DANIELLE KITTRELL

- MY STORY -

My name is Danielle Kittrell; I have three beautiful children! I'm originally from Louisiana but moved to Arkansas during my first year in high school. I was by no means an athletic girl in school; Trust me, I was not fond of any sports. I was not attracted to fitness until I became pregnant with my first daughter over ten years ago. Motherhood changed me; I wanted to be healthy, and I wanted her to be healthy.

Therefore, I started being more responsible and taking better care of myself. I started educating myself to understand my body better. I learned I struggled with a gluten and dairy allergy during this time. Knowing this opened many doors into my health journey and understanding. My entire lifestyle began to change. I was starting to find answers: Motherhood, mental and emotional growth, nutrition, health, and my fitness journey all began to make sense. During and after my pregnancy, I would continue doing light workouts, only to find myself needing more. It was then that my husband introduced me to running. I honestly thought he was crazy. However, I could see that he loved it and would run for miles daily; what did I have to lose? So, I tried it. Three months later, I was running my first half marathon, and needless to say, I was hooked. 

When I became pregnant with our second child, I continued running. However, I went into preterm labor, and my doctor asked me to cycle instead. I did, but I started the world of lifting weights as well. I loved it all. I found my niche, or so I thought. I tried everything, even hit workouts. I stuck with all those things for a while and went through my third pregnancy smoothly while working out hard every day. My third pregnancy made me feel strong in the gym. I was lifting heavier and felt even more powerful overall. I always wanted to help others, so I worked hard, obtained a group training certification, and began to work locally in different settings. It was only a short time before I realized that training group classes under someone's curriculum felt disconnected and impersonal. Everyone was on the same page and told the exact solutions no matter their body type. Trainers advised clients on what to eat and how much to work out, with constant dieting at the forefront.

I was always thinking of new workouts that would benefit the body, not just repetitive routines. I longed to change the exercises, but I couldn't because I had to follow the company schedule and I had no control. 

I soon took my health and progress into my own hands and became a Certified Personal Trainer. I began to embark on this fitness journey and ventured into the health/fitness world alone. I began to understand more about my body and what it needs to be productive and healthier. I fell in love with every aspect of physical, health, and emotional well-being. Why? Because the results were freaking amazing. I feel fortunate to be able to use my journey and others. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to build connections that will assist my clients' goals mentally and emotionally. I have learned the correct tools to help others overcome challenges and propel them forward with their personal fitness goals. 

My first objective is to listen, build trust and support my clients with their fitness journey as they learn to do the same. I excelled and started small group classes and one on one. 

Nutrition

I create and share healthy food choices for your nutritional needs and your family.

Health is about physical, mental, and emotional balance. By making healthier food choices and exercising, you will see incredible changes. As these changes happen, you will find yourself in a better mental and emotional space. You will start loving yourself and respecting your body more in this space. It is during this time that physical changes make themselves known! You glow more, smile more, and have a stronger relationship with yourself and others. Nutrition and exercise are great tools to fight the many battles that life throws at us. For me, it helps to fight depression and mood swings. Believe it or not, our bodies love the challenge of it all. 

Community 

The community that surrounds you influences your life. You need all the best influences you can get when you change your life. Your fitness community is here for the same reason as you. When you feel the energy from others on the same path of reaching goals, it pushes you, motivates you, drives you, and lights that fire in you! 

Our fitness community is here to support you and hold you accountable. We need support to help us through significant changes and cheerleaders cheering us on our health, wellness, and fitness journey. At Beyond the Surface, you will have my full support, and our positive community will stand with and beside you.

Training

My training program focuses on strength and endurance. Some trainers may be more into high rep, low weight, or strictly heavyweight, and I don't fall under any two categories. I believe in lifting heavy. It makes that beautiful hourglass figure; it tightens, defines your muscles, and burns fat like no other! It gives you a solid body to prevent injuries and strengthen your bones. Cardio strengthening is essential for overall heart and lung health. I love both worlds of strength and endurance and everything in between that makes us stronger humans!

Mission statement 

My mission is to improve your self-value, self-worth, and self-awareness. I want to build confidence, strengthen your mind and body, and instill trust. I will teach you lifestyle changes that are everlasting to your life and nutrition. My goal is to enhance your life through health and fitness. BTS provides a safe space surrounded by a community of support. 

Humble Beginnings

In 2020, when Covid hit the nation, I turned our garage into a personal gym. It went so well that friends came over wanting to join my workouts, and they would bring more friends. We soon purchased our back lot, and my talented and wonderful husband designed and built a much larger space. We both poured long nights and lots of sweat, and I now have my gym. I train in small classes and one on one. I couldn't be happier. Although I am not done, I'm continuously growing in every way; I love the journey. I love all my clients. I am always looking forward to the future and where it lands us! It's been a beautiful and challenging ride thus far, but well worth it!

-Danielle Kittrell -