I have been passionate about fitness and sports since childhood. I started with dance in elementary school, then moved on to softball and cheerleading in high school, and eventually I became an ultra-endurance athlete after college. I believe in incorporating movement into every aspect of life. I earned my undergraduate degree from The University of Florida's College of Health and Human Performance, with a bachelor's in Kinesiology and Physiology. I then pursued my master's in Health Studies from The University of Alabama's College of Health Science. While pregnant with my first child, I worked with professors at The University of Nevada Las Vegas, to publish a research paper on intrinsic and extrinsic movement in golf.

Throughout my career, I have worked in both the private and public sectors of health and wellness, from fitness centers and spas to collegiate campuses. I have developed, opened and managed fitness facilities, spas, physical and occupational therapy practices, pilates studios, group exercise studios and outdoor adventure facilities. I have participated in events of all levels and mileage in running, swimming and cycling. I understand the safety guidelines and hiring practices required for a fitness facility to become and stay successful. My marketing expertise has aided in the promotion and increase of membership for facilities and organizations to continually grow and evolve for their clientele.

I took a break to be a stay-at-home mom to my two children and puppies. Now that my children are of school age, I have decided to return to my passion for helping people find their love of exercise and sports, but in ways that make it social and enjoyable. I am the support you need to reach whatever goals you want from getting up off the floor after playing with your kids to crossing the finish line of your first Ironman. I am a three-time Ironman Finisher and ultra-endurance runner, and I have competed in numerous marathons, swimming, and cycling events. I have worked with athletes of all ages, from beginner triathletes to being a conditioning coach for young athletes to helping aging athletes recover from injury or post-surgery operations. I have a Nutritionist certification, and I believe that food should be viewed as a source of helping you reach your goals, not a reason to be "hangry" at everyone you know. 

In 2010, I created the L.I.O.N, L.I.O.N.E.S.S., and C.U.B.S.S. programs to encourage fitness and wellness as a long-term lifestyle choice, rather than a short-term solution to health issues. L.I.O.N. (Learning Inspiration Outside the Norm) was developed to promote innovative thinking in exercise and health improvement, both within and outside of traditional fitness settings. The program aims to change the perspective on wellness by providing knowledge for a healthy overall lifestyle. L.I.O.N.E.S.S. (Ladies Insight on Nutrition, Exercise, Sports and being a Star) was created to address the discomfort women feel in fitness settings. This discomfort arises from equipment not being designed ergonomically for female body types, from the stigmas placed on women in athletics and the way that our anatomy and physiology require a different level of training to reach our goals. As someone who has experienced eating disorders, I also aim to offer guidance in the nutritional aspect of a woman's life. Additionally, C.U.B.S.S. (Children Understanding Basic Sports and Skills) is a program through which I work with children of all ages and athletic abilities to ensure that the fundamentals of fitness, sports, and nutrition are instilled at an early age. My goal is to equip children with the tools they need to become their best selves. Whether through their own education or by providing skills and curriculum to educational facilities, leagues, organizations and coaches to provide our future athletes the best opportunities.

I reside in Charlotte, NC, with my husband, two children and two puppies. When I am not helping people find the best form of themselves, you can find me at the barn with the horses or hiking with friends (and dogs) on the trails.

Kimmie Mays, CPT, PES, CES, CNC, FNS