This Financial Specialist’s Life Revolves Around Barre, Spinning, and Her Super Cute Pup

Kailin Vollmuth, a financial specialist and a spin and barre instructor, balances working two very different jobs with being a full-time dog mom. / Photograph by Corrine Hunsicker

Welcome to Sweat Diaries, Be Well Philly’s look at the time, energy, and money people invest in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle in Philly. For each Sweat Diary, we ask one Philadelphian to spend a week tracking everything they eat, all the exercise they get, and the money they spend on both. Want to submit a Sweat Diary? Email lbrzyski@phillymag.com.

Who I am: Kailin Vollmuth (@kailin_jenna), 26

Where I live: Royersford

What I do: I am a statement specialist at SEI Investments and a barre and spin instructor at StRIDE Spin and Fitness Studio in Phoenixville.

What role healthy living plays in my life: Ever since I was little, I have always been active or into sports. When I was young, I danced, but stopped when I got to high school because I was required to play a different sport each season. I tried so many sports, and that’s when I really developed my love of being active and staying healthy. I started to realize that if I wanted to get stronger or faster, I needed to put in some work.

I found a new love when I took my first spin class. I remember everything about that class: the music, the moves, the energy in the room, and the way in which the instructor motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and push through all the doubts I had. Soon enough, I discovered barre, too, and loved the toning aspect of it.

After taking spinning and barre classes for a couple years, I decided I wanted to take it one step further. I got certified to teach, auditioned for StRIDE last June, and here I am now! I am so thankful to have found something I love to do, share what I have learned with others, and help clients reach some of their goals.

Health memberships (and what they cost): Prime Intensity Training — $275 per month for six personal training sessions and six classes.

Monday

Vollmuth is a proud dog mom to her 10-month-old Dachshund/Sheppard mix named Mia. / Photograph by Kailin Vollmuth

4:30 a.m. — Alarm goes off. This is the earliest I wake up during the week since it’s the only day I teach in the morning. I teach every Monday at 5:45 a.m. and a total of four classes per week (usually). I get up and take my dog Mia for a walk. She is the cutest dog EVER. She’s a 10-month-old Dachshund/Sheppard mix who I rescued in March.

4:45 a.m. — Finishing the playlist for my first barre class of the week as I get ready for work. I am just about done my playlist and have one song left. If you’ve taken my class, you always know that the last song is the “plank song.” I love picking that song right before class to keep me energized and excited!

5 a.m. — I make a peanut butter sandwich on gluten-free bread and some coffee. I try to eat gluten-free when I can, but it’s not easy, especially when dining out or at parties. Removing gluten when I can has helped my energy level and digestion a lot. For my coffee, I have the Nesspresso Coffee Machine — GAME CHANGER. I brew one decaf espresso and one regular espresso and add in oat milk and one Stevia. Highly recommend. Coffee is a must on my early-morning class days.

5:10 a.m. — I am off to the studio and continue listening to my playlist on the way to mentally prep for class before it’s go time.

5:45 a.m. — Time to teach!

6:30 a.m. — Class was stellar. I love the Monday morning group! On my way home to shower and change for work at SEI, I sip on the smoothie I ordered from Bryn and Dane’s ($11). You can order Bryn and Dane’s before class at StRIDE and it will be delivered when your class is over. It makes me feel like royalty.

7:15 a.m. — I head out the door for work, grab a banana, a Clif bar, and my Hydro Flask filled with ice water. I never leave the house without it.

9 a.m. — I’ve been at SEI for a bit now, but it’s time to eat that banana and Cliff bar before my morning meetings start.

11:30 a.m. — After a busy morning, I head back to my apartment to let Mia out. It’s really great living close enough to work to do that. On the days I don’t have lunchtime meetings, I try to save some money and not get a dog walker when I can. I make a salad while I’m there: rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and cheddar cheese over spinach and romaine lettuce and dressed with balsamic and olive oil. Delish. I grab some almonds and gluten-free pretzels before heading back out the door.

1 p.m. — Snack on some GF pretzels and refill my Hydro Flask before my afternoon meeting.

4 p.m. — I leave work and head right to the studio. A bunch of my friends decided to celebrate one of our friend’s birthdays by taking a spin class because that’s how we do it.

5 p.m. — Spin class starts!

6:15 p.m. — WHAT A CLASS!! So much fun, lots of energy. I head home to shower and feed Mia. Normally, I don’t do anything on Monday night since I teach super early in the morning, but we’re continuing the birthday celebrations. I reheat some Thai food leftovers from the weekend before heading out.

8 p.m. — I arrive at Bistro on Bridge for some drinks ($36) with friends! It’s a great time socializing and catching up.

10 p.m. — Whew, what a long day. I let Mia out one more time and then hit the lights.

Daily total: $47

Tuesday

Vollmuth leads a heart-pounding, muscle-quivering barre class at stRIDE Spin and Fitness Studio. / Photograph by Corrine Hunsicker

5:30 a.m. — Good morning! This is the time I normally wake up during the week. Mia has gotten used to this time and starts to snuggle up on my shoulder when the alarm goes off. This morning, she is extra snuggly, which is not only cute but also makes getting out of bed difficult.

5:45 a.m. — Mia has been fed and let out, so it’s time to get ready for work. I start to make my playlist for tonight’s classes. I normally hit shuffle and if I like what I hear, I’ll throw it into a playlist.

6:20 a.m. — Breakfast this morning is avocado toast on GF bread seasoned with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and drizzled with olive oil. Coffee this morning features frothed whole milk and a splash of pumpkin spice creamer for some sweetness (and pumpkin spice seasoning sprinkled on top). ‘Tis the season!

6:35 a.m. — Head out the door with a banana and Hydro Flask in hand.

7:30 a.m. — I’m at work SUPER early, but that’s because I need to prep some things for all my meetings this morning. I’ll be going from one to another to another until about noon today.

12 p.m. — Meetings are over for the morning! Time to grab lunch in the cafeteria since I’m already in that building. I decide on a tuna salad sandwich with bacon on GF bread and a side of house chips and a pickle ($6.25).

2:30 p.m. — Snack on some almonds I have at my desk and refill my water bottle. I always have my headphones on when I’m working at my desk, either listening to a podcast or music. For podcasts, I’ve recently been loving “Off the Vine” with Katylin Bristowe, “Too Tired to be Crazy” by Violet Benson, and “Call Her Daddy” by Sofia Franklin and Alexandra Cooper.

3:45 p.m. — Because I came into work early, I get to leave early! So I head home, take Mia on a little walk around the neighborhood, change for class, and finish playlists. I normally only teach barre at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, but I am subbing for someone tonight, so I’ll be teaching our spin and booty class right after my 6 o’clock.

5:15 p.m. — I’m feeling a little tired and need a pick-me-up, so I stop at Dunkin’ Donuts on my way to the studio and get an iced latte with whole milk and Stevia and a chocolate-frosted doughnut. ($4.25)

6 p.m. — Barre class starts.

6:45 p.m. — Great class, lots of muscle shakes! I refill my Hydro Flask, change into my spin shoes, and eat my doughnut. It might sound unexpected, but I love eating a doughnut right before a spin class. My pre-work out doughnut is kind of a known thing at StRIDE. Not sure if that is a good or a bad thing, but it works for me!

7 p.m. — Spin and booty class starts, with 45 minutes of cycling and 15 minutes of glute-focused exercises.

8:45 p.m. — Welp, I kicked my own butt and am finally home. I shower first, then take Mia out and feed her. I make a quick dinner for myself: chickpea pasta noodles and tomato basil sauce with a side of oven-roasted broccoli. Super easy because I am a horrible cook.

10:30 p.m. — Bedtime!

Daily total: $10.50

Wednesday

One of Vollmuth’s favorite meals for the week is this Mediterranean bowl with lamb, falafel, and a bunch of veggies. / Photograph by Kailin Vollmuth

5:30 a.m. — Wake up! Ugh! I feel like I only slept a couple of hours. Mia is ready to go out, her sweet face staring at me like, ”Mommy, let’s goooooo.”

5:45 a.m. — I shower and get ready for work. I don’t have to teach today, but I still listen to music and throw some songs in the master playlist.

6:30 a.m. — I’m kind of indecisive over breakfast this morning, but I end up making some avocado toast with everything bagel seasoning from Trader Joe’s (if you have never tried this seasoning, please buy it NOW). I also make a latte with two shots of regular espresso (no decaf today!) and frothed milk. Fill my water bottle with ice and am out the door by 6:45 a.m.

7:30 a.m. — Arrive at work, get myself situated and prepped for another jam-packed morning.

12 p.m. — Lunchtime! I was on back-to-back calls since 9 a.m., so it feels great to take a break. Today at work, there is a pop-up Mediterranean food option, so I order a bowl with lamb and falafel over a bed of lettuce and rice with cucumber salsa, tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted red pepper hummus, and tahini sauce ($11). It’s seriously mouthwatering.

1:45 p.m. — Afternoon is pretty full with meetings, so I head down to the coffee place on campus and grab a small latte to keep me going ($3.45).

4:15 p.m. — My last meeting ran a little long, but I’m heading home to see my Mia! I take her out for a loop around the community. It is such a beautiful day to be outside.

5 p.m. — Since I don’t teach tonight, I decide to treat myself and get a pedicure. I am a big believer in treating and pampering yourself when it’s possible. I go for a dark red polish to ring in autumn ($30).

6:15 p.m. — I’m home and take Mia out for another walk as I let my toes dry some more.

7 p.m. — I decide to heat up a frozen pizza because I am lazy and don’t feel like cooking anything. Wegmans has the best gluten-free pizzas! I also pour myself a glass of pinot grigio and FaceTime my best friend, Mary, as I wait for my pizza to finish cooking.

8:30 p.m. — Pour another glass of wine and turn on some Netflix to relax.

10 p.m. — Lights out! Goodnight!

Daily total: $41.45

Thursday

Avocado toast with everything bagel seasoning makes for a strong start for Vollmuth. / Photograph by Kailin Vollmuth

5:30 a.m. — Morning! Feeling good this morning, aided by some snuggles with Mia before taking her out for her morning walk.

6:15 a.m. — I am working out later with my trainer, so I want to start my day off on a good foot. I make some avocado toast sprinkled with Trader Joe’s everything bagel seasoning. Yum!! I also have a banana with some peanut butter and a cup of regular coffee with oat milk and Stevia.

6:45 a.m. — I forgot I have apples in the fridge, so I pack one to go, plus a little container of peanut butter. I fill up my water bottle, put Mia in her crate, and walk out the door.

11:45 a.m. — I have been bouncing from call to call since 9:30 a.m. I hate when all my meetings are calls because I am stuck sitting at my desk. My next meeting is at 12:30 p.m., so I decide to order lunch online from Zoe’s Kitchen. I love their Greek Caesar salad with chicken and avocado ($10.59).

2 p.m. — I start to feel a little hungry, so I crack open the bag of almonds and snack on some at my desk while I get some work done. No afternoon meetings today, so I use this time to catch up on emails and work on some of my projects.

4 p.m. — Time to shut down for the day. I change in the bathroom in preparation for my training session.

4:20 p.m. — My car’s gas light came on during lunch, so I know I have to stop at Wawa and fuel up ($31). I grab a dark chocolate almond Kind bar while I’m there to carry me through traffic ($2).

5 p.m. — Arrive at PIT in Conshohocken. This is only the fifth time I’m meeting with my trainer, John Brasher. I see him for 60 minutes once a week. I started personal training because, as much as I love teaching, I wanted to be personally challenged and taken out of my comfort zone. John is great! I always leave feeling super sore the next day.

7 p.m. — FINALLY home. I absolutely hate driving on 76 — traffic builds up for no reason! I take Mia out for a little walk and think about what I want for dinner. So indecisive again! I land on pasta with sauce and drink lots and lots of water.

8:30 p.m. — Finally showered, and I become a couch potato for the night with Mia and the Eagles. While the game is on, I start to make my playlist for tomorrow night’s class.

11 p.m. — I dozed off at some point! But I wake up, take Mia out one more time, and we hop into bed for the night.

Daily total: $43.59

Friday

Vollmuth ends her week by teaching a happy hour barre class (complete with complimentary bubbles after!). / Photograph by Corrine Hunsicker

5:30 a.m. — Gooooooood Morning! TGIF! Usual morning routine: Take Mia out for our morning walk and get ready for work. Friday is casual, so I throw on some jeans today.

6:30 a.m. — Make avocado toast with Trader Joe’s everything bagel seasoning (YUMMM), using the last of my avocados before they go bad. I pour some Starbucks Cold Brew in my Yeti tumbler and top it off with some oak milk. As usual: I grab a banana before heading out the door.

10 a.m. — I start to get a little hungry after another morning full of calls, meetings, and prepping, so I snack on some almonds.

12:30 p.m. — I’m STARVING! I run down to the cafeteria with a co-worker and am in a hurry since I have a 1:30 p.m. meeting. I order a tuna salad sandwich with bacon on GF bread with house chips and a pickle ($6.25).

3 p.m. — I get out of work early today, so LET THE WEEKEND BEGIN!!! I’m going to get some cleaning done and build a new coffee table and end tables I just ordered. I feel like that’s how I know I’m getting old: taking off work to clean and getting excited for furniture, amiright?

5:30 p.m. — Time to head to the studio for my 6 o’clock happy hour class.

6:45 p.m. — Class ends. Every Friday, we have bubbles after class for clients to enjoy. I grab a small glass and chat with some riders before they leave.

7:30 p.m. — I am reallllllllllllly in the mood for some Mexican food, so I call and order pick-up from El Limon, a cute local restaurant right down the street from my apartment. I order two barbacoa tacos and chips and guac ($7).

8:30 p.m. — Hop in the shower to rinse off from class, then take Mia out for a little walk. I pour a glass of wine, throw on some Grey’s Anatomy, and grab my iPad to make my Saturday morning playlist. I have a date tomorrow night (!), so I throw on a face mask to help with my skin. I use a Boscia black charcoal mask, which pulls out all the toxins from my pores. Looks really creepy on, but it definitely works for me.

10 p.m. — I start to get sleepy, so I refill my Hydro Flask and head to bed.

Daily total: $13.25

Weekly totals

Money spent: $155.79
Classes taught: 4
Classes taken: 2
Snuggles with Mia: Never enough