Cathy Kerns, Owner of HIIT Lab
Some people dream of change. Others build it—brick by brick, rep by rep, from the ground up.
Thorntail Icons: Women Who Inspire celebrates women who don’t just wait for doors to open. They forge their own paths. When it comes to shaking up the fitness industry, Cathy Kerns, owner of HIIT Lab in Seattle, isn’t just part of the movement—she’s leading it.
Built Different– Cathy didn’t just open a gym—she created one from scratch because nothing out there fit her vision. “Gyms can be intimidating and exclusive—we hate that,” she says. So, in 2016, she took the leap, leaving behind the safety of corporate America to build HIIT Lab, a space that prioritizes inclusivity, community, and an unapologetically intense sweat session.
Day one? One lone person walked through the doors. Now? HIIT Lab is a Seattle institution with two thriving locations, built not on big-budget ads but on referrals, trust, and a fiercely loyal community that shows up—for their workouts and for each other.
Built to Push Through– Cathy’s story is one of grit. As the daughter of first-generation Korean immigrants, resilience and problem-solving were second nature. She didn’t have a roadmap—just an unshakable belief that she could figure it out. Finding a space was an uphill battle. She heard “no” more times than she could count, but she refused to back down. Then, finally, a landlord took a chance. It was a massive investment, but Cathy bet on herself. And she won.
Pivot Hard or Go Home– Then came the ultimate test: COVID-19. Gyms everywhere shut their doors for good. Cathy refused to let HIIT Lab be one of them. She pivoted fast—taking workouts to Zoom, lending out equipment, setting up an outdoor workout space, and even adding Tiger King-themed classes for a much-needed laugh.
For Cathy, fitness isn’t just about breaking a sweat—it’s about connection. Her community felt the same. Members kept their memberships, even when they couldn’t step foot inside. They believed in HIIT Lab because HIIT Lab had always believed in them. That unwavering support didn’t just keep the business afloat—it made it stronger.
The Strength of Women in Business– As a female entrepreneur and a mom of three, Cathy knows women bring something powerful to leadership. “Less ego, more collaboration. Everyone bands together instead of competing.”
HIIT Lab proves it– The gym is run by an all-women staff and thrives on a culture of support and empowerment. Cathy’s advice to aspiring business owners? Know your strengths, and don’t be afraid to outsource the rest. “I had no marketing plan—huge mistake. If I did it again, I’d hire for the things I don’t love doing.”
More Than a Gym, a Movement– HIIT Lab isn’t just about burpees and deadlifts—it’s about impact. The gym gives back, supporting organizations like West Seattle & White Center Food Banks, NAACP, Safe Futures, and Operation Nightwatch. “When you’re part of our community, you’re part of something bigger,” Cathy says.
And if you think a gym can’t be spotless? Think again. “It’s so clean I almost lost a finger,” Cathy jokes. (True story—one that involves a treadmill motor and a cleaning rag, an ambulance ride and a lot of blood. We will spare the details!)
The Legacy? Strength. -Cathy’s biggest lesson? Community and trust are everything. “Your greatest asset isn’t your equipment or space—it’s your people. You’re prioritizing their health, time, and money. That’s a responsibility you don’t take lightly.”
HIIT Lab is more than a gym. It’s a place where people rediscover their power. And that’s what Thorntail Icons is all about—celebrating women who don’t just exist in a space. They transform it.
To learn more about Hiitlab visit their website: Hiitlab.com
