So… What’s With the Pink Llama

People often ask me why the gym is called Pink Llama Fitness. And honestly — that’s the whole point.

It’s a conversation starter.

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In my 15+ years of coaching, I’ve learned that most people’s fitness goals sound pretty similar: “I want to lose weight,” “I want to get stronger,” “I want to be healthier.”

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These are good goals. But here’s the hard truth — they’re rarely enough to keep you going when things get tough.

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When you’re tired, stressed, sore, or life just isn’t cooperating, surface-level goals won’t always get you to show up.

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That’s why I always ask: “Why do you want that goal?”

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Typically I get blank stares or I get, “Good question, I’ll have to think about that.” And that’s where the real work begins — finding the deeper reason.

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When your reason for getting stronger is “so I can play on the floor with my kids without pain,” or “so I can pick up my grandkids without fear,” you’ll push through on the hard days. That’s the power of finding your why.

My Why

For years, my own training was about chasing “more” — more weight, more reps, more intensity. Always chasing better for the sake of better.

Then my daughter came along. She had a rough road to make it here, showed up earlier than expected, and her first bedroom was a shared room in the NICU (though she did eventually upgrade to her own suite for the rest of her 31-day stay).

Those weeks reshaped my definition of strength.

A workout that left my arms shaking used to make me feel accomplished. But in that moment, steady hands to cradle her 2.5-pound body mattered more than any PR.

In the NICU, we celebrated weight gain — because it meant survival. We counted calories not to restrict, but to make sure she was getting enough. We cheered when she could finally drink enough milk to ditch the feeding tube.

Fast forward to today: I’m chasing around a high-energy toddler. My kettlebell swings aren’t just a workout — they’re why I can lift her high into the air for the 20th giggling “Again, Daddy!” My lunges have paid off in the countless times I’ve risen from the floor holding a sleeping child without waking her. And bicep curls? Let’s just say car seat straps demand more strength than most people think.

My why is being the dad who plays, runs, climbs, and says “yes” to the adventures. She’s the reason I train — so I can show her what’s possible, not just tell her.

So… Why a Pink Llama?

It started in the NICU with a thoughtful gift: Llama Llama Red Pajama. I read it to her almost daily. Over time, llamas became “our” thing.

Later, on a trip to Puerto Vallarta, we spent days hunting for the perfect stuffed llama. We finally found it — a bright pink one. It became a mascot of sorts, representing our bond.

And the pink? I’m a girl dad, and she loves it. The first time she wanted to dress like me, I realized that a black hoodie and black hat made her look more like a little undercover agent than my sweet little girl. So I quickly had matching hoodies made with a pink llama instead — and the rest is history.

Pink Llama Fitness is more than a name. It’s a reminder:

• To connect your goals to something deeper.
• To train in a way that supports the life you want to live right now.
• To move with meaning.

My hope is that our name sparks more than curiosity — I hope it sparks reflection. And maybe, it helps you find your why.

– Aaron

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