{Fifty-Two Weeks}

I started this project not only for myself creatively, but for the women in our community! These next 52 weeks you will meet women that are an inspiration to our community, who go above and beyond for their families or our small town, who may own their own business, or are just an inspiration to those who love them. Each woman has their own story, their own calling, their own struggles, and their own accomplishments. I couldn’t have said it better “I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say because of you I didn’t give up.”-unknown

{Week Eight of Fifty-Two}

“Patience is a virtue”

Week eight wow, we are already two months down and this has been so rewarding not only for me personally but for all the women in this amazing community. This week’s woman is such a positive example to not only the women in our community but for everyone who is looking to get fit and healthy. She is educated, funny, strong, and full of life. She has been the best thing that has happened for my confidence and my overall health. Week eight of fifty-two goes out to the inspirational and motivational Kim Pexton of The Body Shop or you may know her from Kim’s LIL Gym!

The Body Shop is 24 hour fitness facility offering a full weight room, cardio room and classroom. Dressing rooms are equipped with showers and lockers, this gym has it all. Kim and her son Carl Kosters own the gym and wanted the community to have other options for better overall health. I asked Kim what made her want to go into this business and she says “I’ve always liked community work.” She got her bachelor’s in social work in 1994, and then went for her master’s in social work. Counseling youth, family planning, tobacco prevention and social work is what Kim used to do, but now does it all in a different way. “I learned I can’t save everybody. I loved what I did, but got burned out and treated badly.” Kim says. I can’t even imagine how hard social work is, working with those who need help and sometimes not wanting to get help. But now you can see the work she does with her clients at the gym has been good for her and her clients. 

Before she and Carl opened The Body Shop, which has now been open since October of 2014, Kim owned and operated Kim’s Lil Gym and has been a personal trainer for 10 plus years. I asked her what she had to do to get her training. “It’s really easy, only takes a weekend. I am certified in step, bosu, gliders, bar, pump, pt, and group.” Kim said. The Body Shop has five trainers including Kim. I asked Kim what made her want to become a trainer. She said “It is the closest thing to social work I could come to without diagnosing and charging someone in less than 45 minutes. I love community work and this is the perfect fit.” Kim has been my trainer now for several months and has been amazing. I found this quote that I think fits perfect, well for me and Kim anyways. “When your personal trainer asks you if you’re “ready”, that’s a rhetorical question!” She is an amazing trainer and I wouldn’t be doing as well as I have been without her. But I also pay her to torture me, now that is the crazy part but has been worth every penny.

The Body Shop has some amazing trainers and classes. There are 23 classes all on different days and times. I asked Kim which class is her favorite to teach and she says “Right now its step! We have a great group of people in this class.” The most important thing Kim wants to teach her clients and those who come to your gym is “overall health, being happy out of the gym as well as in the gym is most important. Happiness is a huge part of our lives and makes a huge difference.” Kim said. One thing I have learned through my own process and struggles is what seems impossible today will one day become your warm-up. I would have to agree with how your overall health is the most important. The gym and the people that work there all want the best for every client and the attitudes and positivity is amazing in The Body Shop. This place and these people working here have not only changed my life for the better but also many others lives. I am thankful and so blessed to have them all working with me to reach my goals and cheer me on.

Getting to know Kim….

What do you love most about your job….My clients, personal clients, my people!

What is your biggest fear….Losing my children or grandchildren.

What is your greatest accomplishment….My children! They are good people who love and I am so proud of who they are. 

What is your biggest struggle….Myself, life is a struggle!

Who inspires you and why…. Women who take a chance even if it's on their health, their work, or their education.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career….To listen! I am not perfect.

What is something on your bucket list….A mini triathlon!

What is your favorite quote….“Patience is a virtue.” 

One word to describe “Kim” and why she inspires you…..

“Fearless! She has vision and is not afraid to put her vision into action. She makes health and fitness approachable for many different people. Douglas is extremely lucky to have an intrepid entrepreneur like Kim.  Her bold and dynamic personality has made her successful and I have no doubt she has more to show us.” –Meghann Boggs

“Intense! She pushes me to do the best and work the hardest. She doesn’t let me get away with just getting by. She's also an inspiration to me because she gives respect to get respect.” –Freedom Howell

“Inspiring! Kim inspires and motivates me to work hard, push myself and to dig deep and to never give up.” –Tiffany Henry

“Joyful, full of energy!” –Virginia Bevers

“Tough! She is an inspiration to me because growing up she always put on a smile even if times were tough and got my sister and I through some tough times. She is one of the hardest working people I know. She went from having nothing and raising 2 kids to working hard and now having 2 successful businesses and living life to the fullest. She has been through more stuff then people will encounter in a life time, but she always put on a smile and worked through it as if nothing was wrong. That's why I look up to her. She is Tough!!” –Carl Kosters

“One word to describe Kim, that is impossible. Motivational! Kim is an inspiration because she does not only personal train clients,  she includes her own life struggles into helping you reach your own goals. Not many people will expose their fears, struggles or worries, but Kim does. She can bring someone out of a slump within your training time just being a great listener, and then giving her insight. She is an inspiration to me.” –Melissa Connolly

“Committed! She started her own business she likes to help people and she cares about other people's health.  Kim is goal oriented and she is funny.” –Teri Rabun

“Whew that's a tough one..... There is no one word to describe my mother! She's a woman of many traits!! She's a very independent, strong willed, go getter! When she says Do you do, but will also drop anything at any time to help whatever you need helped with! If you haven't noticed already, but if you’re a morning person and you happen to be at the gym @530 or whatever time It is she most likely has a smile on her face, I don't think that has ever changed about her! So if I had to describe my mother in one word I guess I would choose incredible.... Because she is! More than just my mother!! I love her!” –Abbie Kosters

“Hilarious! I love working out with Kim because she always keeps a smile on my face while pushing me to do my best! Kim truly cares about her clients and wants the best for them all!” –Sara Trujillo

“Spectacular!  She is an inspiration to be because she believes not only in herself, but in those around her.  She encourages those who may be in crisis at some level in their lives to become a better and stronger mirror of themselves.  She does this through the example of being herself! I recently was devastated with the loss of both my little brother and mother within 3 weeks of each other. Depressed and feeling low, I had the grim task of facing family and friends in California. Before I left, Kim unknowingly encouraged me to move forward, to fight back depression, with the strength of friends and family here. Her crazy glasses, high voltage personality, and c'mon now, let's get on with it' attitude has strengthened not only my relationships with my family but with my friends as well. Kim Pexton is a 'spectacular' example of an amazing inspiration without even knowing she does it!  I am honored to have her in my life!” –Patty Morrell

“Tenacious!” –Joani Fosmo

I would highly recommend The Body Shop to anyone. It is an amazing atmosphere, has amazing trainers, fun classes, and it has changed my life for the better. Kim is such an inspiration and works just as hard for you as you do for yourself. Thank you for letting me capture you, and your gym. Kim, you are a true inspiration and I am truly thankful for everything you have done for me!

The Body Shop

113 South 2^nd Street

Douglas, WY. 82633

(307)358-8325

http://thebodyshop82633.com/