For more than 30 years, I’ve been helping women get stronger.
I’ve taught thousands of classes, coached women through every stage of life, celebrated weight-loss victories, watched clients complete their first push-up, and seen women of all ages discover strength they never knew they had.
But over the past few years, my definition of strength has changed, and it has helped every aspect of my work.
It changed as I walked beside my beloved 98-year-old mother through rehabilitation. She came back from so many health scares over the last few years- a stroke, broken ribs, a hip fracture, a broken arm and covid! She is and always has been, my model for working hard, overcoming adversity, perseverance, maintaining a sense of humor, faith, family, humility, common sense health and so much more!
Watching her work so hard through each hurdle, for what many of us take for granted—standing up, taking a few more steps, regaining confidence—reminds me that strength isn’t always measured by the amount of weight we lift.
Sometimes strength is simply deciding not to give up.
Sometimes it’s showing up for another therapy session when you’re tired.
Sometimes it’s asking for help or leaning on others.
Sometimes it’s caring for someone you love while still trying to take care of yourself.
I know many of the women reading this are doing exactly that.
You’re balancing work, family, aging parents, raising children and grandchildren, changing bodies, and life’s unexpected challenges. Some days, getting through the day feels like its own workout.
And yet…you keep going. That is strength!
I’ve also learned that small victories deserve to be celebrated.
One more step, one more repetition…
Standing a little taller, walking a little farther…
Feeling a little stronger than yesterday.
In fitness, we often focus on the finish line, but rehabilitation taught me that progress is built one small victory at a time.
It also reminded me that mobility is one of life’s greatest gifts. I truly believe that my mother’s routine of walking and staying active throughout her life, no matter how big or small, helped her stay strong for so many years.
The ability to get up from a chair without assistance, climb a flight of stairs, walk through the grocery store, play with grandchildren, to travel, to live independently….These are the goals that truly matter.
As a fitness professional, I still love helping women become stronger. But today, my mission is bigger and broader in scope.
I want to help women build strength that serves them for the rest of their lives, no matter what age they are.
Strength that helps them stay independent, that gives them confidence and prepares them for whatever life brings.
Because the strongest women I know aren’t necessarily the ones who lift the heaviest weights, they’re the women who keep showing up, who adapt, who encourage others. They face challenges with courage, with faith and hope….even on the difficult days.
The strongest woman I know, is and will always be my mom….and I will continue to work with all women in her honor, with a deeper understanding, a clearer focus and always with my mom in my heart…
If you’re reading this today, remember that every walk you take, every strength workout you complete, every healthy meal you prepare, and every choice you make to care for yourself is an investment in your future.
Keep going.
Your future self will thank you.
And remember—you are stronger than you think.
With love, deep gratitude, and in loving memory of my dear, sweet mom, Frances….
Christina