Transforming life through strength and community: A journey of resilience
Story by Justine Williams Roper / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
Khaliah Clanton-Williams is no stranger to overcoming challenges. In December 2018, she found herself in a weight-loss surgeon’s office, staring down a life-altering decision. At the time, Clanton-Williams was classified as “super-morbidly obese,” with a BMI above 55. Doctors warned that if she continued on her current path, she wouldn’t live to see 30. It wasn’t a question of if her health would fail — but when. That sobering reality was the push she needed. Taking a courageous leap of faith, Clanton-Williams opted for weight-loss surgery, a decision that marked the beginning of a transformative journey.
The road wasn’t easy. Just 28 days post-surgery, Clanton-Williams’ surgeon cleared her to begin exercising — a rare and accelerated timeline.
“It was abnormal and premature,” she recalled, but her determination and consistency earned her the green light.
Even before surgery, Clanton-Williams had started incorporating lighter activities, like neighborhood walks and at-home strength training, to lose the required 30 pounds pre-op. However, she knew she needed something sustainable and enjoyable to stay committed long-term.
In 2020, Clanton-Williams found her answer: BURN Boot Camp.
“After getting my endorphins going and connecting with my BURN brothers, sisters and coaches, I fell in love,” she said with a smile.
BURN was the perfect fit: a 45-minute, high-energy workout just minutes from home, affordable, and with child-watch services — a must for a homeschooling mom like Clanton-Williams.
“I started seeing faster progress,” she shared. “It wasn’t just eating properly; it was the combination of movement, nutrition, and accountability.”
The magic of BURN lies in its inclusive, supportive atmosphere. Coaches lead every session with care and intentionality, ensuring participants — from beginners to veterans — feel seen and safe.
“They demo everything,” Khaliah explains. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a squat or a lunge. You never know who’s in the class, recovering from injury or starting for the first time.”
That supportive environment became a lifeline during one of Clanton-Williams’ biggest setbacks: a debilitating knee injury that sidelined her for seven months.
“I gained 50 pounds during that time,” she admits. “I lost my motivation, my inspiration — everything.”
Yet when she was ready to return, the BURN community welcomed her back with open arms. Her coaches provided safe, modified exercises, empowering her to ease back in without fear.
“It was like therapy,” Clanton-Williams said. “The community here keeps me grounded.”
Of course, consistency in fitness is easier said than done. Life throws up endless barriers — from forgotten workout clothes to mounting to-do lists — but Clanton-Williams believes success lies in preparation and mindset.
“Be intentional. Pre-plan. Schedule your workouts on the BURN app, pack extra clothes in your car —whatever it takes to eliminate excuses,” she advises.
For her, exercise is non-negotiable.
“It’s all about shifting your mindset and making movement a priority.”
Her hard work has paid off in remarkable ways. Over the past five years, Clanton-Williams has shed more than 75 pounds. She beams as she recounts her progress.
“It took me nearly two years to do a pull-up, but I did it!”
Improvements in nutrition have been key, too. Inspired by a fellow BURN sister, Clanton-Williams eliminated sugary drinks — a small change that made a big impact on her performance and weight loss.
For those intimidated by group fitness, Clanton-Williams’ advice is clear and heartfelt: Just show up.
“There’s much less judgment than you think,” she said. “When you’re surrounded by like-minded people, it changes everything. We’re all different, but we share a common goal — to take care of ourselves and move forward.”
Clanton-Williams’ story is a testament to the power of courage, consistency and community. It’s a reminder that transformation isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, pushing through and finding joy in the journey.
