Meet Denisha Kennard | Plus size Fitness Instructor, Weight loss coach, and Goal Getter

I’ve always had a passion for helping others, and I knew I wanted to do something with my life that would have a positive impact on others. However, I wasn’t clear on what that would be exactly.

I began my weight loss journey in November of 2017. At my heaviest weight 367.3 pounds. I was finally tired of being tired. I was ready to make a change. I started kickboxing as a way to relieve stress and simply stay active. I fell in love and committed to the workouts 3-5 days a week, which then encouraged me to focus on my nutrition. I simply cut out sugars, lowered my carb intake, and increased my protein and veggie. I started dropping weight like crazy! As a result of my commitment to both nutrition and exercise, I was able to drop 137lbs. In September 2019, I weighed in at 230lbs, which was the lightest I’d ever been in my adult life. I was in my prime, Honey, fine and fit! Later that month, I found out I was pregnant and spiraled out of control. I blamed my bad eating habits and Covid as the reason why I gained 77lbs back. The truth is, I fell back into my old bad habits and used pregnancy and everything else as an excuse. I was devastated and lost all confidence in myself. I was so ashamed!

In May 2020, I delivered my baby. right in the middle of the pandemic, I was home mothering my new baby, homeschooling my two older children, taking care of my household, going back to my full-time job (working from home), and also working my side hustle.  In the midst of all these things, I lost myself. I suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety. I started having anxiety attacks, in which I knew it was time for me to go to the doctor. The doctors wanted to put me on medications. Instead, I wanted to take a holistic approach. I came home and thought of all the things that I did before I got pregnant that made me happy. Those things consisted of exercise and eating clean, and although I had a lot going on. I came to terms that nothing was more important than me taking care of myself. I had to start back taking care of myself again. I come first! I then committed to start going back to the gym, I joined a 21-day challenge and Won! That gave me the confidence I needed to keep going. I began to post on social media for accountability, not realizing how many people were watching me and were so inspired by my dedication and progression.

Once I started posting progress pictures, everyone started asking what I was doing to get in shape. That’s when I realized I have the ability to help inspire, empower, and motivate others in a way that could help them feel as good as I did. Simply by showing them what I am doing. My transparency about my weight loss journey is what birthed my business Idea. Once I realized the opportunity and the capability I have to change people’s lives, I knew this was the business for me. I now inspire other plus-size women like myself to begin their journey of loving themselves through nutrition and exercise. Through my active weight loss journey, I realized I cannot pour from an empty cup. I need to show up for myself, as I show up for every else. So the name FLY stays for First, Love, Yourself. When you put yourself first, you are positioning yourself to be the best version of YOU!

I am a Plus-sized Fitness Instructor, Weight loss Coach, & Goal Getter. I’ve built a health and fitness business that focuses on Individuals starting exactly where they’re.  Supporting Plus size women that are ready to begin their journey of loving themselves starting with nutrition and exercise, getting back on track, & Simply joining my community for the motivation, positivity,  sisterhood, and love and support.  I emphasize being a  Plus size Fitness instructor because there are not a lot of us out on these Fitness Streets. It’s Not common to see someone that’s not in tip-top shape showing others it’s possible. I stand proud as a plus-size confident woman. I am currently on my journey, crushing my goals  21 days at a time. While coaching others to dothe same. I’m am a certified Xtreme Hip Hop Step Instructor and Group Fitness Hit(High-Intensity Training) instructor. I am a weight loss coach, that offers both group and 1×1 coaching. I also educate and meal prep for my clients to alleviate the stress of what to to eat, and finding  time to cook.

I applaud myself for taking a leap of faith and starting a business. Especially during theses times of uncertainty. The health industry is extremely competitive, which for some, is a  enough for  people to never start a business,  because of that fear.

As a new entrepreneur, I’ve quickly realized this space is not for anyone. Your Passion has to run deeper than your fears and your faith has to be strong then what you see. I’ve learned to keep pushing, even when things seem to be falling apart. Failing forward is key, learning from each one of your mistake, yet keep going forward.

One thing I’ve learned along the way is the Importance of a Business Strategy, without a business strategy you will just have all these wonderful ideas for your business, with no idea how to execute them. All things has to have strategy in order to create systems within your business.

I want the world to know FLY Fitness, First Love Yourself has to be a priority. Health is wealth. When you feel good, you look good , and you tend to do good. I know the challenges of loosing weight, or just getting healthy period. I am setting the example, and showing other women you make time for anything you want to do. Even with kids, a full-time job, a business, and a family to take care of you can still make the time for yourself. I am here to motivate, inspire, empower and encourage others to begin their journey of loving themselves through nutrition and exercise.

If I had  a friend come to visit, they already know it’s going to be a chill vacation.Starting with morning workouts to start our day.  I would book a day spa at the Phoenician, massage, mani’& Pedi’s are required., Dinner at Hot & Juicy or anywhere with yummy seafood,

Shopping at the Wild horse pass outdoor outlet mall, Fun Day in water at the Great Wolf Lodge, and I’ll make sure to find a R&B lounge with good music, good Food and chill vibes.

I’d like shout out my family and close friends for their love and support with my kids, and continued words of encouragement as I purse my dream of being an entrepreneur. I also want to recognize my mentor-gym owner Jessica Becker-Stout for the endless opportunities she’s presented me with to better my businesses, and for listening to all of my Big crazy Ideas!