Stay at Home Fitness, operated by Miki Halvorson and Kelley Terwillegar, offers personal training for individuals and groups in the privacy of their clients’ homes in the Covington and Maple Valley areas. In addition to individual sessions, a co-op group (for women to bring their children to a host home for a one-hour workout), family exercising and “buddy” sessions are offered.

Halvorson and Terwillegar took a break from the workouts to talk with the Reporter about their business now and the one they’re planning.

Reporter: What inspired the idea for this venture?

Halvorson: Our inspiration was our dream of owning a dance studio. We need a way to put money aside for our studio, as well as make a living, so we put our minds together and with the help of our business mentor, Tom Patch, Stay at Home Fitness was born. We view it as just a division of our dance studio.

Terwillegar: This venture gives me freedom and control of my own destiny. It’s a step closer to our dream, and it will help us get there by starting our cash cow. Funding is our biggest challenge in opening our studio.

Reporter: What are some advantages of Stay at Home Fitness?

Halvorson: There are many benefits. It’s fun, convenient and an affordable way to work out with a personal trainer. You don’t have to hassle with gym fees or gym childcare. Most importantly, we provide the support any person needs to get motivated living a healthy and fit lifestyle.

Terwillegar: We come to you. And we provide equipment.

Reporter: Tell us something about your professional or educational experience related to fitness, and about yourselves.

Halvorson: Kelley used to teach a ballet class after my tap class and we would always smile and say, “Hi, see you next week.” One time I was in a jam with my sitter and had to bring my little girl to class with me. Kelley showed up about 15 minutes before her class started and just walked right in and said, “Here, I’ll take the baby.” I knew right then and there we would be friends. Once we got to know each other, we shared our dreams about opening a dance studio and decided we would enjoy the journey together. I remember actually shaking hands and saying it’s a deal.

I believe we have a healthy business relationship, which is crucial in order to be successful. Just like any other relationship, there are ups and downs, but it’s the communication and respect that we have for one another that keeps us going.

My husband has been an incredible strength. He is very supportive and can’t wait for the day we open our studio doors. We have three children who love to watch and take part, plus they get to see their friends when all the moms work out. I love the fact that I’m setting a good example of what living a healthy lifestyle means. Keeping fit helps me be a better mom.

I graduated from Washington State University in 1999 and thought I would head off into the advertising sunset. Once I had children, my focus quickly changed. Dance has always been a part of my life, since the age of 3. I am constantly expanding my knowledge of dance and fitness. I began coaching the Skyline High School dance team five years ago and haven’t been able to stop. I enjoy helping young people build confidence and feel great about their physicality and movement.

Terwillegar: We support each other, not only in our work, but also in our lives. It make us a strong team, and we compliment each other very well.

I have a degree in dance from Cornish College of the Arts, where I learned not only how to dance, but also kinesiology, movement analysis and conditioning. I also have a year of experience as a physical therapist aide, two years of experience as a personal trainer at Mieko’s Fitness, and four years of experience teaching dance, Yoga and Pilates. This work is my passion, and I strongly believe I’m doing what I’m meant to do.

Reporter: Do you have plans for expanding your business, either into other cities or by increasing your customer base?

Terwillegar: We would love to do both. We hope to expand more into Seattle and the Eastside. When the time is right, we hope to hire another employee. Eventually, we’ll transition our services to our studio, with possible outreach.

Halvorson: The sky is the limit! We love to teach and support anyone with a passion to move.

Reporter: Do you consider fitness more than just a business – more like a calling to help people improve their fitness and overall health?

Terwillegar: Absolutely! Fitness and getting people moving are the best perks to the job. It’s very gratifying to help people achieve their goals and make their lives more positive. We love helping people, and to make a living at it is wonderful.

Halvorson: It has been a way for me to reach out to people. I enjoy helping people feel better about the way they look and feel. It’s also a great way to meet new people, learn interesting things and have fun. Kelley and I strongly believe in expanding our education. We’re always trying new classes, attending local dance shows, traveling to conferences and keeping up with the “now.” If I’m going to work, I need to have the ability to move about and be social, and this job couldn’t be more perfect.