Meet Kimberly Lynn | Fitness Professional & Gym Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Lynn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly Lynn, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Without a doubt, my favorite quote is FIGHTERS FIGHT which I’ve carried with me throughout my career as a professional dancer and now, certified personal trainer, gym owner and fitness professional. This quote reminds me that no matter how many times I get rejected at auditions/castings or when my business is barely making it month to month that I will continue to push no matter what. I will continue to believe in myself and move forward because that’s what fighters do….they FIGHT!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my career as a professional dancer BUT didn’t actually start my dance training until I was 18 years old. I found a dance school (Joel Hall Dance Center) and took my first ballet class and fell in love. I worked hard, knowing that I had a lot of catching up to do, taking 6 classes/day, 7 days/week auditioning and getting accepted to their scholarship program which helped since I couldn’t afford classes without it. Dance was my everything. It was my passion and I sacrificed a “normal” life in order to improve and become the best that I could at it in hopes of one day becoming a professional. It came naturally to me and I was good at it. I truly believe it was a gift that God gave to me and it actually would lead me into the fitness world. I’ll never forget the one scholarship evaluation that would change everything. I sat there, in a room filled with all my instructors. I sat there proud, with a smile, knowing that I was improving and doing everything right. Everything was going great until one of my instructors asked me a question that I’ll never forget…”Kimberly, how much do you weigh? You might want to think about getting into a gym and start lifting weights.” I sat there, mortified, wanting to burst out into tears but I didn’t. I listened to what they said and at the end of the evaluation, politely walked out. At that moment I had a choice. Cry, feel sorry for myself and quit OR take the criticism and follow their advice. So the next day, I did just that. I joined my first gym knowing that if I wanted to compete with the best of the best and book jobs, I had to do it. That’s when my love of fitness began!

After a successful dance career, a big highlight was becoming a backup dancer for the pop group LFO and performing on some of the biggest stages in the world including Madison Square Garden. I knew that I couldn’t dance forever and would need to find something else I was passionate about. I sat at the computer one day and that’s when I had the “light bulb moment” and personal trainer popped into my head. I immediately found a school called the National Personal Training Institute, downtown Chicago and applied. That was a journey that was not easy. I was up every morning, before the sun was up, walked to the bus stop and took the bus to the blue line train then walked almost a mile, in the winter time in Chicago in order to get to the school. Spent 6 hours/day in the classroom then headed back home and did that 5 days/week for 3 months. I received my certification and was lucky enough to get my first personal training job at Equinox. I spent the next 8 years there, learning from the best of the best in the business.

After 8 years at Equinox, my family and I decided to make the move to New Mexico and I worked for a couple different gyms doing one-on-one and group training. Then, my brother Chris came to me with a proposition that I’ll never forget. He walked in, said he had money he wanted to invest, and he wanted to invest it in me and asked if I wanted to open my own gym. I was flooded with fear, coming up with every excuse as to why it wouldn’t work. But in the end, I made the decision to go for it and on June 25, 2022, SWEAT Bootcamp celebrated its 4 year anniversary! Has it been an easy road, hell no, we are still struggling to get back on our feet after the hit of the pandemic but I’m not quitting. I believe that it’s the struggles that make us stronger and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, after 13 years of being in the fitness industry and 4 years of owning SWEAT Bootcamp, I’m branching out, pitching articles and workout features to the top fitness magazines, fitness agencies and media trying to build my brand and make a name for myself in the fitness industry. And even though I get rejected, a lot, I keep my head up and I keep moving forward knowing that my time WILL come, and when it does, I’ll be ready!

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?
The BEST time to come to ABQ would be the first week of October because that’s when the Balloon Fiesta starts! It’s a nine day event where balloonists from all over the country come to New Mexico and 500 balloons lift off from Balloon Fiesta Park. It is the most beautiful sight to see. I’m also a huge fan of the Tamaya Resort & Spa! It’s only 10mins from where I live but the perfect staycation. They have it ALL at this resort. You can take a trail ride on a rescue horse atop stunning southwest mesas or along the legendary Rio Grande, book a tee time at the Twin Warriors Golf Club, enjoy a massage or just relax poolside with a nice cold beverage. If you live in NM, one thing is for sure…you love to eat! A few places to check out would be Mas Tapas which is located in Hotel Andaluz which is a full-service restaurant and tapas bar inspired by the bold flavors, rich history and exuberance of Spanish cooking. El Pinto Restaurant which specializes in New Mexican salsa, New Mexican chiles, and New Mexican food and lastly Ten 3 which sits atop the Sandra Park Tramway, 10,300 feet above sea level!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The first person that I have to recognize is not only my best friend but she’s also my mom. She’s the one that has always been there to cheer me on and make me feel like I can conquer anything and also the shoulder to cry on when I feel defeated. If it wasn’t for her, I probably would have given up years ago and can’t wait for the day when I can look at her and say, WE DID IT!

My brother Chris who decided to invest in ME and finance SWEAT Bootcamp. Thank you for believing in me and always having my back, no matter what. SWEAT Bootcamp wouldn’t be here without you. Love you bro!

The next group of people that I have to thank would be my Joel Hall Dance Center family. Joel, Nancy, Kirby, Vanessa and Elaine saw this diamond in the rough and believed in me from the very beginning. They taught me how to work hard, believe in myself, never take “NO” for an answer and how to walk it off across the floor with fierceness! I’m the performer that I am, because of them.

Next up,Hank Ebeling of H4 Training, you saw something in me when I had my first personal training interview at Equinox in the Loop. Although I had just gotten my certification from NPTI and was very “green” in the fitness industry while no one else wanted to hire me, YOU believed in me enough to tell them, she’s got it! 13 years later, I’m an expert in the fitness industry and own my gym all because of YOU!

Last but certainly not least, my business coach James Patrick, photographer, business coach and friend. Thank you for giving me the most incredible advice and for pushing me outside my comfort zone to help build my business, my brand and my confidence.

These people are the #1 reasons that I am, who I am!

Website: www.kimfitondemand.com AND www.sweatfitnessbootcamp.com

Instagram: kimberly_sweatfitness

Facebook: Kimberlynn Samborski

Image Credits
Photographer: James Patrick Photographer: Cassie Pederson MUA: Denise Black