When Fitness Was the Only Thing Keeping Me Alive How My Experience Shapes My Coaching
Over 20 years as a first responder, I learned how to push through trauma, stress, and exhaustion. But there comes a point when the cost of suppression catches up — and it did for me. My journey through burnout is deeply tied to how I coach moms today, helping them build strength, repair their core, and regain energy and confidence.
20 Years as a First Responder and the Cost of Suppression
In my two decades on the job, I experienced more trauma than most people ever will. The average first responder faces over 140 traumatic events, and like many, I normalized it. I kept showing up, ignoring the toll on my mind and body, suppressing emotions to keep moving forward. Eventually, the accumulated stress and emotional load started affecting everything — my energy, my relationships, and my ability to care for myself and my family.
Stress Leave, Emotional Breakdowns, and Suicidal Thoughts
Eventually, I hit a breaking point. I went on stress leave after feeling exhausted, irritable, and emotionally volatile. There were moments of crying, anger, and hopelessness, even thoughts of suicide. Experiencing this firsthand made me realize that ignoring your mental health has consequences — and it also taught me empathy for the struggles many moms face with stress, overwhelm, and feeling disconnected from their bodies.
Why Movement Became My Anchor
During this challenging time, fitness became my lifeline. Working out wasn’t about the way I looked — it was about survival. Lifting weights, going for walks, and following structured workouts gave me a sense of control, clarity, and energy. Movement anchored me when everything felt chaotic, and it reminded me of the power of creating structured habits, just as I later teach in my coaching program.
Journaling, Meditation, and Therapy
Fitness alone wasn’t enough. I added journaling, meditation, and therapy to my routine. Journaling helped me process years of suppressed emotions. Meditation gave me mental clarity and calm. Therapy offered guidance in navigating complex feelings and stress triggers from my career. Together with structured movement, these practices became the foundation of resilience and recovery — principles I integrate into the programs I create for moms today.
Fitness as a Mental Health Tool — Not Punishment
Through this experience, I learned fitness is far more than aesthetics. Strength training, nutrition, and structured workouts are mental health tools. For first responders and moms alike, movement improves mood, reduces stress, and builds confidence. It’s not about punishment or perfection — it’s about reclaiming control, energy, and empowerment in your life.
How This Shapes My Coaching
This personal journey of burnout, recovery, and rediscovery directly informs how I coach moms:
I emphasize structure and consistency that fits real life
I prioritize core repair and strength as the foundation
I incorporate nutrition and habits that support energy and sustainable results
I teach self-care, mindset, and recovery practices alongside training
Ultimately, the lessons I learned for surviving stress and burnout became the framework for helping moms thrive, not just survive.
Strength training saved my life — not just my body.
If you’re a mom juggling work, life, and self-care, fitness can be your anchor too. With the right structure and guidance, you can regain your strength, energy, and confidence — and I’ll show you how.
