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Hidden Gems: Meet Laione Perkins of Never To Late Fitness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laione Perkins.

laione , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Laione Perkins, and I’m the founder of Never To Late Fitness. My passion for fitness started when I was younger through karate, and over time I discovered weightlifting and group fitness. Those experiences showed me that exercise is about much more than changing how you look. It’s about building confidence, discipline, and taking care of your body.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and have worked in several areas of health and fitness, including as a home health aide, personal trainer, and volunteer fitness instructor. Those experiences taught me how to work with people of different ages, abilities, and goals while meeting them where they are.
Today, I specialize in helping women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum, through personal training and doula support. I created Never To Late Fitness because I wanted to build a space where people feel encouraged rather than judged. My goal is to help others realize that no matter their age, experience, or starting point, it’s never too late to become stronger and healthier.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been building my business while continuing to learn and grow professionally. As a personal trainer, you can have all the knowledge in the world, but finding clients, earning their trust, and staying consistent takes time and patience.
Another challenge has been balancing multiple roles. I’ve worked in healthcare, personal training, and now as a doula, while continuing to develop Never To Late Fitness. There were moments when progress felt slow, but I reminded myself that consistency is more important than perfection.
I’ve also learned that not everyone is ready to invest in their health, and that’s okay. My job is to educate, encourage, and be there for the people who are ready to make a change. Every challenge has made me a better coach because I understand what it feels like to work through obstacles instead of giving up.
I also have dyslexia, so there have been times when I had to work harder than others in school and business. It taught me resilience, problem-solving, and that asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s one of the reasons I’m passionate about meeting people where they are instead of expecting perfection.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Never To Late Fitness ?
Never To Late Fitness was created to help people realize that it’s never too late to invest in their health. My mission is to educate, support, and empower people to build confidence and strength in both their minds and bodies through safe, effective, evidence-based fitness.
I specialize in personal training with a focus on prenatal and postpartum fitness while also providing doula support. By combining my background in Exercise Science with hands-on coaching and birth support, I’m able to help women prepare for pregnancy, labor, recovery, and long-term wellness. I also work with clients of different fitness levels who want to become stronger, improve mobility, reduce pain, and build healthier lifestyles.
What sets Never To Late Fitness apart is my personalized approach. I don’t believe fitness should be intimidating or based on unrealistic expectations. Every program is tailored to the individual because every body, every goal, and every journey is different. I focus on education so my clients understand why they’re doing each exercise, giving them the confidence to continue their fitness journey long after our sessions.
What I’m most proud of is creating a space where people feel supported instead of judged. Watching clients become stronger physically while also growing in confidence is the greatest reward. I want people to know that fitness isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up consistently, believing in yourself, and remembering that it’s truly never too late to become the healthiest version of yourself.

One message I share often is that 20% effort is better than 0%. Many people believe they need to be perfect to start a fitness journey, but real progress comes from consistently taking small steps. That’s the mindset I want every client to leave with.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe mentors don’t always come in the form of one person. Throughout my career, I’ve learned from professors, experienced trainers, healthcare professionals, doulas, and even my clients. Every person has a different perspective that can teach you something valuable.
When it comes to networking, I’ve found that building genuine relationships works better than trying to collect business cards or followers. I focus on showing up consistently, volunteering when I can, collaborating with other professionals, and being willing to ask questions. People are much more likely to support you when they see you’re passionate, reliable, and willing to learn.
My advice is to never be afraid to reach out to someone you admire. The worst they can say is no, but many successful people are happy to share their experiences with someone who is respectful and genuinely interested in learning. At the same time, remember that mentorship is a two-way relationship. Be open to feedback, apply what you learn, and look for ways to give back to others as you grow.

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