. There may just be something they can learn from you as well!

What do you enjoy about running your business? Honestly, there are many things I enjoy, but if I had to choose one or two reasons, they would be: 1. Getting to meet and connect with people from all over the World! Whether that be clientele or through networking. 2. Simply helping the World become a better place, by helping clients gain better health-both physically and mentally. I truly believe that through better health, the World can become a better place.