Meet Kayla Itsines, an Australian personal trainer, author, and entrepreneur. As the powerhouse and co-founder of the Sweat app, she has become a fitness icon, transforming her passion into a multimillion-dollar empire. Born and raised in Adelaide, Australia, Kayla’s inspiring journey took her from being a backyard trainer to becoming a global fitness sensation.
The Humble Beginnings
Kayla Itsines’s story starts in 2009, when she began training family and friends in her parent’s backyard. Charging $1 a minute, she quickly became a hit. Her clients’ transformations were so impressive that she started posting before-and-after photos on Instagram in 2013. Little did she know, this would be the spark that ignited her career.
The Rise of the Bikini Body Guide
In 2014, Kayla and her then-boyfriend, Tobi Pearce, launched the 12-week Bikini Body Training Guide (BBG). Priced at $69.99, the guide became a viral sensation. Women from all over the world flocked to Kayla’s program, eager to achieve their fitness goals. The success of BBG led to the creation of the Sweat app in 2015, which offered a more interactive and accessible way for users to follow Kayla’s workouts.
Sweat’s Meteoric Success
Sweat’s rise was nothing short of meteoric. By 2021, the app had millions of users and was sold to US-based fitness equipment giant iFIT for a whopping $150 million. Kayla and Tobi were each valued at around $170 million. But the story didn’t end there. In 2023, Kayla and Tobi made headlines again by buying back Sweat, with Kayla taking the reins as the boss.
From Beauty Therapist to Fitness Mogul: Kayla Itsines’ Rise
Kayla Itsines wasn’t always the fitness guru we know today. She once aspired to be a beauty therapist but was drawn to the gym’s allure. Initially overwhelmed, a personal trainer’s encouragement changed her path, leading her to embrace workouts that boosted her confidence and energy. Graduating as a Master Trainer from the Australian Institute of Fitness at just 18, Kayla soon found her calling in helping others achieve their fitness goals. Her programs, like the Bikini Body Guides (BBG) and Sweat with Kayla app, have empowered millions of women worldwide to transform their lives through health and fitness.
Building an Empire: Sweat with Kayla
Kayla’s journey from a local gym trainer to a global fitness icon is inspiring. With her ex-fiancé, Tobi Pearce, she launched the Bikini Body Training company, turning her workout routines into best-selling ebooks. The BBG program, based on 28-minute high-intensity workouts, quickly gained a massive following. Her smart use of social media catapulted her to fame, earning her millions of followers and a spot on Time’s list of the most influential people on the internet. Kayla’s dedication to her community and her innovative approach to fitness have made her one of the most recognized names in the industry.
Success and Controversy: The Reality of Fame
Kayla’s success hasn’t been without its challenges. Her bold moves, like leading the “Kayla Itsines Bootcamp World Tour” and starring in an Apple Watch ad, showcased her influence. However, fame brought legal battles too. She took legal action against fellow trainers for defamation, highlighting the pressures and pitfalls of being in the public eye. Despite these hurdles, Kayla’s commitment to authentic and relatable content has kept her at the forefront of the fitness world. Her wealth and influence continue to grow, making her a true powerhouse in the industry.
The Entrepreneurial Spirit
Kayla’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by her relentless drive and passion for fitness. Despite studying beauty therapy and briefly pursuing a career as a PE teacher, she found her true calling as a personal trainer. Her ability to connect with her audience and provide practical, effective fitness solutions has made her a beloved figure in the fitness community.
Life Beyond Fitness
Kayla’s life isn’t all about workouts and business. She recently married Jae Woodroffe and is a proud mother of two. Balancing family life with her demanding career, Kayla continues to inspire women worldwide to become the best versions of themselves.
The Future of Sweat
With Kayla back at the helm, the future of Sweat looks brighter than ever. She remains committed to empowering women through fitness, offering a range of programs that cater to different needs and fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, Kayla’s programs are designed to help you achieve your goals and feel confident in your skin.
Kayla Itsines is more than just a fitness trainer; she’s a pioneer who has redefined the fitness industry. Her journey from a backyard trainer to a global fitness mogul is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of fitness.
Today, Kayla continues to inspire millions through her fitness programs, social media presence, and commitment to helping others achieve their health and fitness goals.
