Meet Dr. Kim Rodriguez: Chiropractor and Founder of Latinas Running

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Kim Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Kim, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?

Latinas Running is impacting the world, by being a body positive community that inspires runners , future runners, and walkers to connect with people of all backgrounds through the love of running and walking. I strive for Latinas Running to be a community where people can show up to a group run/walk , event, or participate in a virtual challenge at whatever fitness level they are in, without ever feeling like they aren’t “fit” enough to participate or that they are “too slow”. There is such a lack of spaces and representation in the fitness industry of plus-size athletes, advocating for beginner athletes, and being reminded that you’re welcomed and loved at any size . On a gym ad , billboard, or on the media, all we see are companies advertising for health and wellness with models that are already in the best shape. People only see the finished product, but never the beginning. So, creating a space where ALL bodies are welcomed and empowered; is super important to me. Latinas Running is showing the world that runners come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, and everyone can be an Athlete. Advocating for body positivity is helping people in the community become more confident and body positive in their health and running Journey. I also host hikes and events that celebrate our love for running, the outdoors, our Latinx Culture. 

Running can be a very individualized sport, but having a community you can share your journey with helps you grow stronger.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Growing up, I always saw Doctors that looked nothing like me or who had a prejudgment about my lifestyle simply because of the number on a weight scale. A Chiropractor was the first doctor to see beyond my size , and who educated me about the incredible power my body has to heal on its own , when in proper alignment . I became a Chiropractor so that I could uplift my community , especially women and the Latinx community by helping them get healthy through Chiropractic Care. This year I decided to take a Leap of Faith, and will be opening my own practice this summer

(Kirocare Family Wellness ) in Marietta, GA. I always knew I wanted to practice in a way where I could be my own voice, and serve my community in the style that best fits my belief , purpose, and mission.

Growing up Latina, I hardly saw female Doctors and athletes who looked like me. This is why representation is so important to me, and what inspired me to start Latinas Running which aims to uplift all runners, especially Latinas.

Whether I am in an office setting or doing something for Latinas Running, my mission is to connect with like-minded people and support people to reach their optimal level of health and feel empowered. There are not many Body Pos Doctors, so I want to uplift everyone and those who never feel seen.

I believe that age and weight is nothing but a limit, and every day I try to show up unapologetically , share my story, and inspire.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start off our morning by getting breakfast at First Watch or Another Broken Egg cafe, and then going for a walk down the Beltline or Piedmont Park. If it’s a friend who is adventurous , we would wake up extra early and check out a GA state park such as Tallulah Gorge State Park or Amicalola Falls State Park. I love hiking and Georgia has some of the best views in the outdoors. We would also check out at least one of ATL’s tourist spots like the Aquarium or the World of Coke, and of course drive by the Jackson Street Bridge. We would also go out dancing at Loca Luna . I love to Dance! 

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. As a first-generation College Grad to being the First Doctor in my Family. My parents are who gave me a Warrior spirit without even trying. It is through them that I learned what strength, ambition, persistence, and love are. Here’s to all the immigrant parents who come to America with nothing at all . No English, No education, No Home, No Money, and still manage to uplift those around them. To this day, that is what constantly inspires me to uplift those around me and to try to be the best version of myself. This is also why I always take pride in my Guatemalan roots.

Also big shoutout to my amazing friends and colleagues who have supported me, and now people I’ve connected and built friendships throughout my Latinas Running community. Thank you for following the journey, “One Mile at a Time”.

Website: www.kirocarefamilywellness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latinasrunning and https://www.instagram.com/Kirocarefamillywellness

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatinasRunning

Other: E-Mail : info@Kirocarefamilywellness.com and latinasrunningatl@gmail.com