Fitness mogul Kayla Itsines has recently opened up about a period of intense emotional struggle and grief, revealing the profound personal challenges she has faced despite her public success. Itsines candidly shared her experiences in a heartfelt interview, detailing how she navigated loss, the complexities of motherhood, and the emotional toll of past relationships.
Navigating Loss and Grief
In a candid episode of the “No Filter” podcast, Itsines spoke with guest host Kate Langbroek about the significant impact of loss on her life, demonstrating that fame and wealth do not exempt individuals from emotional difficulties. She admitted to often internalizing her struggles but acknowledged that the journey through grief can be overwhelming. Itsines shared that despite her composed public appearance, she has been wrestling with her emotions internally and longing for improvement in her situation.
The discussion also touched upon the emotional toll that relationships can take and the importance of allowing oneself to be vulnerable. Her honesty underscores the universal nature of grief, affecting anyone regardless of their status.
Post-Pregnancy Challenges and Body Image
Itsines has previously spoken about the pressures and realities of post-pregnancy, particularly after the birth of her first daughter, Arna, in 2019. She described feeling “completely lost” when it came to moving her body and planning her routine, a sentiment she believes resonates with many women who feel intimidated or overwhelmed at the start of a workout. She recounted an emotional experience during her first post-pregnancy gym session where she “started crying” because it felt so difficult and like an “out-of-body experience.” She emphasized that bodies need time to heal and recover after childbirth, pushing back against the societal pressure for women to “bounce back” quickly.
Itsines also addressed media speculation about her body, specifically a false rumor of pregnancy which she directly confronted. She highlighted the intense pressure placed on women’s post-pregnancy bodies.
Reflecting on Past Relationships and Business Partnership
Itsines has also been vocal about the difficulties in her past relationship and business partnership with ex-fiancé Tobi Pearce, with whom she co-founded the immensely successful SWEAT app. The couple, who were once on the Australian Financial Review’s Young Rich List, ended their engagement in 2020 after an eight-year relationship.
In various interviews, Itsines described her relationship with Pearce as consistently “hard” and “a battle.” She characterized them as “polar opposites,” with Pearce being “money driven” and “business-minded,” while she was more “family-oriented” and a “fixer” who wanted to ensure others felt “warm and comfortable and loved.” She admitted to feeling that she had “no idea how all that happened” when looking back at their years together. Itsines explained that she reached a point where she woke up one day and realized the relationship “isn’t working. This isn’t for me.” Despite their personal separation, they remain co-parents to their daughter, Arna, and have even reacquired their business together.
Finding New Happiness
Following her split from Pearce, Itsines found love with Jae Woodroffe, whom she married in December 2023. The couple welcomed their son, Jax, in January 2023. Their relationship developed from a close friendship, with Itsines realizing that the “right person was waiting” for her.
Kayla Itsines’ recent openness about her personal struggles offers a raw and relatable glimpse into the life of a public figure, highlighting the universal challenges of grief, motherhood, and navigating complex personal relationships.
