Nothing Can Stop Kenda Herber
"Pushing my limits, meeting goals, and discovering another level
I didn’t know I was capable of is most rewarding."
- Kendra Herber
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9lcViApFOu
Imagine facing a big challenge but choosing not to let it stop you. That’s what Kendra Herber did. Even though she was born with a disability, she decided to focus on what she could do, not what she couldn’t. Kendra grew up loving sports, and now, she’s a top athlete for Team USA, competing in para-triathlons. But her story is about more than just winning medals—it's about hard work, staying strong, and never giving up. In this Q&A, Kendra shares her amazing journey and how she inspires others to reach their goals, no matter what challenges they face. Get ready to be inspired by someone who shows that nothing can hold you back if you don’t let it.
What got you started in fitness?
I got started in fitness at an early age when I started playing soccer and tball. I played sports in high school, intramural sports in college, and continued my fitness into adulthood to stay healthy, fit, and mentally strong.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have been an amputee since the age of 2. I’ve always loved sports because they made me feel capable and more like my peers. I now compete for Team USA and made the alternate spot for the Paralympics in Paratriathlon. I have two daughters (age 10 and 7), and my husband and I have been married for 17 years. I’m a teacher, model, author, speaker, and book editor.
What motivates you to stay fit?
Meeting goals helps me to stay motivated. Being fit and healthy to be around when my kids are older helps me. The feeling of accomplishment, the pride, and just the general good feeling after I’m finished make me want to keep at it.
What do you find to be the most rewarding part of fitness?
Pushing my limits, meeting goals, and discovering another level I didn’t know I was capable of is most rewarding. It’s also being able to inspire others in my fitness journey. I was able to accomplish becoming a Paralympic alternate for the 2024 Paris Games, I was the National Champion, and I was ranked 10th in the world.
What is the biggest thing that fitness means to you?
Coming back from my injuries was hard, and I was proud of how I responded to adversity. My dad and sister both got to see me race once, and that was special.
Can you share one of your most memorable experiences in fitness?
One of the most memorable is breaking through the ribbon to get first place at the Paratriathlon World Cup. But I had a lot of victories.
What types of training do you typically do? (E.g. strength training, cardio, flexibility training, etc.)
I swim 4 times a week (15,200 yards a week). I run 5 times a week at about 20 miles each week. I bike 6 hours a week. I do strength training 3 times a week for about 30 minutes each time.
What advice would you give to a fitness newbie?
My advice would be to always take things day by day. Have small and large goals. If you have a set back, give yourself grace, and then get back after it. We’re WAY stronger than what we think.
PRODUCT USED BY KENDRA:
RitFit M1 2.0 Smith Machine Home Gym Package Comprehensive All-In-One Workout System
