She created a movement that redefined strength — not just in body, but in spirit. From training clients in her parents’ garage in Adelaide to becoming one of the most influential women in fitness, Kayla Itsines has redefined what it means to be strong — inside and out. As co-founder and head trainer of Sweat, she has inspired millions to move with purpose, confidence, and balance, and is recognized as one of the most impactful entrepreneurs shaping the global wellness industry.
This October, as she took the main stage at the Dubai Active Show 2025, Kayla brought her signature authenticity and energy to the Middle East, leading thousands of women in an empowering live workout that celebrated strength, connection, and self-belief. More than a headline appearance, her presence symbolized a new era of holistic health — one where fitness meets mindfulness and where women are encouraged to move not just to look stronger, but to feel stronger.
In this exclusive Evolvance interview, Kayla reflects on her evolution from personal trainer to global visionary, on the balance between ambition and grace, and on how Dubai’s growing wellness culture continues to inspire her mission to empower women everywhere.
Kayla, you’ve inspired millions to move their bodies — at Evolvance, we see movement as a pathway to balance mind, body, and spirit. How has your own definition of wellness evolved as you’ve grown as a trainer, mother, and leader?
Honestly, I wouldn’t have even called it wellness when I first started. Back then, I saw fitness, mindset and nutrition as separate things. Over the years, that’s really changed –now it’s all one. Wellness, to me, is a holistic approach that’s just as much about how sharp and calm I feel mentally as it is about how strong or fit I am physically. It’s not about being the fittest person in the room anymore, it’s about finding balance between my body and my mind.
You began as a certified personal trainer in 2008 and have grown into one of the most influential voices in women’s fitness. Looking back, what one belief about yourself or your mission has remained unshakable over all these years?
Working with women. That’s always been at the heart of everything I do. Empowering women through movement, confidence, and community. No matter how much things evolve or how big the platform gets, that’s the thing that never changes.
When you first launched your BBG program, what was the biggest doubt or fear you had— and how did you overcome it?
Like so many women, I had imposter syndrome. I doubted myself, I thought, “What if no one joins? What if I’m not good enough?” But I showed up anyway. And what got me through it was the women who showed up too. That community reminded me that it wasn’t just about me – it was about us. Showing up together, for each other.
From training clients one-on-one in your parents’ garage to pioneering a global digital fitness movement that’s transformed millions of lives — what was the first spark that set it all in motion?
Community. Every next step I’ve ever taken has come from listening to the women in my community. They were the ones who said, “You should make a program,” or “You should take this online.” Their feedback, their energy – that’s what sparked everything. It’s always been driven by them.
As a leader, what are your personal habits & daily wellness non-negotiables that nurture you holistically?
Daily movement, mindful eating, and time with family. I also make sure I actually set my non-negotiables and stick to them – that consistency makes me feel grounded and free at the same time. Keeping those promises to myself feels like success.
For a woman just beginning her fitness journey (especially a busy professional or a mother), what three non-negotiables do you advise to build into her weekly routine?
It really depends on her season of life, but I’d start with the basics:
- Daily hydration – simple but powerful.
- Daily movement – even if it’s short.
- Mental space – a moment to breathe, journal, meditate, or just do something that’s for her. Even putting on makeup in peace counts if it helps her feel like herself again.
At the Dubai Active Show 2025, you headlined a packed session that brought your global community face-to-face. What did you take away from Dubai’s incredible energy and fitness culture — and how did it reaffirm your mission to empower women worldwide?
It was honestly like an aura restore. The energy in that room was unreal, so many women so happy to move together and lift each other up. Meeting everyone face-to-face and hearing their stories reminded me why I do what I do. Some women had been following me since I first started on Instagram – that connection and loyalty is everything to me.
Dubai has become a global hub for wellness, ambition, and transformation. Having led the event leading to Dubai’s Fitness Challenge, how do you see yourself contributing to — or being inspired by — this next era of holistic health in the region?
Dubai’s wellness scene is evolving so fast – it’s not just about gyms anymore, it’s about longevity, education, and mental health. I want to be part of that shift, helping women not just train hard, but live long, independent, happy lives.
The new era of fitness is about movement, mindset, and meaning and I love that.
When you’re in moments of exhaustion or doubt, what’s your “reset ritual” — the thing that helps you realign with your purpose and energy?
It depends on the kind of exhaustion. If it’s mental, I need space – time to step back, slow down, and reset my mind. But if it’s emotional, my reset is actually reconnection. Being surrounded by my community, like at Dubai Active, reminds me why I started. That energy, seeing women moving together, it’s like a full-body recharge.
How has motherhood shifted your relationship with health — not just as a trainer, but as a woman nurturing future generations?
Motherhood has made me softer in a good way. It’s made me more conscious of women’s time, emotions, hormones, and the real-life obstacles we face. I design programs differently now, with empathy and flexibility in mind. It’s not just about physical results anymore, it’s about supporting women through every stage of life.
Many women struggle between the desire to push harder and the need to rest. How do you teach balance — that true wellness comes not from doing more, but from listening to the body’s wisdom?
I think balance starts with learning to listen – not to trends or pressure, but to your own body. Some days you need to push; other days, you need to pause. The key is recognising the difference. For so many women, it’s not about doing more, it’s about giving themselves permission to rest when they need it and move when it feels good. That’s what creates consistency – not perfection.
You travel often for work, events, and community meet-ups. What ritual or routine do you rely on to stay physically strong and emotionally centered while on the go?
Daily walks and strength training. No matter where I am, those two things keep me grounded and consistent. They’re simple, but they make a huge difference.
If you could give one message to every woman reading Evolvance about living in alignment — not just looking strong, but feeling whole — what would it be?
It doesn’t matter how strong, fit, or shredded you are – if you’re not happy within yourself, you’ll always be chasing something.
Especially in 2025 where the beauty and wellness industries are so visual, it’s important to remember: true confidence starts from the inside. Happiness isn’t found in how you look, it’s in how you feel about yourself.
