From Setback to Strength: Kaele’s Total Effort Journey

Sometimes all it takes is one courageous step forward to change your entire life. For Kaele, that step was connecting with Total Effort Fitness. She was in need of support and guidance during a difficult time of life and discovered something far more powerful than a typical gym experience. What followed was a story of healing, strength, and complete lifestyle transformation.

When Kaele first connected with Leon, her world felt smaller than ever. A mix of post-COVID complications and other underlying health conditions had left her physically exhausted, emotionally discouraged, and, at the fairly young age of 37, dependent on a walker to move around. Leaving the house was daunting. Stairs felt like mountains. Even daily errands required extra planning and courage. She knew she needed help, and when she contacted Leon at Total Effort Fitness, he responded immediately.

“He met me with kindness and understanding, and we got to work right away.”

From the start, Leon didn’t just assign exercises. He created a personalized plan that supported Kaele’s physical and mental recovery. Together, they set a clear goal: to get her off the walker on Dec. 31, 2022, so she could start 2023 on a fresh and strong note. It wasn’t easy, but they made it happen. At their goal date, the walker went into the garage—a moment that was a true celebration of the steps (literally and symbolically) it took to get there. What started as a physical goal soon became a much bigger transformation.

As Kaele regained mobility, she also began to reclaim her life. The fear of tripping on curbs or growing too tired while out and about started to fade. She felt strong enough to begin embracing the things she loved again—dinners with friends, volunteering, spending time with loved ones, and simply being out in the world with confidence.

One of her proudest moments was traveling to Austin, TX to see her favorite band, Weezer. Boarding a plane, navigating an airport, attending a concert—these life experiences that, for a time, felt impossible, now felt exciting and empowering. It wasn’t just a fun trip. It was proof that she had taken her life back.

The journey didn’t end with her. Kaele’s transformation inspired her husband to get

involved as well. He started working with Leon, and soon their shared focus on fitness grew into a family-wide lifestyle shift. While they had always made an effort to eat healthy, they learned just how much hidden sugar and empty carbs were holding them back from being the healthiest versions of themselves. With Leon’s guidance, they adjusted their meals to fuel their bodies better. Together, they found a rhythm that supported both of their needs and made health a sustainable part of their daily lives.Over time, Leon became more than just a trainer to the couple. He became a trusted friend and coach. Their training sessions went beyond fitness—they were filled with encouragement, honesty, and accountability.

“He’s more than just a trainer. He’s a trusted friend who’s been with me every step of

the way.”

Nearly three years later, Kaele is not just stronger—she’s thriving. She’s living the version of life that she envisions for herself, finding independence, embracing experiences that once felt out of reach, and redefining what health and happiness look like in her everyday life.

Total Effort Fitness was the foundation. It gave her structure, consistency, and a space rooted in more than reps and routines. Leon’s approach weaves in faith, nutrition, mental health, and long-term sustainability.

“Total Effort Fitness is not just a gym. It’s a place where transformation happens through care, a truly individualized approach, and a variety of workouts that are engaging and help ensure long-term consistency.”

Kaele is one of many examples of people who have benefitted from working with Leon and Total Effort Fitness, and she now encourages anyone considering a health journey to start where they are and trust the process. The support, the structure, and the compassion she found through Total Effort made all the difference.

“I got my confidence back. I got my life back.”

Her story is a reminder that you can always rebuild, rediscover joy, and reclaim the life you want to live.