About Kari & the Mission Behind Kaizen
Kaizen was founded by Kari, a lifelong learner and wellness advocate who knows firsthand how challenging it can be to prioritize your health while managing the demands of work, family, and everyday life. As a full-time working mom with a 25-year career in the pharmaceutical industry, she brings both scientific insight and real-world experience to everything she does.
Kari’s journey into fitness began not in a gym, but in physical therapy. Struggling with chronic back pain, she turned to strength training as a last resort — and within months, she was able to cancel her scheduled back surgery. That decision sparked a profound shift in her health and mindset. At 44 years old, she picked up her first barbell, and everything changed.
What started as personal healing turned into a professional calling. With a deep understanding of nutrition, weight management, and how the body responds to both food and medicine, Kari saw a major gap: people — especially women — were being overwhelmed by conflicting health advice and underserved by quick-fix solutions. She created Kaizen to change that.
Kaizen means “continuous improvement” — a philosophy Kari lives daily. She’s passionate about helping others build strength, confidence, and clarity through sustainable, science-based fitness and nutrition coaching. Whether it’s guiding someone through their first push-up or explaining how protein supports metabolism at a cellular level, she’s committed to giving people the tools to take control of their health and thrive.
Outside of coaching, Kari is a Midwest native who grew up on a dairy farm, a lover of animals, and a proud mom to her teenage son Bodhi. Their shared commitment to healthy living — even building a batting cage and training together — shows how small changes ripple through families and communities.
Certifications & Experience:
- Bachelor of Science
- Certified Personal Trainer (ACE)
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach (PN1)
- Functional Movement Systems (FMS Level 1)
- 25+ years in pharmaceutical research, specializing in drug metabolism and obesity science
Kari didn’t grow up in the gym. She didn’t start lifting until her 40s. And she’s not here to promise a transformation overnight. But if you’re ready to take steady steps toward feeling stronger, more energized, and more in control — she’s ready to walk that path with you.
Nutrition
Practice mindful eating with a focus on whole and minimally processed foods including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. We believe in fueling your body to reach your maximum potential while maintaining a realistic approach that one “diet” does not fit all. Flexibility and long-term sustainability in nutrition are essential.
Rest & Recovery
Optimal performance, mental, physical, emotional… you name it, depends on giving your body, mind, and soul a break to reset. We believe, and science supports, that rest and recovery are essential components of fitness training. The rest and recovery periods provide the opportunity for muscle repair and growth, replenishment of energy stores, improvement in mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function along with a host of other positive benefits.
Discipline, Hard Work & Consistency
How you do anything is how you do everything. Discipline and hard work go hand-in-hand to turn your intentions into reality. Even small, consistent actions have the power to change your life and for you to make noticeable movement towards your goals.
Scientific-based programming
Efficient and effective workouts to optimize results. Endless hours working out aren’t necessary, or a reality in life for many. We strive for results-driven training for constant, steady improvement in your fitness abilities.
Humility
Continuous self-reflection and maintaining an open mind are principles for progression. Failure is an opportunity for growth and to build resiliency in our mindset. We strive for improvement, not perfection.
Growth mindset
You don’t know what you don’t know. Use your beginners mindset to continue to learn and develop and watch how taking a holistic, consistent approach to health and fitness accelerates your growth in all aspects of life.
About
Kaizen Train
Kari founded Kaizen Train to encourage like-minded individuals to prioritize their health and fitness. As a full-time working mom, she understands the challenges of balancing work and family commitments while finding time to support her own well-being.
After discovering a life-changing passion for weightlifting, Kari, drawing on her experience as a scientist currently working in the field of obesity, recognized a significant gap for people facing challenges related to time-management, overweight/obesity, and a lack of communication on the benefits of strength training. She possesses extensive knowledge in nutrition, fitness, and weight management, backed by her BSc, over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, along with her certifications as both a personal trainer and nutrition/lifestyle coach.
Kari’s mission is to share her insights to inspire others to make sustainable changes, prioritize their well-being and become the best version of themselves.
Take the first step.