Small Business Profile - Mississauga's Kimberly’s Online Fitness
/In conversation with Mississauga entrepreneur Kimberly Hicks-Ruttan.
1. What exactly does your business do?
Kimberly’s Online Fitness provides live and on-demand workouts designed for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to work out. I offer Tabata/HIIT/circuit, Total Body Conditioning and Yoga classes to support cardiovascular, strength and flexibility.
2. What inspired you to start your business?
My inspiration to start an online fitness business is my response to not only the changing times due to COVID, but also stemmed from my participants who saw weight loss, improvements to their bone density, push-ups progressed from the wall to a full push up and much more. I offer a permanent solution to exercise easily in your own home, on your own schedule, all while having a supportive online community of friends to help motivate you.
3. How has your business adapted to the new world?
My business started in our new world in fall 2020. It is most fitting in the current lockdown. Adapting to a new way of staying fit and inspiring and motivating people to exercise is my goal. Our ability to adapt to changes will keep our bodies strong, stretched, and mobile which impacts our physical body and our mental spirit.
4. What are you most proud of from a business perspective?
I am most proud of learning new technology and adapting my many years of instructor experience to a virtual world while still maintaining an interactive and contagious energy for my participants.
5. What's been the largest obstacle to overcome and how did you do it?
The largest obstacle is coming up with a business model that supports busy people during a financially challenging time. I have a cost-effective price point while at the same time offering the same professional appearance, sound, and music to meet online demands such as royalty-free requirements. I am confident that I have a product to help people meet their weight loss, mobility, or strength training goals in a supportive, private, and safe environment.
6. What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs?
My advice is to pursue what you love. When you love what you do it shines through and leads to success. The other thing I have learned is to not let perfection stop your dreams. I’ve adopted the just do it attitude.
7. What message do you have for the community as we continue to navigate the global pandemic?
For me, the key is to keep our bodies and minds active. Go for walks, do quick 10, 20, or 30-minute workouts. Include flexibility training such as yoga and do daily meditation for your mind and spirit. Be kind to yourself and to others and karma will find its way back to you.
