Hi, I’m Karl Leard.

Your Health, Your Family, Your Future—Let’s Build It Together

At FitYou Studio, I don’t just train clients—I help busy parents like you overcome obstacles, build lifelong habits, and reclaim your health without giving up the foods you love. Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain strength, stay accountable, or improve overall health, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

I know life is demanding—work, family, and responsibilities don’t pause. That’s why my approach is designed for real dads with real schedules. With a mix of in-person and virtual training options, we’ll make fitness work for you, not the other way around.

Why Train With Me?

I bring over 10 years of experience as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), along with certifications in Muay Thai Fitness, Functional Fitness, kettlebells and Senior Group Fitness. I’ve helped 50+ clients transform their habits and see real, lasting results—now, I’m ready to help you do the same.

At FitYou Studio, relationships and results go hand in hand. I take the time to understand your unique needs and challenges, so we can create a plan that fits your lifestyle. My approach is holistic—because fitness isn’t just about exercise; it’s about building a strong body, a strong mindset, and a strong future.

More Than a Trainer—A Partner in Your Health

I’m a lifelong learner, always staying on top of the latest in fitness and health to bring my clients the best strategies. If you’re ready to take control of your health and feel stronger for yourself and your family, let’s talk.

Oh, and a little about me—I’m a Colorado native, now in Baltimore with my amazing wife, Jenn, our one-year-old daughter, Eloise, and our high-energy dog, Harvey. I get what it means to juggle family and fitness, and I’m here to help you make it happen.

Let’s build the strongest version of you—for yourself, for your family, for life.

Ready to start? Let’s connect.

My Story

From Struggle to Strength: My Journey to Beating the Odds

I grew up with a single mom who carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. Stress was a constant in our home, and emotional eating became her way to cope. Without knowing any better, I followed in her footsteps. I was overweight for as long as I can remember. In middle school, I was the “husky” kid. By high school, I was big. I played offensive line on the football team, but I didn’t know the first thing about nutrition or how to take care of my body.

After high school, without the structure of sports, my habits only got worse. I partied hard, drank too much, and ate fast food—sometimes three times a day. I didn’t think much about the consequences until one day, I felt sharp chest pains. That moment sent me to the doctor, where I got a wake-up call. My cholesterol was in the mid-200s—a dangerously high number for someone in their 20s. Worse, I was told if I didn’t change what I was doing i’m on my way to being type 2 diabetic.

Hearing that hit me hard. I knew what that meant. I had seen what diabetes had done to family members. I knew where I was headed if I didn’t make a change.

So I did.

I cleaned up my diet. I joined a gym and started training with a coach. It was hard, but I stayed committed. Over time, I lost 100 pounds. For the first time in my life, I saw abs—something I never thought possible. I felt strong, healthy, and unstoppable.

Then, disaster struck.

I herniated a disc in my back, and for three months, I was barely able to move. Fear took hold—I didn’t want to reinjure myself. Slowly, bad habits crept back in. I gained back more weight than I wanted, and before I knew it, I was back at square one.

But if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that setbacks don’t define you—how you respond does. So, I went back to work. I rebuilt my body, my habits, and my mindset. Through that process, I realized my true calling: helping others take control of their health just like I did. I became a personal trainer because I knew there were people out there—people like my mom, like me—who needed guidance and support to break the cycle.

Now, my mother has been diagnosed with prediabetes. But this time, she’s fighting back. She’s moving, eating better, and making the changes she never knew how to make before.

And now that I’m in my 40s, with a family of my own and my daughter just one year old, I understand more than ever what it means to fight for your health. It’s not just about me anymore. It’s about being there for her—being the dad she deserves. Every workout, every healthy choice, every sacrifice is an investment in the future I want with her. I refuse to let my health take me away from the moments that matter.

Maybe this story sounds familiar to you. Maybe you’re a little older now, with a family of your own, facing the reality of prediabetes and wondering if you can turn things around before it’s too late. The answer is yes. You can beat this. You can be the parent you want to be—the one with energy to play with your kids, to feel strong, to sleep well, and to live without the fear of diabetes controlling your future.

I’ve been where you are. And I can help you get where you want to be.

Let’s get to work!