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Forget everything you think you know about fitness models because KIM DOLAN LETO shatters all myths. Sure, Kim is beautiful and has the body that we all dream about, and she has graced the covers of countless fitness magazines like Oxygen, Physical, Le Monde De Muscle, Natural Muscle and Fitness Rx for Women, but Kim is also a successful entrepreneur, a new mom, and one of the kindest people I know.

Growing up in Tucson, Kim was not athletic as a child. In fact, the 2010 Ms. Fitness USA runner -up did not begin taking gymnastics classes until just two months before her 32nd birthday. For Kim, competitions allowed her to set goals to strive to be the best that she could be both physically and mentally.

At 41, Kim proves that it is never too late to get healthy and push yourself outside of your comfort zone to achieve your fitness goals. In fact, after having succesfully dropped 4 dress sizes after the birth of her daughter, Kim appeared on the cover of Oxygen magazine’s Fat Loss issue this past Winter and has now joined Twitter, so that she can offer fitness and training advice to other busy moms. As Kim has often said, “weight can torture and dictate our feelings and self-esteem,” so “fitness has never been a pursuit of vanity, but one of mental health.”

Kim, how do you define your personal style?
Classic and tailored.

Who are your style icons?
Raquel Welch and Sophia Loren.

Who are your favorite fashion designers?
Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

What is something that you wish you could wear, but can’t ?
Flat shoes.

You are a very successful entrepreneur, but when did you realize that you wanted a career in fitness too?
At 31 years old.

You’ve said that one of your biggest pet peeves is our nation’s obsession with weight, why?
We all come in different shapes and sizes. I don’t believe in conforming to what someone else thinks is beautiful.

I would be remiss in not asking this question, so here goes, what are three simple steps a person can take to improve their health and fitness level?
Get up off the couch and do what YOU’VE always had a secret passion to do. Whether it’s running a marathon or taking a dance class, get busy doing what YOU love.

You are always so gracious, where does that come from?
God.

Name one place you would like to see before you die.
Where my husband was born in Italy.

One word…
Amen!

Kim, what is your advice to young women?
Don’t let anyone determine how you feel about yourself, and you are so much more than what you look like.

What is one thing you wish you had known at 25?
Sometimes you have to do things…afraid, but do it anyway!

The secret to your success is…
Persistence and humility.

Asked to write your memoirs, what would the title be?
Forever A Student Of Life!

Interviewed May 2010 by Yolanda, editor Zavvi Rodaine
© Zavvi Rodaine.com 2010. No part of this interview may be used or reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the Editor of Zavvi Rodaine.com.
Photos: Kim’s Personal Collection and Oxygen magazine