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From Wedding Goals to Life Goals: Amy’s Journey of Strength, Survival, and Self-Investment
When Amy Pals walked into PowerStrength for the first time, her goal was straightforward: get in the best shape possible for her wedding and honeymoon.
“I wanted the best body this side of the Mississippi,” she said with a laugh.
With a wedding on the horizon and a honeymoon to prepare for, she joined PowerStrength’s Personal Training Program for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
And it worked. Amy dropped 5 pounds, cut 3% body fat, and gained 3% lean muscle mass in a short time. She felt amazing and looked great on her wedding day and honeymoon, she saw the proof of her effort staring back at her in the mirror.
That could have been the end of the story. Amy had planned to return to her old chain gym after the wedding—cheaper, familiar, and convenient. But something happened during those first few months at PowerStrength that changed the course of her life.
“Seeing results motivates you to move forward,” Amy said. “It felt like a family, it’s a small group, you get to know people. I love the coaches. I just felt better mentally, it changed from trying to get the best body this side of the Mississippi to wanting to continue to feel at the top of my potential.”
Her decision to stay turned out to be monumental.
ELIMINATING PAIN
As she trained consistently, Amy didn’t just maintain her wedding results—she progressed even more. Her arthritis pain disappeared completely.
“It’s so different,” Amy said about PowerStrength’s approach. “At PowerStrength, there’s this level of accountability, discipline, and results they get that I can’t get anywhere else. I can’t get on my own because I won’t push myself to that level on my own without the PowerStrength plan that is geared for people over 40. I have arthritis, I have overcome that with customized moves that they do, my arthritis is completely gone.”
She felt strong, energized, and empowered. But it was what came next that truly revealed the strength she had been building all along.
THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
In September of 2023, Amy’s world was turned upside down when her brother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Just 3 months later, her father, with whom she shared a deep bond, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and passed away a month later.
“I was his primary caregiver, and I got the blessing of giving him a peaceful passing. It was probably one of the greatest things I’ll ever do in my life,” Amy said.
The emotional toll was staggering.
Then in March of 2024, Amy herself was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Within 7 months, her brother, father, and she were all hit with cancer diagnoses. Amy had 2 major surgeries—a mastectomy and reconstruction—and had to step away from the gym. It was a time when simply surviving the day felt like a win.
What surprised her was how the improved physical and mental strength assisted her in weathering this storm.
“Something magical happens when you do a PowerStrength workout—you just feel different, like you can handle whatever comes your way,” Amy said. “That strength I had built at PowerStrength helped me get off the couch after surgery, my doctors were really amazed at how fast I was healing. I’m sure that has a lot to do with being in the best shape that you can be.”
COMING BACK STRONGER
After months away from the gym, the coaches at PowerStrength texted Amy: “We miss you at the gym.” That message stuck with her. She was overwhelmed—juggling grad school, an internship, work, and endless doctor appointments—but she knew something was missing.
“I didn’t feel good when I wasn’t coming to the gym. I gained 20 pounds, and I just didn’t feel like myself. It’s something women over 40 go through—your hormones shift, and it’s really tough.”
And when she did return, it wasn’t easy. She wasn’t lifting what she used to. Her body had changed. But Amy made a decision—one that continues to inspire everyone around her.
“I got out of my own head. I stopped thinking about the results. I said, ‘I’m just going to move. I’m going to show up. I’m going to be disciplined. I’m going to be accountable.’ And eventually, I got back to where I was—and now I feel absolutely amazing.”
Today, she’s dumbbell pressing 45 lbs in each hand—after starting at 25 lbs post-surgery. She credits the coaches and personalized approach for helping her make every session effective and safe.
“I’m so glad I came back to PowerStrength, it completely did a 180 on my mental health. It allows me to deal with the ‘over 40’ ailments in a fun environment that has a lot of energy.“
MORE THAN A GYM
Amy often works with Certified PowerStrength Coach Sylvia in both small-group sessions and Private One-on-One training. The private training started because of Amy’s packed schedule, but became something more.
“I realized that I loved both,” Amy said. “It propelled me to another level. I adore Sylvia, it’s been cool getting to know her and working with her. And she’s helped me out tremendously. When I started working out with her, I was doing squats, and I couldn’t not lift what I was lifting before. And it got to me mentally. I said, ‘I don’t think I can do this.’ She told me, ‘It’s just the bar, it’s just a squat, you can do it.’ And that changed how I looked at things.”
To Amy, PowerStrength is a place where discipline meets fun, where community meets results, and where strength is built from the inside out.
“My husband doesn’t want to go to a gym because he has bad ankles. I keep telling him, ‘They can help you with that! They’ll customize a program so you won’t hurt.’ It’s not like other places. It’s a community here.”
DEDICATED TO BEING HEALTHIER
Amy trains in a personalized program designed for her exact needs. It’s not about getting ready for a wedding anymore—it’s about living her healthiest, fullest life.
“PowerStrength is investing in myself to be at the top of my potential and to feel my best. It’s worth it to me because I just feel better mentally. I would not work out on my own, I know that. So it’s worth the money to invest in myself to feel the best that I can feel.”
For anyone considering starting—or restarting—their fitness journey, Amy has simple advice:
“Give it a try. Give it one month. You’ll love it. You’ll feel better, mentally and physically. You’ll feel strong. There’s something about going to a gym by yourself, there’s not that same energy that you get here.”
Amy, at age 45, has lived through unthinkable loss, overcome daunting physical and emotional battles, and still walks into PowerStrength with a smile and purpose.
For her, strength isn’t just about lifting weights.
It’s about resilience and lifting yourself through life’s hardest seasons—and growing stronger because of it.
READY TO TAKE CONTROL?
Men and Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who want to get stronger and have more energy can join the Personal Training Program at PowerStrength at any time. No previous workout experience is required as each program is customized to the fitness and ability level of each individual.
Multiple personal training sessions are offered in the early morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, and evening. Find your nearest PowerStrength location – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.
Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.
