From the Owner’s Desk: The Risk, the Pressure, and the Unbreakable Bond of Strongselves

Becoming a business owner is the scariest leap I’ve ever taken. Going from being a coach—where my focus was solely on helping women get stronger, healthier, and more confident—to running an entire business? Whew, talk about a plot twist. Now, it's not just about training; it's about leadership, financial responsibility, and making sure both my actual family and my Strongselves fitness community are thriving.

The hard times hit fast and hard. The extra hours, the sleepless nights, the What the hell am I doing? moments hit like a rogue kettlebell to the shin. The pressure of providing for my family while also creating a safe and empowering space for women is overwhelming at times. And let’s be real—some nights, I’m stress-eating protein bars in my car, questioning everything.

But then, I look around at the incredible women standing beside me, and I know—I am never doing this alone.

Strongselves isn’t just a gym; it’s a movement—a women’s fitness community fueled by some of the most dedicated, inspiring, and passionate women I have ever met.

Catrina Thomas, our British queen and Harry Potter enthusiast, is not only a marathon runner but also a hospital worker with a background in physical therapy. She brings a scientific, detailed approach to women's strength training—because sometimes, getting stronger is less about lifting heavier and more about engaging your pelvic floor before you sneeze.

Brianna Brown, our event organizer and marketing manager, is a powerhouse personal trainer who just became a new mom. She understands firsthand how crucial it is to take care of yourself pre- and postpartum (because nobody tells you that jumping jacks will never be the same again after having a baby). Her ability to balance work, fitness, and motherhood is nothing short of inspiring.

Lauren Ross, a longtime women’s nutrition expert, goes beyond the standard “eat your vegetables” advice. She teaches women how to actually fuel their bodies in a way that feels good—because if one more person tells us to just eat chicken and rice, we might lose it. She’s been through the struggles, and now she helps women break free from the cycle of dieting and restriction.

Christina Kwan, our life coach, operations manager, and soon-to-be personal trainer, is the one keeping this whole thing running. She’s the queen of strategy and organization, making sure our wild ideas actually happen. If Strongselves were Hogwarts, she’d be our Professor McGonagall—wise, powerful, and not afraid to give us the look when we get too ambitious.

Gracie, our youngest personal trainer and previous dancer, has faced personal battles that could have made most people quit. But she refuses. Every day, she shows up and proves that no matter what life throws at you, you can rise, push forward, and thrive. She’s living proof that resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset.

And then there’s me—Amanda Matos. Life coach, athletic trainer, and personal trainer, mom of two, and wife of an 18-year relationship. I have battled weight loss struggles, mental health challenges, and moments of self-doubt. I’ve been the woman who cried in the dressing room because nothing fit. I’ve been the woman who convinced herself she wasn’t strong enough—until I proved myself wrong.

I never imagined myself as a business owner, but I know one thing for sure: no matter what obstacles come our way, I have a group of women who believe in this mission just as much as I do.

And that? That kind of support, that kind of sisterhood, is priceless.

And to the women who have come through our doors—whether you’re currently training with us or you’re an alum who carries the Strongselves mindset with you—you are the heartbeat of this place. Strongselves isn’t just a gym. It isn’t just four walls filled with equipment. It’s a tribe. It’s a safe space to grow, to heal, to step into your strength—both physically and mentally.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to start your journey, this is it. Come to one of our events, subscribe to our newsletter, or book a free health assessment to see how we can help you step into your strongest, most unapologetic self. Strongselves is more than a gym—it’s a movement, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

With love, laughter, and a super strong pelvic floor, lol!

Amanda Matos