Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayli Montoya-Huston.
Hi Kayli, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve struggled with anxiety and eating disorders since I was a kid. In high school, sports became my escape and gave me a sense of purpose, but when my time as a college athlete ended, I lost that structure and identity. The weight crept on, my confidence dropped, and I remember feeling so uncomfortable in my own skin that I’d avoid mirrors and photos.
Eventually, I found my way into a weight room. At first, I just wanted to feel better physically, but lifting weights did something much deeper for me. It gave me back my confidence and helped me manage my anxiety in a way nothing else had. For the first time in a long time, I felt proud of myself. I could see and feel progress, not just in my body, but in my mindset. That’s when I knew I couldn’t keep this to myself.
In early 2017, people at the gym began asking for my help. Even the gym owner encouraged me to become a trainer. I was terrified at first; shy, quiet, and convinced I wasn’t “good enough.” I battled imposter syndrome daily. But I said yes anyway, and that decision completely changed my life.
Like many new trainers, I made mistakes at the start. I thought my clients needed to leave every session exhausted and drenched in sweat to feel successful. Looking back, that approach did more harm than good. They burned out quickly and disappeared. Over time, I realized that what truly changes people isn’t punishment; it’s consistency, confidence, and strength.
Now, my approach is all about meeting people where they’re at, especially women who have struggled just like I did. We focus on getting stronger, both physically and mentally, one step at a time. I’ve seen firsthand how training once or twice a week can completely transform someone’s life. Some of my clients have been with me for over five years, and watching them grow, seeing that spark come back, is the most rewarding part of what I do.
Every time I walk into the gym, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come; from the girl who could barely look up when she entered a room, to the woman helping others reclaim their confidence and strength. That’s what keeps me going.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I first started, I had to learn how to adapt to so many different personalities. Every client walks in with their own story, their own struggles, and their own energy. I quickly realized that being a good trainer wasn’t just about writing workouts; it was about showing up fully for each person, every single session, no matter what kind of day I was having. Learning to be “on” for every client so they could have the best experience possible was a huge challenge at first.
I also had no idea how to actually run a business. Marketing myself, managing finances, and building systems didn’t come naturally to me. I was a trainer, not a businessperson, and there were plenty of times I doubted if I could really make this work long-term. Moving part of my business online was another major learning curve. I had to figure out new technology, new ways to connect, and how to build trust through a screen.
The scariest part was taking the leap to do this full time. I was terrified of failing, but I pushed through anyway, and I’m so grateful I did. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable; not just about fitness or business, but about resilience and purpose. Today, I get to wake up and help people change their lives for the better, and all those hard lessons made that possible.
We’ve been impressed with Kayli Montoya Fitness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run Kayli Montoya Fitness and our online branch, Phoenix Rising Coaching, where we help women in their 30s to 50s lose body fat, build strength, and finally find a sustainable approach to health and fitness. Our mission is to help women feel confident and strong in their bodies; without the restriction, guilt, or extreme methods that diet culture pushes.
We focus on what I call The Rise Method, a 3-phase system designed to reignite metabolism, accelerate fat loss, and teach long-term maintenance habits. Our coaching emphasizes strength training, proper nutrition, and mindset work, but most importantly, we help our clients simplify the process. I’m known for meeting women exactly where they’re at. Whether they’re just getting started or have tried every diet out there, we focus on small, consistent steps that build real confidence.
What truly sets us apart is our heart-centered approach. My clients never leave a session feeling defeated. They leave feeling stronger, both physically and mentally. We focus on progressive overload, celebrating what their bodies can do, not just how they look. I’ve had clients who started training just once a week and have now been with me for over five years. Watching them grow, not just in strength but in self-belief, is what makes me proudest.
Brand-wise, I’m proud that Kayli Montoya Fitness has become a safe, supportive space. Whether in-person or online; where women can drop the all-or-nothing mindset and finally learn to enjoy the process. Our message is simple: you don’t have to punish your body to change it. You can get stronger, feel better, and still live a full, balanced life.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s okay not to have all the answers. When I first started coaching, I felt a lot of pressure to always know exactly what to say or do. Over time, I realized that being honest and telling a client, “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out for you,” builds far more trust than pretending to know everything. That shift in mindset helped me grow both personally and professionally.
In the health and fitness world, new research and science are constantly emerging, and I’ve learned to stay open-minded. My opinions and methods have changed over the years, and I now see that as a sign of progress, not inconsistency. The willingness to keep learning is what allows me to serve my clients better every year.
Another big lesson has been understanding that no two clients are the same. There is no perfect, one-size-fits-all plan. Everyone has different needs, lifestyles, and challenges, and real coaching means adapting along the way. Once I embraced that flexibility, my clients started seeing better results and enjoying the process more. It’s taught me that growth, for both coach and client, comes from learning, adjusting, and staying open.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaylimontoyafitness.com
- Instagram: kaylimontoyafitness
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylimontoyafitness
- Youtube: @kaylimontoyafitness9983
- Other: TikTok: @kaylimontoyafitness
