From Endurance to Empowered: How Theresa Turned Pain into Strength at Studio ME

For much of her life, Theresa lived in motion.

Theresa and her daughter.

Distance running, cross-country skiing, dance, and even triathlons had always been part of her story. She was no stranger to challenge or physical endurance. But despite all that movement, there was one thing she couldn’t shake — nagging back pain, old injuries, and the quiet frustration of knowing her body wasn’t functioning at its full potential.

“I wanted to intentionally incorporate strength training into my life. I’d been active for years, but I kept dealing with lower back pain and old sports injuries. I knew something had to change.”

Sound familiar?

Enjoying the winter.

Like many others, Theresa had found ways to work around the pain. She tried physical therapy, chiropractic care, and all the other treatments people often turn to. They helped, but the results never lasted.

“I didn’t want to be sidelined from my life — not now, not 10 years from now.”

Her goals weren’t about chasing a number on the scale or hitting a new personal record. They were deeper than that.

She wanted to keep backpacking, hiking, skiing.
She wanted to stay active with her school-aged kiddo.
She wanted to feel strong in her body — not just capable, but resilient.

Conquering a hike!

The Gym Was Intimidating. She Needed a Different Way In.

Like many high-achievers juggling work and family, she knew strength training was important, but she didn’t know where to start.

“I wanted to lift heavy — but outside of the same 10 moves, I didn’t know what I was doing. And honestly, I didn’t have the brain space to figure it all out.”

Between a demanding job and parenting, she didn’t need another research project. She needed a plan. A system. A place where she could show up, be coached, and not have to overthink it.

Enter Studio ME — thanks to a friend who unintentionally “recruited” her just by talking about how much she loved it.

What stuck with Theresa wasn’t just the workouts. It was the community. The support. The realness.

“The idea of being coached made it feel less intimidating. And the community? My friend was right — it’s truly special.”

From “I’m Ready” to “I’m Stronger Than Ever”

When she first walked through Studio ME’s doors, Theresa was ready — not just physically, but mentally.

“I remember feeling like — I want to do this. I’m ready to start.”

Shortly after joining, she went through a divorce. What had started as a goal to build strength quickly became something much more:

“Boot camp became a non-negotiable part of my self-care during a major life change. It helped me remember just how strong I really am — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.”

Throughout the toughest moments, her workouts became an anchor. The Studio ME community became her support system and strength training became a daily reminder that she could keep showing up — no matter what.

Deadlifting a new personal record.

Less Pain. More Power. A Whole New Outlook.

Today, that nagging back pain that had held her back for years? Almost completely gone.

She feels stronger.
More capable.
More empowered.

And for the first time in a long time, she’s not just reacting to injury — she’s actively building a body that supports her life.

“Not only has my chronic back pain significantly improved, I’ve kept showing up for myself through a tough year. I’m excited for whatever comes next.”

That’s what strength looks like. And that’s what Studio ME is all about.

Why Studio ME Was the Right Fit

What made Studio ME different for her?

It wasn’t flashy equipment or a high-pressure environment. It was the coaching, the structure, and the permission to start wherever you are.

“I love that I can show up exactly where I’m at — physically or otherwise — and there’s a place for me to start and a way to get stronger.”

She didn’t have to guess. She didn’t have to “keep up.” She just had to show up — and the rest followed.

Her Advice to Anyone Thinking About Joining?

Simple.

“DO IT.”

If you’ve been living with pain, feeling lost at the gym, or telling yourself “I’ll figure it out when life slows down” — her story is your sign.

You don’t need to do it alone.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.
You just need a place to start — and people who will support you every step of the way. Studio ME might just be that place.