121. Anna Kaiser, Founder of AKT

121. Anna Kaiser, Founder of AKT

"I've always been about working hard and going after things that you are excited about and passionate about and working your ass off. That's the only way to make it happen. No one else is going to make it happen for you." —Anna Kaiser

You may know Anna Kaiser as the creator, founder, and CEO of the dance cardio brand AKT. Maybe you've taken — and barely survived — her class, either in person or with AKT On Demand. Or maybe you recognize her from her professional dance days, performing on the Fame tour and dancing in the best movie ever, Enchanted. Or, let's be honest, maybe you know her as Kelly Ripa's workout BFF, or as the woman credited for keeping Shakira in shape.

On this episode, Anna talks about going from a wannabe opera singer in Zurich to an entrepreneur on the brink of opening 300 studios nationwide. She shares the mistakes, missteps, and challenges she's faced along the way, talks about why she wanted to improve upon the boutique fitness industry, and opens up about how becoming a mom two years ago changed her at home, in the studio, and beyond.

Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your wireless headphone endurance bundle!

What you'll get on this episode:

  • What were Young Anna's dreams for the future? (3:00)
  • Anna reflects on her college experience and explains why it wasn't everything she'd hoped it would be (8:15)
  • Why Anna decided to move on from the dance world (12:00)
  • How AKT was born, and how Anna stood out in the boutique fitness industry (15:00)
  • How Anna became fitness BFFs with Kelly Ripa (21:00)
  • How Anna has cultivated an empowering community (22:50)
  • Why Anna decided to franchise (25:45)
  • How Anna become business savvy, and the bad business decisions she's made along the way (31:25)
  • Anna's take on the state of the fitness industry, now and in the future (34:30)
  • Anna opens up about motherhood, including returning to work post-birth, having help, and "balance" (39:45)
  • Does Anna have any insecurities? Plus, what she says she's proudest of (46:30)

What we mention on this episode:

EDGE Performing Arts Center

AKT On Demand

Xponential Fitness

The Milling Room

Follow Anna:

Follow Ali:

Listen & Subscribe:

SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

Avsnitt(874)

839. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, 3-Time World Championship Gold Medalist

839. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, 3-Time World Championship Gold Medalist

"I do want to be the greatest to ever do it in our sport. And I mean that wholeheartedly. I genuinely feel like it's something that I can do, and something I've been called to do. In due time it is go...

8 Okt 20251h 11min

838. Meghan Howard, On Running the Berlin Marathon with Harry Styles

838. Meghan Howard, On Running the Berlin Marathon with Harry Styles

"I will forever tell this story until the day that I die!" Meghan Howard is an 11-time marathoner and educator who lives outside Toronto. She started running in 2019 and had a speedy — literally — ris...

3 Okt 20251h 16min

837. Georgia Hunter Bell, Olympic Bronze Medalist & World Championship Silver Medalist

837. Georgia Hunter Bell, Olympic Bronze Medalist & World Championship Silver Medalist

"This is just the time to be brave and see what happens." Georgia Hunter Bell just won a silver medal for Team Great Britain in the 800m at World Championships in Tokyo. Last year, she won bronze in t...

1 Okt 20251h 9min

836. Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Chicago Marathon

836. Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Chicago Marathon

"Remember the entire journey, because it's very special." It's almost time for the 47th running of the Chicago Marathon! The 2025 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 12...

25 Sep 20251h 18min

835. The Support Squad Series: Round 5 with Cousin Jackie

835. The Support Squad Series: Round 5 with Cousin Jackie

"I haven't spent a lot of time breaking down and crying. Every time I've started to have a breakdown, I look at myself in the mirror and say, 'Stop, go about your day.' I know at some point I need to ...

16 Sep 20251h 24min

834. Josette Andrews, 5000m Runner for Team USA at the 2025 Outdoor World Championships

834. Josette Andrews, 5000m Runner for Team USA at the 2025 Outdoor World Championships

"Every starting line is a chance for a breakthrough." Josette Andrews is heading to Tokyo! This summer, the On-sponsored athlete went into the 5000m race at U.S. Outdoor National Championships as the ...

11 Sep 20251h 4min

833. Catching Up with Heather MacLean, New Balance Professional Athlete

833. Catching Up with Heather MacLean, New Balance Professional Athlete

"I'm entering a new era where I'm prioritizing myself and my happiness, and also looking for more ways to do what the goal is at the end of the day, which is to make myself the best athlete I can be i...

9 Sep 202558min

832. Olivia Enright, Creator of the "12 Olivias" Hood to Coast Team

832. Olivia Enright, Creator of the "12 Olivias" Hood to Coast Team

"I am shocked at the amount of Olivias that responded to a random message on Instagram." Olivia Enright is so fun. She's a sports marketing manager of global running for adidas, she ran at NC State (...

4 Sep 20251h 9min

Populärt inom Hälsa

somna-med-henrik
rss-bara-en-till-om-missbruk-medberoende-2
rss-jossan-nina
inga-beiga-morsor
alska-oss
rss-vuxna-pa-latsas
brottarbroder
not-fanny-anymore
sexnoveller-deluxe
angestpodden
johannes-hansen-podcast
rss-viktmedicinpodden
sa-in-i-sjalen
sova-med-dan-horning
vinterpasset
rss-the-house-podcast-3
rss-sjalsligt-avkladd
tyngre-radio
rss-basta-livet
sex-pa-riktigt-med-marika-smith