Meet Kim Butler | Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer

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

Hi Kim, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my fitness and Pilates studio was a dream that ignited a fire within me, driving me to turn my passion for health, wellness, and movement into a thriving business. The idea of creating a space where individuals can transform their mind, body, and spirit through exercise and mindfulness excited me beyond measure. I knew I wanted to share my purpose and passion by impacting the lives of others through fitness & Pilates. So I took a leap of faith.

My journey towards establishing my studio began with my own personal experience of the transformative power of fitness and Pilates. I have witnessed firsthand how these practices can sculpt not only the body but also the mind, fostering resilience, strength, and inner peace. This profound impact has fueled my desire to share these benefits with others and create a community dedicated to health and fitness.

Central to my vision for the studio was to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people of all ages and fitness levels can feel supported and inspired on their wellness journey. I envisioned a space filled with positive energy, where individuals can push their limits, break through barriers, and achieve their goals with the guidance of experienced instructors who are passionate about empowering others.

As I embarked on this exciting venture, I was driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. My passion for starting my fitness and Pilates studio was not just about building a business; it’s about creating a sanctuary where individuals can discover their strength, unleash their potential, and transform their lives for the better.

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?
My name is Kim Butler and I have been a Personal Trainer for 20 plus years and Pilates Instructor for 15 years. I opened Live Fit Now in April of 2009 with a goal of sharing my passion for health and wellness with clients of all ages and abilities. My passion is helping others achieve their fitness & wellness goals and to be able to do life without limitations. I have the opportunity to challenge clients looking for their next level of fitness and to help others returning to exercise after rehab. Many of my clients have been with me 10 plus years, allowing our time together to evolve beyond just a workout.

I’m most proud of the dedication of my LFN Team of Trainers and Instructors who are also passionate about helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. As well as our clients and their continued dedication, year after year, to keep moving, staying healthy and continuing to get stronger in their Mind, Body, and Soul.

I got to where I am today business-wise by determination, perseverance, hard work and learning from my mistakes along the way. Also, continuing to stay hungry to learn more every chance I get to be able to help clients more. I would say I also had a lot of people who gave me great business advice and helped guide me, especially my parents who have helped me from the beginning.

It was not easy by any means. I am a single mom with a beautiful daughter and having to balance being a mom, running a house hold and a business all at the same time has been a challenge but is worth it and rewarding at the same time. With every challenge I have faced with getting Live Fit Now where it is today, I had to learn how to pivot in business when something wasn’t working or needed to change. I had to learn that there’s more than one way to do things and what really will set your business apart from others is stay true to your specialities and don’t try to do what everyone else’s doing or offering.

What I want the world to know about myself and Live Fit Now would be, I am driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. I am excited to continue to bring my vision to life, to inspire others to prioritize their well-being, and to create a space where health, happiness, and vitality thrive. My passion is what started Live Fit Now ~ Fitness & Pilates Studio and it wasn’t just about building a business; it’s about creating a sanctuary where individuals continue to discover their strength, unleash their potential, and transform their lives for the better.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a weekend trip to Spartanburg, SC, I would do the following with a best friend:

Saturday morning take a Pilates Reformer class at Live Fit Now, and then I would take them to the Farmer’s Market to sample local produce, crafts, and other goods. It’s a great place to experience the local culture.

Late morning I would take them to explore the West Main Street. Artist Co-op, which is a hub for local artists showcasing their work. You can browse and purchase unique artworks and crafts.

Evening time I would take them to dinner at Sophia’s Restaurant which offers the best authentic Italian cuisine and then end the evening at FR8yard, an outdoor beer garden that often features live music. Relax with a drink and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Other great activities and restaurants I would recommend would be:
Visit Hatcher Garden, a serene botanical garden featuring a variety of plants, flowers, and walking trails.
Hike at Croft State Park. The park offers several trails of varying difficulty levels, so you can choose one that suits your preference.
Coffee at Little River Coffee Bar, a cozy spot known for its artisanal coffee.
Shopping in Downtown at the Boutique stores: “Two Doors Down”, ‘Armoire – Spartanburg”, “The Lemon Peel”, to name a few and many more!
Restaurants: “The Kennedy”, “Cribbs Kitchen”, “RJ Rockers Brewing Company”, “Level 10”, “Delaney’s Irish Pub”, to name a few and many more.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to the following:

To my family, who have been my rock and source of strength, thank you for your unconditional love and belief in me. Your support has been my driving force and my safe haven.

To my friends, who have stood by my side through thick and thin, thank you for your laughter, your companionship, and your endless support. Your friendship is a treasure that I hold dear,

To my clients, who have entrusted me with their health & fitness and believed in my abilities, thank you for your trust, your loyalty, and the opportunity to serve you, Your faith in me drives me to be better every day.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the incredible, supportive, and loving individuals that you are. I cherish our bond and look forward to many more moments of joy and success together.

With all my love and gratitude,

Kim Smith Butler

Website: https://www.livefitnow.org

Instagram: lfntrainingstudio

Facebook: Live Fit Now

Other: https://MindBody.com