11 questions for Kate Kline

By Ryan Andrews, MS, MA, RD, RYT, CSCS

If you frequent the PN Member Zone, you’ve probably seen Kate Kline’s name pop up. She’s one of the coaches for Lean Eating, and a longtime PN’er.

As a former state champion runner, Kate has first-hand experience with high level performance. After an injury took her away from running, she focused more on strength training.

A graduate of Arizona State University, Kate studied it all — exercise, wellness and psychology. Then she went on to become a certified strength coach through Charles Poliquin’s PICP and a trainer through the ISSA. After all the school days were over, Kate went to work alongside coach Krista Schaus.

Kate’s ambition is to inspire people to set their goals high and push themselves beyond self-limiting perceptions. She’s a firm believer in mind and body interaction and her philosophy is that you must train both to be successful.

Mind and body interaction? Is Kate some sort of hippie? Let’s find out. I tracked her down for responses to the following 11 questions.

Kate Kline 5

1. What are the top 3 things you see people do to mess up their nutrition?

Right on, let’s start this off on a positive note!

Nah, this is a good question, since “mistakes” are really just opportunities for learning. Here are my top picks:

Mistake 1

Trying to change too much at once rather than focusing on making small, progressive changes over time. Developing good nutrition does not happen after waking up one day and deciding to follow some “diet” where you eat the same prescribed foods day in and day out. Rather, it’s about developing successful dietary habits that are life-sustaining.

This is what the Lean Eating Coaching Program is based on. And it’s why Lean Eating clients are so successful in their transformations.

Mistake 2

Trying to make things too complicated. The “Make It Simple” concept illustrates this brilliantly.

Mistake 3

Failing to address the role that emotional, psychological, and socio-cultural factors have in eating behaviors. People don’t just eat because they are hungry. If that were the case, we probably wouldn’t have much obesity. Emotions and environment have a huge influence on food choices and are often the most significant limiting factors that need to be addressed.

2. How has your perspective on nutrition and exercise changed over the years?

Through my own experiences and through my work with hundreds of clients, I’ve learned the significant influence that one’s thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs have in shaping his or her overall success with any endeavor.

The mind is an incredibly powerful tool, often forgotten! A simple change in mindset or thought process can produce dramatic positive changes. The brain really is the “powerhouse” of our bodies!

3. What is your favorite quote?

I have two favorites.

“Believe, focus, achieve.”
–Krista Schaus

This short, yet powerful quote was introduced to me by Krista Schaus, and it has become the philosophy of Defining Edge. Take special note that believing is the first step in it all!

“Feel the fear… and do it anyways.”
–Susan Jeffers

This has been a life-changing one for me. The opportunities, knowledge, insights, and growth that have resulted from facing my fears and embracing change are absolutely incredible.

Now I make it a point to do at least one thing that “scares” me each week, and I challenge my clients to do the same.

4. What are the top 3 things you see people do to mess up their exercise?

Mistake 1

They do the same thing over and over again, failing to incorporate the all-too important principle of progression into their program. Whether your goals are health, body composition, or performance related, if you want continued results, you have to find ways to keep challenging yourself.

Mistake 2

They choose something they hate doing for energy expenditure work. If you hate it, you won’t do it! Find an activity that you enjoy that keeps you active. If you hate running on the treadmill, then don’t! Go rollerblading. Take a group exercise class. Get outside for a hike. Play soccer with your kids. Belly dancing? The options are endless!

Mistake 3

They underestimate their capabilities (this goes right along with #1). Don’t be afraid to push past the comfort zone! It’s usually in the “discomfort” zone that we achieve the most significant feats of fitness and strength. And nothing beats that feeling of accomplishment after pushing through a hard challenge!

5. What gets you out of bed every day?

Life! The prospect of another amazing day!

I look at each day as an opportunity. An opportunity for growth, challenge, excitement, knowledge, connections, laughs, and love.

I am so thankful for my family and friends; for the opportunity to reach out to others working in an industry that I am so passionate about; and for a healthy body that allows me to pursue my passion for fitness and performance.

But let’s keep it real. Eight years ago I was suffering from severe clinical depression and had a very different outlook on life than I do today. When did the switch flip? When I decided that I was worth being healthy and happy. That I wanted to change and when I finally believed that I could change.

Are you seeing a pattern here?