Katey Besser is a NASM certified personal trainer, professional dancer, and founder of BackStage Fitness. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she earned a BS in Kinesiology and a BFA in Dance from the University of Michigan. With over 18 years of experience in the performing arts and fitness industry, Katey blends movement artistry with evidence-based training to help clients build strength, resilience, and confidence.

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Since founding BackStage Fitness, her mission has been to educate and inspire clients to achieve their goals with a personalized approach that aligns with their lifestyle, needs, and abilities. Wherever you are in your fitness journey a well structured workout program applies principles of exercise science to ensure consistency, efficiency, and measurable progress. Her approach to fitness focuses on three key pillars: strength training to build muscle and enhance bone density, cardiovascular conditioning for heart health, and mobility to maintain joint longevity. 

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Inspired by how cross training improved her strength, power, endurance, and mobility, Katey created BackStage Fitness to help people move better. Growing up in a rigorous dance environment, she sought ways to strengthen her body beyond dance, discovering strength training as a tool that transformed both her personal and professional life. 

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Since earning her personal trainer certification in 2020, Katey has coached hundreds of clients in both group and one-on-one settings. Her experience includes leading group classes strength, mat pilates, sculpt, aerobics, and dance across organizations including Equinox, Crunch Fitness, Bunda, MVMNT Fitness, physical therapist aide at Performing Arts Physical Therapy, and training clients at various locations. She was awarded an EXCEL Enterprise Fund from the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre, and Dance to create a training resource for fellow students.​

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Katey trained extensively in ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and modern dance and performed works by renowned choreographers including Jackie Sleight, Dana Wilson, Nicholas Palmquist, Will Thomas, Kitty McNamee, Michelle Elkin, Sidra Bell, Shannon Gillen, and Charli Brissey. She has performed with companies including Los Angeles Jazz Company, MUSE/IQUE, Maura Townsend Dance Project, and MashUp's Open Mic Night. She has also worked in films including Chasers, SEGO music video, and participating in the IAF Mentorship program. She continues to train, choreograph, and teach across coasts in New York and Los Angeles. 

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Katey brings a distinctive coaching style shaped by her dance training, background in health sciences, and knowledge of athletic training principles. Her drive stems from movement, which she sees as a tool to foster community, enhance overall health, and elevate quality of life.

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