What makes Kirchoff Fitness unique?

Chris and her staff at Kirchoff Fitness identify realistic goals incorporating real-life movements–many of which are a lot of fun–using your own environment to make fitness a part of your life. Gym membership not necessary! We also help you find a supportive community to keep you going.

Our goal to help clients do what they enjoy (and sometimes Chris has to help them discover this!). It’s amazing what is available in everyday life to help people get and stay active, and Chris helps her clients get and stay motivated.

And it is important to make behavioral changes–not just to fit into a dress for a wedding, though we can help with that, too–so that you can stay fit and confident over the long term.

About Chris: “The first step is motivation”

Chris Kirchoff grew up traveling all over the world. Her passion for fitness began as a child playing football (soccer) in Germany, when she discovered that playing sports was a great way to meet and interact with new friends. She also recognized at an early age “the transformative power of exercise” and knew it would always be a focus in her life.

Combining two loves: fitness and teaching

Chris attended the University of Washington and was an exchange student in Japan, where she was on the cycling team and rode 560 miles across Japan. After receiving her master’s degree in education, she went on to teach in Seattle area high schools. She was also busy adding sports to her fitness arsenal: the Honolulu Marathon, half marathons, sprint triathlons, century bike rides, climbing Mount Rainier, and the Washington State Women’s Soccer Division 1.

Over the years, more students, players and colleagues approached her regarding their health and fitness regimens. Chris began studying and steeping herself in health and fitness information. That’s when it hit her: “Wouldn’t it be awesome if I could make a living designing individual fitness programs?”

In 2000, Chris left the public schools to teach in a different realm: the world of fitness. Chris assisted in designing fitness programs worldwide for FreeMotion Fitness Inc. She presented and taught programs nationally, as well as in Asia and Europe. She is now an ACSM and NASM certified personal trainer and boot camp instructor, as well as a certified CrossFit Kettlebell and Reebok Cycle instructor, and a USSF National “C” licensed youth soccer coach.

Inspiring “the fever”–and her own passion

“A lot of fitness experts focus on technique,” Chris says of her unique approach. “That’s important, but I think that’s secondary. The first step is motivation. Technique means nothing without the mindset.” So Chris helps infuse a desire in people to want to get out there, start exercising and improve their quality of life. Whether clients set their sights on a first triathlon or 5K run, dancing, hiking or swimming, Chris says, “After they get that fever, then I work on their technique.”

Chris has become known for her inspirational style, deep knowledge of physiology and muscle ability, and a truly fun, upbeat personality that makes her clients look forward to their workouts. Chris easily connects with people of every background and fitness level, and that connection, and her own singular focus on her clients, have established her as one of the most respected fitness experts in Seattle.

“My passion is helping people,” Chris says. “If I can show my clients what I learned when I was younger, and how it changed my life, we both have been successful.”