Chicks that Kick Ass: Kim Heinz

So how many chicks do you know are black belts that got to boss men around and train them in the army, star in a fitness video, raise a baby on their own and open their own dojo? Not too many right?!

Until you met Kim Heinz.

I met Kim a couple years ago. She was hired by the company I was working at to teach Bootcamp style fitness classes. I was scared, really scared. Was I read for a class like this? Could I handle it? Zumba was becoming too easy and running was a bit boring, so I knew I needed a challenge.

I signed up.

I don’t remember much about the first class, but the day after I felt like I got hit by a truck and had to call outta work. I even heard someone got sick.

It was intense.

I wanted to give up, but I stuck with it. I knew I actually got a work out. 

We worked out hard, I wanted to give up, the whole class did, but there was a force that kept us going… that force was Kim.

She was mean to us by working us so hard, but she motivated us. She worked out and did all the exercises with us. She never gave up, so we didn’t either. We hated working so hard, but we loved her. The energy she had was contagious.

Then I found out she was a single mom and an Army veteran… if this chick doesn’t kick ass, I don’t know one that does.

She inspired the shit outta me to work hard to achieve my goals and I got into the BEST shape of my life because of her. When she couldn’t teach at my job any longer, we cried and she cried. We had a bond…  (now I drive 35 mins to take her class at her dojo)

In interviewing her for this post, I got to know her even better than before. Her struggles are much the same we all face as women. Even being so fit and so beautiful she struggled with self esteem.

So I had to share the awesome Kim Heinz with all of you. Prepare to be inspired!

 Introduce yourself. What do you do? Why do you do it?

I’m Kimberly Heinz. I’m Sensei and owner of Kim’s Karate & Kickboxing. I’ve been training for ten years and teaching for eight. I have the opportunity to change people’s lives in a positive way. The greatest thing to hear is how I’ve helped them become a better person and I’m doing it through two things that in passionate about: fitness and martial arts.

Why did you join the Army?

I joined the Army after I graduated high school. I had a very rough time in school, was bullied. I had very low self esteem if at all any. The army was an opportunity to start fresh, work on my confidence and make something of myself. I let others control me- how I felt about myself. It was time to take that control back!!

How was your experience as a women in the mostly male military world? Did you ever have any issues? BONUS: Did you ever get to boss guys around?

Yes it is a mans world and it’s always put in the women that if she wants to make she has to prove herself. I’ve always had a great work ethic and always gave 100%. I always kept up with the guys and worked hard. I always had their respect because of that and I never used my looks to get anything. I was upfront and always spoke my mind. I made rank very quickly. I wanted to lead and I did. Of course I bossed guys around. I took pride himself that I took care of my soldiers and always had their back.

What has been your greatest struggle in your life and how did you overcome it?

My greatest struggle in my life has been my self esteem. I’m 38 years old and it wasn’t till six months ago that I realized my self worth. It doesn’t matter what people say, how people perceive you- you have to truly believe it yourself. I’ve always compared myself to other people. Once I started changing my mindset, living who I am. Acknowledging that I’m worthy of great things, my life has gone in a positive direction.

Were you always passionate about fitness? If not, when and why did it become a passion of yours?

I never worked out when I was younger. I played softball when I was a kid and was always playing outside. It wasn’t till I joined the army that I got involved with it and at the point you didn’t have a choice. You had to take a physical fitness test every six months. When I joined the army I set goals for myself and one of them was to max my test. I got involved in weight lifting after I had my son. I educated myself and lifting and developed my own fitness program. I changed my lifestyle. I saw my body changing, I was stronger and happier. I was in the gym five days a week. I maxed my fitness test and I’ve kept up with it ever since.
I was a squad leader and a platoon sergeant. With that you had to lead PT (physical training). It was something that was done every morning. I was great at it!!!!

You’re a pretty sexy lady (if I say so myself), were you always comfortable in your skin?

I was never comfortable in my own skin. I did gain more confidence through working out because I got great results but in my head I still saw myself as not good enough. I went through a very heartbreaking situation six months ago. I rekindled my relationship with my ex husband. I wanted my son to have his father. I was sacrificing my business to be with this man. He left me- said my self esteem issues pushed him away. That’s when this clicked. I’m a beautiful successful women. From then on everyday I work on having a positive attitude and realizing my self worth. I appreciate who I am. I have a lot to offer people and I want to help them build confidence and love themselves. This is me, if you like me great, if you don’t, your loss. I’m ok with being alone. Do I still struggle with my self image, yes! I just don’t let it control me. I embrace my imperfections now. They make me amazing!!!!! I want to instill that mindset in others.

I’ve always loved Jillian Michaels.  I feel like we have the same personality and approach to fitness and life.  I have a few mentors that I always try and remember what they have told me.  It keeps me motivated and in check.  Fitness is not just physical it’s also mental.  If you think negative your workout and other areas of your life will be affected in a negative way!