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Stronger Than Ever: How Joelle Found Strength, Confidence, and a New Chapter
When lifelong dancer Joelle Smith joined PowerStrength’s Personal Training Program for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, she wasn’t chasing a fitness trend — she was searching for a new way to stay active.
After decades of movement, her body was telling her it needed something different.
“I’ve always been super active,” Joelle said. “I’ve been dancing for 46 years and have been an avid walker, but had a lot of severe back pain. I wanted something that didn’t involve running, jumping, or burpees.”
That search led her to PowerStrength — and it turned out to be exactly what she needed.
A PROGRAM THAT FITS
When Joelle saw a friend post about PowerStrength, she immediately asked one question: “Do you do any running or jumping?”
When her friend replied no, Joelle signed up — and fell in love with the approach.
“It was just strength training — nothing that hurt my back,” she said.
When Joelle later learned she would need spinal fusion surgery, she was grateful she had already begun training. The strength she had built at PowerStrength helped her bounce back faster and stronger than anyone anticipated.
“The difference was, because I had built so much strength beforehand, my recovery was incredible.”
Her doctor expected a long recovery and extensive physical therapy. Instead, Joelle healed faster and needed almost none.
“I was so much stronger going into surgery,” she said. “My recovery time was great. I hardly had any physical therapy because of the core strength I had from coming here.”
A FASTER RECOVERY AND A STRONGER LIFE
Joelle’s back pain had been caused by degenerative discs, something that can’t be reversed — but training at PowerStrength made a major difference.
“It helped me sit without pain,” she said. “It strengthened my core and made everyday life easier.”
That newfound strength has transformed her work as a preschool teacher, too.
“I’m not as tired anymore,” Joelle said. “Getting up and down off the floor or picking kids up used to be hard. Now I don’t even think about it.”
A WELCOMING COMMUNITY THAT CARES
Beyond the physical transformation, Joelle says what truly sets PowerStrength apart is the people.
“The first time I came in, everyone said, ‘Hey, Joelle,’ and I’d never met anyone before,” she said. “It’s like the ‘Cheers’ reference — where everybody knows your name.”
When she took a year off for surgery, her coach, Derek Ehnis, stayed in touch.
“He checked in every few months to see how I was doing,” she said. “You don’t find that in many places.”
Coming back after surgery, Joelle says she felt supported every step of the way.
“They eased me back in and adjusted everything for me,” she said. “If something didn’t feel right, they changed it. I was nervous, but they helped me believe I could do it — and I did.”
ENERGY, CONFIDENCE, AND A RENEWED OUTLOOK
Since returning, Joelle has seen more than physical change — she’s found energy and confidence that carry into every part of her life.
“I have more energy. I’m more confident in myself,” she said. “I feel like this is something I’m doing for me — and people can tell. I talk about it all the time. I’ve never had a day where I didn’t want to come.”
She says that sense of pride and ownership has improved not only her health but also her happiness.
“I’m happier because I’m doing something for myself,” she said. “I can’t wait to come in.”
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
With her kids grown and the next phase of life ahead, Joelle is focused on staying strong for what’s next — from hiking trips to future grandkids.
“I want to stay active and be healthy so I can be there for my family and friends,” she said. “I think this keeps my health in check and keeps me out of the doctor’s office.”
For Joelle, investing in her health through strength training is the best decision she could’ve made.
“Especially over 50, you don’t need to run or do aerobics,” she said. “It’s better for your body to strengthen your muscles, to work on your health, the way you feel, the way you look, how things fit. I think it benefits everybody.”
“POWERSTRENGTH IS…”
When asked to finish the sentence “PowerStrength is…”, Joelle doesn’t hesitate.
“PowerStrength is something I absolutely love,” she said. “I look forward to coming here. I love to sweat, I love to feel sore in a good way, and I love the people here. The coaches take the time to know you — and when you walk in, everyone says your name. It’s fantastic.”
Joelle came to PowerStrength looking for a place that didn’t hurt her back.
What she found was a community that helped her stand taller, move stronger, and take on the next chapter of life with energy and confidence.
READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT 10 YEARS YOUR STRONGEST EVER?
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, or Holland – with a NEW location opening Soon in Byron Center.
Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.
