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Monica’s Story: Confidence, Strength, and Finding the Fun Again
For many adults, the idea of starting a structured training program later in life can feel intimidating—especially after years of injuries, surgeries, or repeated trips to physical therapy. For Monica Stegeman, that hesitation was very real.
Monica joined PowerStrength’s Personal Training Program for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s in September of 2025, but her journey toward strength and confidence began long before she ever stepped into the gym.
A LONG HISTORY OF INJURIES
“I had low back surgery about 22 years ago. I had a shoulder injury about 18 years ago,” Monica shared. After her back surgery, she was told she had degenerative disc disease—news that stuck with her far beyond the operating room.
“That really did a number on my psyche,” she said.
Like many adults trying to stay active while managing pain and limitations, Monica turned to yoga, Pilates, and later home workouts. During the COVID shutdown, daily YouTube exercise videos became part of her routine. Movement helped—but it wasn’t a long-term solution.
Over time, her shoulder injury worsened, sending her back to physical therapy once again. That cycle—progress, flare-up, PT, repeat—became exhausting.
A RECOMMENDATION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Monica’s husband, Mark, has been training at PowerStrength for over a year. Read his journey to being stronger, healthier, and reclaiming his health HERE.
He encouraged her to give it a try. When Monica mentioned it to her physical therapist, the response surprised her.
“She said, I think that’d be really good for you.”
Still, Monica was nervous. Weight training wasn’t something she saw herself doing.
“I thought, this is going to be really hard,” she admitted.
To ease that concern, Monica came in for a special couples session with her husband and certified PowerStrength coach Evan. That first workout changed her entire perspective.
“I was under the impression that you’re just going to be lifting weights right away—and that wasn’t the case,” she said. “That let me know I could work into this and it could be at my pace.”
PROGRESSING SAFELY, ONE STEP AT A TIME
When Monica started training, her back felt stable—but her shoulder still limited her range of motion.
“I have some bone spurs, so that’s always going to be there,” she explained. “But I can do way more than I thought I could.”
What made the difference wasn’t pushing harder—it was trusting the process.
“Being able to trust that Evan knows what he’s doing, and that I can push myself in increments and still be safe and grow—it’s been amazing.”
That trust didn’t just build strength; it rebuilt Monica’s confidence in her own body.
“In the beginning, I had to think through every movement,” she said. “Now, my body has been trained to do it the correct way without having to think about it.”
MORE THAN JUST PHYSICAL STRENGTH
While Monica has built muscle, lost weight, and gained energy, the changes go far deeper.
“I tend to put physical things in the same realm as emotional and intellectual,” she said. “So it’s all a package for me. It makes me a happier person.”
Her growing confidence hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“My best friend has mentioned that I seem way more confident,” Monica shared. “The physical is really important, but the mental has been great for me.”
THE POWER OF SMALL GROUPS AND REAL CONNECTION
One of the biggest surprises for Monica was how much she enjoys the small-group training environment.
“I really like the camaraderie,” she said. “Stretching at the beginning in a group makes me feel connected—that I’m not just doing this by myself.”
Even though each person follows an individualized plan, the shared environment creates accountability and support.
“It’s nice to see that people progress at their own level,” Monica explained. “That actually is what’s safe—and how you grow.”
TRAINING FOR LIFE
As a newly empty nester and a working artist, Monica understands how much physical health impacts daily life.
“My shoulder affected my livelihood,” she said. “Now I know how to be safe when I’m working. I move around, I stretch, and I’m more aware of my body.”
She didn’t come to PowerStrength chasing extreme workouts or dramatic promises. She came looking for sustainability—and found confidence, capability, and joy along the way.
ADVICE TO OTHERS
What would she say to someone considering PowerStrength but feeling unsure?
“It’s possible for just about anybody to do this. You’re capable of more than you think you are. You can progress at your own level—and have fun doing it.”
And when asked to sum it all up?
“PowerStrength is fun.”
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, Holland, or Byron Center.
Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.