Empowerment through Strength Training

Weight Loss and Empowerment through Strength Training

A crucial part of my nutrition coaching plan is strength training, which I realize is not always part of a weight loss plan. There are plenty of physiological and hormonal reasons why strength training should be included in a weight loss plan, but in this blog I’m going to focus on how strength training empowers the weight loss client. I also have a cool special event coming up. Read through to the end!

Focusing on what your body can DO

Often times when a new client comes to me for either a nutrition plan or personal training sessions, they are unhappy with what their body. They are focused on what their body is not. Maybe they feel their stomach isn’t flat enough or their their arms are flappy or their butt isn’t firm like it used to be. Maybe they don’t feel like they can go to the pool or the beach, or they feel like shorts and tank tops just aren’t wardrobe options.

Lifting weights can change this.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with wanting your body to look and feel different. Sometimes telling yourself the time has come to make changes is a matter of tough love. But I also believe that we can live a brighter life if we aren’t constantly living in the space of what we are not and instead can see what we can DO. As my clients work though a strength training program, they start to notice body recomposition (fat loss and muscle gain). Usually the first indicator is pants will fit differently. But the shift I like to hear the most is the excitement people have when the weights they can lift increase. I love to point out how a shoulder press that would have been impossible two months prior is now something they can easily rep for 10. Or a client who has never pulled a deadlift before does it pulls half their bodyweight off of the ground for the first time. It is f*cking awesome.

The bodies they want will come with time and dedication, but celebrating what their bodies can do right now can make what is typically a tedious and frustrating process so much more rewarding on a day-to-day basis. Maybe the scale doesn’t trend down every single week, but they can get a few kick-ass workouts in and feel good about showing up.

Special Event: Mimosas for Moms Friday, April 18th (8:30am-10am)

I’m so excited to host a fun fitness event with my good friend, Brooke Linder. Brooke and I met each other through CrossFit several years ago. With 25 years of nursing experience, Brooke is the owner and founder of Body Boost, an IV vitamin and wellness service located next to Indian Creek Plaza. Come join us for a workout, snacks, mimosas, and learn about vitamin injections and IV therapy during Mom’s Open Gym on Friday, April 18th from 8:30am-10am. She has a selection that includes drips and product that can help with sleeping, curbing appetite, and boosting your immune system.

During the workout: You may work out independently or you can ask me to guide you through a workout. Both beginners and experienced lifters are welcome, or just stop by to learn about (and maybe try??) some Body Boost! I don’t have childcare, but small children are welcome to tag along if you think they will let you get a workout in ;)

Drop-in fee: $5 at the door with waiver.

Location: 24866 Kenridge Rd, Caldwell (park in front of shop)

(Photo: Brooke Linder, NP)

Ongoing Events: Mom’s Open Gym

Mom’s Open Gym is every Friday from 8:30am-10am. No commitment required. $5 drop-in fee with waiver. You may exercise independently or I am happy to guide you through a workout. Stick around from 10am-10:30am if you want to stretch out to some yoga from YouTube afterwards too. This is a great opportunity to check out the gym on your own or with a friend.

Personal Training Availability and Online Nutrition Coaching:

I feel so blessed this past year to work with people who are bettering their health. It can be a vulnerable process, and it truly is an honor to be hired to help someone on their fitness journey. It is a real struggle to find time for yourself when pulled in all directions by work, family, and other life things. I get it. I don't believe there is such a thing as work-life-balance. "Balance" implies some sort of calm, and most of us live in some degree of chaos or another. At least that's how I feel when I'm getting kids to sports practice, running the gym, managing our other business affairs, squeezing in a workout, and then coming up for air to enjoy life.

Despite this chaos, I do have room on my books for about 10 more in-person clients and 10 online nutrition clients. Summer is around the corner, and while I believe that fitness and nutrition is ideally a year-round routine, it also doesn't hurt to have a little bit of extrinsic motivation to make wellness changes now :) You can gain a lot of strength, lose a lot of inches, and gain a lot more confidence in two short months. Reach out if you are interested, and I'll share my availability with you.