"Following a traumatic experience in 2015, I was desperate to be strong—to take up space instead of feeling invisible. But I was terrified of what that actually meant. People reminded me, without prompting, that as a small adult female who can still pass for 16, I would never be taken seriously or heard unless, of course, I wanted to be viewed as aggressive. I've been told that I might feel more comfortable in the women's section of the gym. I've been asked (even by a previous personal trainer) why I would I want to 'get bigger' when men prefer petite women anyway. I'm lucky to be naturally tiny, they say. So, I stayed invisible.

Fast forward to 2019, when I walked past a room of extremely strong people who were laughing and lifting heavy barbells. My heart instantly connected with the energy in the room that day, and for the first time in years, I felt hope that it was okay for me to be strong, too. Through the Resilient team's evidence-based programming, coaching, and support, I am about to compete in my first powerlifting meet, a goal he never diminished because of my size. Will I physically be one of the strongest at the meet? No. But Resilient Training Lab is a community of people, especially Paul, who reminds me strength is more than a number—that it's really freaking strong to show up and keep pushing forward. To anyone thinking about joining the Resilient family, it will change your life. You will always be seen, heard, and encouraged to take up all the space you need, and that is more than I could have ever asked for." - Emily A