Meet Karly Peters

We were lucky to catch up with Karly Peters recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karly, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

The Pursuit of Purpose

I didn’t always know this was where I was meant to be. Like many women, I spent years striving—chasing success, trying to meet expectations, and wearing strength like armor. But somewhere along the way, in the stillness and the struggle, God began to reveal that my purpose wasn’t something I had to force—it was something I would find through Him.

My relationship with Christ has been the anchor in that pursuit. It’s through Him that I’ve come to understand that my failures weren’t signs of weakness—they were invitations to grow, to trust, and to be refined. The lessons I’ve learned in the valleys have shaped me just as much, if not more, than the victories on the mountaintops.

Much of who I am was also shaped in the home I grew up in. My parents passed down both strengths and struggles—resilience, a strong work ethic, and the deeply human imperfections that I now see as gifts. For a long time, I resisted certain parts of myself, unsure how they fit into the life I was trying to build. But over time, I’ve come to believe that God can and does use every piece—both the polished and the unfinished—for His purpose.

KP FITNESS is a reflection of that belief. It’s more than a gym—it’s a place where women are invited to be real, to grow, to fail forward, and to rise. It’s a space where strength is celebrated in all its forms, and where purpose is pursued—not through perfection, but through presence, grace, and grit.

My purpose is still unfolding, but I know this much: I was made to create spaces where women feel seen, strong, and supported. And if you’re on your own pursuit of purpose, I hope you’ll find a piece of it here with us.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

KP FITNESS LLC – Empowering Women to Know Their Power

KP FITNESS LLC, founded by Karly Peters, is a women-focused fitness studio in Kettering, Ohio, transforming the way women experience strength training. Proudly recognized as “Best Health/Fitness Club” winner and “Best Gym” finalist in The Best of Dayton, KP FITNESS is more than just a gym — it’s a safe, supportive space designed exclusively for women to build confidence, take up space, and redefine what strength looks and feels like in their own bodies.

A Studio Designed for Women, by Women
At KP FITNESS, everything, from the programs to the culture, is intentionally created with women in mind. The studio addresses common challenges women face in traditional gym environments: feeling intimidated, gender stereotypes, being overlooked, or feeling unsafe. Here, women are celebrated, heard, and encouraged to lift heavy, push their limits, and show up unapologetically. We recently welcomed Lisa Aidt to our team—a powerhouse coach who has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering women through strength training. Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge, an infectious energy, and a shared passion for fostering confidence and community in every session. To better serve our growing community, we’ve also expanded our facility—doubling its size and adding new, state-of-the-art equipment designed to support a wider range of training styles and fitness goals. It’s all part of our mission to create a space where women feel strong, seen, and supported.

Personalized & Inclusive Training
Karly specializes in personal training for women of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, with a particular focus on:
Women living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) or joint hypermobility
Women managing anxiety, ADHD, and other neurodivergent experiences
Beginners who have never lifted weights before and want to feel safe and seen
Experienced lifters/athletes looking to fine tune their skills and work on the tiny details
Sessions are tailored to the individual, offering both in-person and virtual options to meet women where they are mentally and physically.

Fitness that Builds Community
The studio’s additional group fitness classes are more than just workouts. They’re gatherings of like-minded women building each other up. The atmosphere is high-energy, inclusive, and non-competitive. KP FITNESS LLC actively participates in local events, such as the upcoming FREE Baddie Bootcamp hosted by Roderer Shoe Center on August 17, 2025 from 10-11 AM, demonstrating a commitment to community wellness.

More Than Workouts: A Holistic, Healing Space
KP FITNESS operates within the Integrative Touch Wellness Center, a thoughtfully curated space focused on whole-person health and healing. This partnership allows clients to benefit from more than just personal training. They gain access to a comprehensive wellness environment designed to support the mind, body, and nervous system.
The center is home to a team of licensed massage therapists, a physical therapist and a yoga instructor offering specialized services such as physical therapy, therapeutic massage, cupping, lymphatic drainage, and hot stone therapy. Clients also have access to an infrared sauna, enhancing recovery, circulation, and relaxation between training sessions.
This unique integration of strength training and therapeutic services empowers clients to care for their bodies on a deeper level, bridging the gap between fitness and wellness in a way that most traditional gyms simply don’t offer.
Rooted in the Community
Whether it’s hosting pop-up workouts with local businesses like Roderer Shoe Center, Fabletics, Loose Ends Brewery, and Warped Wing Brewery, or bringing fitness to college campuses across the country, KP FITNESS is deeply invested in uplifting women throughout the Dayton area. The studio regularly hosts events and bootcamps that bring the community together to celebrate movement, strength, and self-love.

Why KP FITNESS Stands Out
Winner of the Best Health/Fitness Club award and a Best Gym finalist in The Best of Dayton
100% women-focused training space
Trauma-aware and body-positive coaching
Inclusive of all sizes, stages of life, and fitness levels
Deep community roots and local collaborations
Founded and led by a certified personal trainer who walks the walk

Client Testimonials:
Clients consistently praise the supportive and motivating environment:​
“I have more energy, flexibility, and most importantly, I am ENJOYING it. Karly does not make it easy, but she is with you every step of the way.”
“If you are ready to start your fitness journey, I would highly recommend starting with Karly at KP fitness. I’ve been training with Karly for almost a year now and it’s been the best experience. I’ve learned so much, and I feel the best that I ever have. She tailors workouts to fit your needs, and she’s able to challenge you in a supportive and encouraging way. She’s also a really great person, and so much fun to be around! I really look forward to my weekly sessions!”
“Karly is very knowledgeable and friendly. Her workout plans are tailored for individuals. She will push you to do your best. She will do it with a smile and make you feel comfortable. She is able to modify to one’s needs as well.”
“Karly is amazing!!! She’s helped me so much! I am confident in my abilities at the gym now and have learned so much about myself mentally and physically through my experience as her client! She’s knowledgeable about hypermobility and all things fitness! She is willing to think outside the box and try new things for her clients. She has built a lovely community of strong women, inside and out. I’d give more than 5 stars if I could.”

Contact Information:
Karly Peters
Phone: (937) 882-2706​
Email: knowyourpowerfitness@gmail.com
Website: knowyourpowerfitnesstraining.com

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have truly shaped my journey:

Resilience. There were plenty of challenges and setbacks along the way, but choosing to keep going—even when things felt difficult or uncertain—was what helped me grow and stay focused on my purpose.

Faith. Trusting God through every high and low gave me strength beyond myself. It allowed me to see my weaknesses not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and refinement.

Self-awareness. Being honest with myself about both my strengths and areas for growth was essential. It taught me to lean into my gifts and also to seek support when I needed it.

Along the way, I also learned the importance of finding your people—those who love you for who you are and support your dreams—and keeping them close. Water the grass you’re standing on and stay true to your path.

For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace failure as part of the journey, lean into whatever grounds you—whether that’s faith, mindfulness, or reflection—and be patient and compassionate with yourself. Growth takes time, and every step forward matters.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I remind myself is to pause and breathe. Overwhelm often comes when I’m rushing or trying to carry too much on my own. Taking a moment to breathe deeply helps me reset and gain clarity.

I believe strength isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and spiritual too. So, I turn to practices that ground me: prayer, reflection, or simply sitting quietly to reconnect with God’s peace. Being in nature also plays a huge role for me—whether it’s a walk outside, feeling the sun, or listening to the birds—it helps me slow down and feel connected to something bigger than myself.

I also lean into the community we’ve built. Sharing how I’m feeling—whether with a family member, a therapist, or friend—helps lighten the load. There’s power in vulnerability and connection.

Finally, I break things down. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I focus on one small, manageable step. Progress, even tiny, keeps me moving forward without feeling paralyzed.

So my advice:

Pause and breathe deeply.

Connect with your faith or what grounds you.

Spend time in nature to reset and reconnect.

Reach out to your community.

Take small steps forward.

Remember, strength is a journey—sometimes it looks like lifting heavy weights, and sometimes it looks like pausing to care for your spirit.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your