Why I Started KILOGEAR: A Mission to Revolutionize Athleisure and Fitness
When I was a little girl, my dream was to become President of the United States. I wanted to make the world a better place, believing that the highest office was the best way to do it. While I didn't end up in the Oval Office, I did achieve my dream in another way—by becoming the President of my own company, KILOGEAR. Through this journey, I found a way to help people become the best versions of themselves, contributing to a better world, one step at a time.
The Birth of KILOGEAR: Necessity and the Rise of Athleisure
The journey to creating KILOGEAR began out of necessity back in 2010. At that time, I was remarried, raising four children (two from my previous marriage) along with my new baby. As a former college athlete, fitness and wellness had always been integral parts of my life.
However, after losing my thyroid and having my son in my late 30s, shedding the baby weight proved to be a significant challenge. With a demanding job, five kids, coaching sports teams, and volunteering at school, I found it nearly impossible to squeeze in time for fitness. My husband, Trent, often said, "You have to make the time," but I struggled to find a way to do so without sacrificing time with my kids, sleep, or work.
The Gap in the Market: Athleisure Was Trending, But Missing Something Essential
In 2016, as I was laying the groundwork for KILOGEAR, I was struck by the rising trend of athleisure. According to a McKinsey article from that time, athleisure was becoming more popular and mainstream, with consumers increasingly favoring clothing that was both stylish and comfortable. Athleisure was more than just a trend—it was a movement that blended fashion and functionality.
However, while the market was flooded with athleisure options designed to clothe the body, I noticed a glaring omission: none of these brands were addressing how athleisure could actively help the body. Sure, these clothes looked good, but they weren't designed to enhance fitness or contribute to overall well-being. I felt it was time to change that.
KILOGEAR’s Mission: Marrying Athleisure with Functional Fitness
I realized there was an opportunity to create something truly unique—a line of athleisure that not only looked good but also served a functional purpose by helping people improve their fitness and health. That's where the concept of Microloading and removable MICRO Weights came in. These small, strategically placed weights allow wearers to incorporate resistance training into their daily activities without changing their routine. By simply putting on KILOGEAR, people could turn their everyday movements into calorie-burning, muscle-toning exercises.
The Science of Microloading: Making Athleisure Functional
Having a background in fitness, I understood the science behind adding weight to the body and how it could accelerate calorie burning. I began by adding resistance to my walking and jogging routines. The results were remarkable—I could achieve the same calorie burn in two miles that I previously achieved in four.
This led me to the concept of Microloading—adding small, removable weights to different parts of the body to increase resistance without compromising movement. Soon, I began modifying my clothes to incorporate these MICRO Weights, wearing them around the house and while running errands. I quickly realized I could burn more calories throughout the day with minimal effort.
The Unique Advantage of KILOGEAR: Innovating Athleisure for the Modern Consumer
KILOGEAR’s gear is designed to distribute these MICRO Weights across the body’s extremities, targeting major muscle groups while avoiding undue stress on the joints. This design not only enhances calorie burn but also promotes functional strength and endurance without the bulk associated with traditional weight training.
Our decision to merge athleisure with functional fitness wasn't just about following a trend—it was about leading a new movement in the industry. By prioritizing both style and substance, we created a product that aligns with the modern consumer’s desire for versatility, sustainability, and effectiveness.
The Ongoing Commitment: Why We Continue Testing
To this day, we continue to conduct third-party testing, even though we’ve been told it's no longer necessary. But for us, it's about proving that if you wear our gear and move, you will see results. KILOGEAR is not a gimmick; it's a scientifically-backed product designed to help you achieve your best self.
The Mission of KILOGEAR: Empowering a Better World, One Body at a Time
My childhood dream of becoming President didn’t come to fruition, but my desire to make the world a better place is still alive—only now, it’s happening one body at a time through KILOGEAR. Our mission is to empower you to be the best you can be, so you can contribute to making the world a better place.
