Strength for YOUR Journey

By now we've all heard strength training is good for us.

Just how good? It boosts muscle mass and bone density, aids in fat loss, and improves cognitive function, while decreasing depression, lowering the likelihood of injury, and reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other killers. See here, here, and here. It's great for women, and it becomes even more crucial as we age.

But most of us aren't doing it. Why not?

Maybe we don't know how. Or we're afraid we'll get hurt, or we already have injuries we don't know how to navigate. We are probably short on time. We may feel intimidated by the "spot me, bro" crew in the weight room. Maybe we don't want big, bulky muscles. Maybe we could jog (or swim, bike, or row) for hours, but pumping iron just doesn't sound appealing. Or perhaps the couch is really, really comfy.

I can help you address these barriers so you can get stronger.

So you can do what you love. So you can pick up your grandkid (or your pampered pet) when you're 70, carry your own groceries when you're 80, and get off the toilet by yourself when you're 90.

My philosophy:

I believe strength training is for EVERY BODY.

I believe in starting wherever you are, with whatever resources you have, and moving forward.

I believe the perfect strength training program is the one that works for you.

What I offer:

I will meet with you, discuss your unique situation and needs, and work with you to create a customized training plan that

• is rooted in basic human movement patterns

• strengthens all major muscle groups

• feels comfortable to YOU

• uses equipment you have access to

• fits easily into your busy schedule

• is compatible with any cardio you like to do.

Then I will help you put that plan into action!

I typically meet with people for 2-6 initial sessions until they feel comfortable with the exercises and ready to move forward on their own.

I also offer ongoing support through an app called True Coach that allows me to program individual workouts for people based on their progress and goals.

Services

Free Consultation

I'll chat with you by phone or in person about what you're looking for and how I can help. I am happy to share general info and will try hard to avoid talking your ear off about strength.

Continuing Support

Reach out with any questions or concerns and I will respond promptly, at no extra charge. For continuing support and accountability, I offer programming through the True Coach app for a monthly fee.

Coaching Sessions

We'll meet at my space in Decatur, GA, your space, or a gym where you train to discover what works best for you. I'll guide you to perform the movements safely & effectively and create a personalized training plan for you.

My base price is $50 per one-hour session, with additional charges for groups or travel. (If cost is a barrier, please ask about options!)

My Story

One day in 2009, a few months shy of my fortieth birthday, I was doing time on an elliptical machine at my gym, thumbing through a fitness magazine. I came across an article about how women lose muscle mass and bone density at accelerating rates after we turn — you guessed it — forty. The article prescribed strength training as the solution.

I hadn't done much strength training. In fact, aside from an off-and-on dalliance with recreational running and a rarely used gym membership, I was not athletic. And with three little kids, a husband, and a full-time lawyer job, I was busy. But I didn't want my muscles and bones to dissolve, so I bought a package of personal training sessions. The trainer put me through a mix of cardio, which I loathed, and weights, which -- surprise! -- I loved. At first I could barely do a push-up from the knees, but by the end I managed a full one from the floor, and I felt like a boss. Inspired, I struck out on my own, and over the next 14 years, I fell in love with strength training. It replaced knitting as my main hobby, and it also transformed my relationship with my body.

I spent countless hours at the gym, and countless more poring over fitness books, perusing strength blogs, and attending seminars. Along the way, I got some excellent coaching, made plenty of mistakes, and did my best to learn from them. I taught my children to lift and set up a small home gym for them. I also began helping friends and neighbors reach their strength goals. One woman -- a self-described cardio nut --- sought help for back pain, and I persuaded her to try deadlifts. After a series of twice-weekly sessions with me, her pain vanished, and she was hooked on strength. She built her own home gym and recruited the women in her running group for regular sessions. I was beyond thrilled to help spread something I valued so much.

In 2023, my youngest child left for college. With my newfound empty-nester time, I decided to work toward my personal trainer certification and start this new part-time venture!

Here's what my clients say:

”Amy is extremely knowledgeable, kind, motivating, reliable, and inspiring. She listens to you and meets you where you are with your fitness. She checks in and holds you accountable to whatever degree you desire. I've worked with Amy over the last 4 years, and I'm so much stronger. Amy has also helped my 78-year-old mom. From cardio junkies like me to those new to strength . . . everybody needs Amy in their life!”

- Jenny S.

”Amy met with me to discuss my goals. She then put together a personalized and achievable program for me. I enjoy going to the gym, and I feel good about my progress. Amy checks in frequently and really cares about my well-being. She is a partner in my fitness journey.”

- Cat M.