From Parking Lot Doubts to Winning in the Gym, Benison Conquers Her Fears

It may have been 6 years ago, but Julie Benison still remembers vividly the first time she came to PowerStrength Training Systems. She had many challenges, but the biggest was easy for her to identify.

“Walking in the door,” Julie said candidly. “I have never been an athlete or anything remotely like this. I literally sat in this parking lot thinking what in the world am I doing here? This is crazy.”

The truth is that Julie was neither the first nor the last to feel trepidation before her initial voyage into 1 of the 4 PowerStrength locations around West Michigan.

But what Julie discovered inside those doors is what thousands of adults have found over the last 13 years at PowerStrength.

CANCER JOURNEY

Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. Through treatment, she was able to win her battle, but that fight had consequences.

“The drugs that they had me on for keeping the cancer away, 1 of them destroys bone mass, and the other one destroys muscles,” Julie said. 

Her oncologist referred her to the YMCA in an effort to build back what she had lost.

“I found that it was really not very effective,” Julie said about working out at the Y. “I was just doing machine things. Particularly the leg presses and I could do that all day and it did nothing. So I wanted something that was going to build muscle.”

FINDING ANSWERS AT POWERSTRENGTH

As she continued to search for answers, it was suggested that Julie try PowerStrength in 2018.

“My goal then and it still is now is I want to be stronger and continue to be stronger,” Julie said about that fateful first trip to PSTS. “I kind of quickly came to the realization that I could get weaker and more debilitated, but I don’t want to wind up in a position where I can’t take care of myself. My best odds of having a full life are being strong. So as long as I’m on a trajectory of getting stronger today than I was yesterday, tomorrow than I was today, that’s it.”

As part of PowerStrength’s specialized Over 40 Personal Training program, Julie’s transformation is remarkable. She continues to move the needle to this day with the one-on-one attention she receives in the small group atmosphere with no more than 6 people per expert trainer.

“I breathe better, I sleep better, I have a better attitude,” Julie said. “It took a while for me to feel that way, but it gives me a lot more confidence.”

She has gone from someone that was deficient in bone mass and muscle to a healthy, energized, and self-assured person. She can do things now that she never imagined were possible prior to coming to PowerStrength.

“I found out that I have “lats,” (a big back muscle) that’s very cool,” Julie said with a laugh. “I feel like I can move the things in the gym, that’s really cool. I have a love-hate relationship with the sleds because I think they have saved me from having to have a knee replacement. I have better quads than I ever have, that’s awesome!”

Julie has faced more challenges along the way. The cancer returned briefly in 2019, and she had knee surgery in 2022. Each required some time away from the gym leaving Julie anxious to return to PSTS.

“Oh I definitely am. Things go downhill so fast because for all of the surgeries I’ve had to do some kind of a PT (physical therapy) or something to get back on track. But that kind of PT deals with only the problem that is present, it does nothing for the rest. It’s a different kind of focus and I want to go beyond what PT is. It’s trying to get you back to your baseline or as close as possible, that’s not good enough. I want to be able to go for a walk, I want to be able to get down on the floor, I want to be able to do the things that I enjoy, and so the baseline is not good enough.”

FAMILY APPROVAL

Those closest to Julie have been astounded by her phenomenal improvements in health.

“They find it remarkable,” Julie said. “My husband started coming to PowerStrength about a year after I did. My dad in particular, he said ‘man, I don’t know how you do this. I just don’t have any motivation.’ My response was that I never have motivation. Motivation was not part of the equation. I decided I’m gonna do this and I’m gonna do it. So now I’m the kind of girl that goes to the gym a couple times a week.”

Julie has 2 adult children, but no grandchildren yet. She is hoping that changes and if it does, she will be ready.

“When I do I’m gonna get down on the floor and play with them, and lift them.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

Knowing what she knows now, Julie would have some advice for herself as she sat in the parking lot, nervous to go inside, on that first trip to PowerStrength back in 2018.

“The first thing that comes to mind is that I’ve been there and it is scary,” Julie said. “And what I’ve learned is that my meatheads, when I’m not with them I miss them terribly. There are kind, big-hearted, generous people that are waiting in here, and they look scary, but they’re not, and you’re gonna get stronger and it’ll be alright.”

She never dreamed that she would be where she is today, having accomplished so much as she sat in her car wondering if she was making the right choice all those years ago.

“No, I was hoping to get home after the first workout,” Julie said. “I need to call an Uber or something. I don’t know if I can drive. It was gnarly!”

Julie triumphed… and no Uber’s have ever been called.

READY FOR A STRONGER, HEALTHIER, MORE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE? 

Men and Women over 40 seeking a stronger, more energized lifestyle can join the personal training programs at PowerStrength at anytime. No previous workout experience is required as each program is customized to the fitness and ability level of each individual.

Multiple small group and private sessions are offered in the early morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, and evening.

Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.