All the the movements in my programs include several variations to accommodate differences in our bodies. My goal is always to help you find movement that feels right to you, right now. To participate in group programs, you should be able to get up and down from the floor independently. If you cannot, I would still love to work with you! Contact me about one-on-one training options. Current Gentle Strength participants include people who have arthritis, diabetes, oesteopena, and other chonic conditions or past injuries. Strength training has been shown to help improve these and many other conditions. If you have injuries, chronic conditions, or are recently post-partum, you should obtain clearance from a medical provider before starting this, or any other excersize program.

Probably not. We will focus on foundational movement patterns that are the pillars of strength training at any level. You can always add more weight, more reps, or choose a more challenging variation of the movement. That said, we won't be doing very technical lifts like olymic barbell movements (snatch, clean and jerk). The workouts are designed to maintain and improve functional strength for everyday life and casual athletic activities.

Gentle Strength programming is designed to make you feel strong and independent in your body, not for a particular aesthetic. As far as concerns about getting 'bulky', this article covers a lot of the complexity involved in building muscle mass. I can't predict exactly how this program might (or might not) change your physical appearance, but I hope by the end of this program you feel super proud of your hard earned strength and everything that your body can do!

We’re all in this to feel strong and healthy in our bodies - the last thing I want it to spread any illnesses around! I hope we can all be cautious and respectful to reduce risk of illness. These are some guidelines for us to follow, please let me know if you aren’t comfortable with this or have suggested changes: Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In-person classes will be capped at 8-9 participants and we will usually have the entire FIT Lab facility to ourselves (occasionally other personal trainers will be around with 1-on-1 clients). Use courteous gym hygiene - wash hands, wipe off equipment promptly, be aware of others’ space. Masks are not required, but are welcome. If you have any symptoms (congestion, fever, headache, etc), please stay home, rest, and take a COVID test. Once you are feeling well enough to workout and have tested negative, you can return to class. If you have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive, please wear a mask to class for at least 5 days after contact and test for COVID. If you get COVID (or any illness really!), stay home from class until you are feeling fully well and testing negative.

While I hope this program helps participants to get in the groove of a consistent strength practice, I know that life is unpredictable and things will come up (see above!). I’m here to help you keep moving in whatever way works best for you. I will offer a few options for missed classes: I can provide a programmed-for-you at-home workout with whatever equipment you have available (including bodyweight). I will apply a $20 credit for each missed class toward personal traning sessions. Personal training sessions are $100. Missed classed credits can be used for personal training within two weeks of the program end date.

This is a one-woman operation and I, unfortunately, do not have substitute coaches available at this time. If I have to cancel a class, I’ll send everyone an at-home workout option. If I need to cancel more than two classes during the program session, I will do my best to schedule a make-up session at a time that works for as many participants as possible. If the make-up session doesn’t work for you, I can apply the cost of the class toward a discounted personal training session.

If after the first week of a program, you decide it is not a good fit for you, I will provide a 90% refund. After the first week, the program is not refundable. If you experience an unforseen illness or injury that prevents you from completing 4 or more weeks of the program, I will apply the cost of the missed sessions to future training once you have recovered.

The FIT Lab has all the equipment we will need for class, no need to bring any. Bring a small notebook or your phone to track your workouts. Writing down your reps and weights is helpful to see your progress and plan future workouts. Bring a water bottle. Wear comfy workout clothes you feel good in. Shoes: I prefer to wear minimal/barefoot style shoes while lifting weights, but any type of athletic shoes will work just fine.

No. These are multi-week programs structured to progress over time in response to the individuals in the group. My goal is to build a sense of trust, comfort, and community among a consistent small group of people.

If you are unable to pay the full cost of a program up front, please contact me and we can discuss options.

At least two sizes of dumbbells or kettlebells, one lighter, one medium/heavy A longer resistance band (like this one) and something stable to anchor it to

I ask that participants commit to primarily attending one time-slot. This helps to build community and trust within each small group. However, there is some flexiblity if things come up and you need to switch class times occasionally. Just contact me beforehand to confirm that there will be space.

Unfortunately there is not a locker room or showers at The FIT Lab. There are restrooms you can use to change (located down a flight of stairs), and there is a shelf to store your belongings whithin view during sessions.

The FIT Lab does not require any membership fees outside of specific program costs. Currently, there is no open gym time at The FIT Lab. The space is used primarily by personal trainers. You can find out more about other trainers who use this space on their website here: https://thefitlabinc.com/meet-the-team/