Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Wilberding.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a trainer, I got my start at a magical gym in NYC called Mark Fisher Fitness in 2013. It’s there where I learned the ropes in smart training and amazing customer service. We created community there in ways that have drawn attention from all over the fitness industry.
In 2018, I relocated to Los Angeles and opened a group fitness studio called HK Fitness…”a HumanKind of fitness”. It was a very special studio, creating a fitness home for so people that felt unseen or overlooked at other gyms. I loved that space and those people so much, but as many small businesses experience, it was extremely challenging to keep the doors open, and about a year later, our doors closed.
I opted to stay in LA to continue working as a personal trainer and I started auditioning again as an actor. But then, as we can now all say, the pandemic arrived, and everything changed.
I pivoted my business online, offering group classes and 1:1 training. This business model gave me some location independence. After a few months back in NYC earlier in 2022, I’ve arrived in Dallas to take some time and space to build my online business some more, spend time with lifelong friends while I continue to pursue my acting career.
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?
Smooth is NOT the word I’d use to describe any of this. Between a business closing, navigating the pandemic, and managing life happenings…choosing a life where you work for yourself can feel wildly overwhelming at times but also, so rewarding.
Recently, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disease. Thankfully, it explains a lot of the pain and fatigue I’ve felt for the past few years. It’s also given me an opportunity to really investigate my own personal relationship to fitness and training. This outlook has also inspired new passion into my work as a trainer.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As both a personal trainer and an actress, I’ve had the honor of training and supporting “my people”. I love my theatre/Broadway community so much and to help people in their health journey means a lot to me.
I think what sets me apart is my own personal journey with fitness and food and weight loss. I share openly my journey over the years with binge eating and the emotions around weight loss and gain. I understand that working out is about so much more than reps and the number on the scale. It’s about harnessing our own personal power and the connection we have between our soul and physical self.
One creative thing I’m very proud of is that finally, after years of wanting to, I produced and performed my first-ever solo show in NYC this past September. And I’m looking for a space here in Dallas to do it again!!
Alright, so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I have two classes each week that are via zoom. They are 30-minute workouts, bodyweight by design, but if you have equipment at home…you can use it! I also offer in-home training and as a newbie to Dallas, I’m excited to meet some new folks with this offering. You can stay in the loop of some exciting new things by joining my newsletter on my website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leadingladyfit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leading_lady_fitness/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5bsdS4KCB93psj8aHQRMgQ
Image Credits
Justin Patterson Photography
panel from BroadwayCon 2022
