Kelly Gonzalez

Kelly's Fitness Philosophy
When I was 16 years old, I walked into a health club and thought, "this is like a playground." Fitness has always been fun for me. Never has it been forced, never just another dull chore on my endless to do list. It's a priority; a daily priority that I complete with enthusiasm.

Fitness is a priority solely, because I am aware of the benefits. I have endless amounts of energy, my mind is clear, my body runs like a well oiled machine, my creativity flows, and I have enthusiasm for life. It may sound over the top, but that's what true passion is. It's miles over the top, because there's no possible way to explain raw passion.

I've found that it's difficult to get bored in the health and fitness industry. There's so much to learn- continual research, various training methods, a myriad of sports to try, so many intelligent people in the field to network with. You could spend a lifetime being a student of fitness.

In a few words, that is how I define myself. I am a student of fitness. I will never know it all, but I enjoy the learning process, and therefore I wish to share my passion for learning about health and fitness with others by providing them with the knowledge that I have gained and continue to accumulate.

Kelly's Background
Kelly grew up in Annapolis, Maryland. She attended St. Mary's High School where she played lacrosse and field hockey. Her involvement in sports ignited Kelly's interest in health and fitness. She worked at the local health club part-time and by her senior year of high school became a certified personal trainer and Spinning Instructor.

Kelly went on to attend Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore Maryland. She graduated in 2008 with a BA. in Writing Seminars. Throughout college Kelly was involved in fitness as a member of the women's Division I lacrosse team. She taught group Spinning classes at the campus' recreation center, worked as a personal trainer, and wrote a weekly health and fitness column for the Johns Hopkins Newsletter called "Busy Bodies," to encourage Johns Hopkins' students to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

During her junior year of college, Kelly competed in the Baltimore Marathon, finishing with a Boston Marathon qualifying time. She competed in the 2007 Boston Marathon that April and finished in a time of 3:30:22.

After graduating in 2008, Kelly lived in Australia for 6 months. She worked part time at a private personal training studio and worked as a waitress to fund travel expenses. In Australia, Kelly was able to gain a broader view of holistic health practices and training methods.. Her mind and body connection was enhanced with a week long trip to Bali, Indonesia.

During the fall of 2009 Kelly turned her love for fitness and training into her ultimate sport as she entered the world of physique competitions. Kelly competed in her first NPC national bikini competition in November 2009 at NPC Nationals in Hollywood, Florida. After placing 2nd in her class she was determined to earn IFBB Professional status. On July 10, 2010 Kelly accomplished that goal. She earned her IFBB Bikini Pro Card at the NPC Team Universe pro qualifier in New Jersey. In 2011, her first full season as an IFBB Pro, Kelly qualified for the 2011 Bikini Olympia; reaching the top of her sport.

Kelly continues to train daily for competitions as well as her career as a fitness model and fitness personality. She is the content writer, fitness & nutrition expert, and co-host of FitnessVTC.com.She has been featured in workout videos such as P90X2, commercials, and print.

As a certified trainer and conditioning specialist Kelly has worked with athletes and clients of all ages and abilities. She specializes in functional fitness, injury prevention, speed and agility, weight management, and sports nutrition.

Kelly holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Johns Hopkins University in Writing Seminars, and Masters in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from California University of Pennsylvania. She is an entrepreneur at heart and has her own business, Kelly Gonzalez Fitness, Kelly is a freelance health and fitness writer, fitness & nutrition consultant, certified personal trainer, fitness model, and IFBB professional bikini athlete.

Kelly currently resides in Southern California.