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From the Sidelines to the Slopes: Annie’s Journey to Strength
When Annie Williams was eating a Halloween Kit-Kat at her friend Emily Bouma’s house last Fall, she didn’t know that just a few seconds later, her entire life would start to change.
“I was sitting in her kitchen complaining,” Annie remembered. “I work in my basement, I never see anyone, and I was bored and getting fat. She took this piece of paper, it was a PowerStrength 30-day free membership, and she slid it across the table and said, ‘It’s time for you to do something.’”
Annie took that first small step. Almost a year later, she’s living with more energy, confidence, and purpose than she thought possible.
FROM ISOLATION TO COMMUNITY
Like many folks working remotely, Annie found herself stuck in a cycle of sedentary routines and sluggish days.
“I felt like this was just going to be my life,” she said. “I was tired, overweight, and didn’t think it could change.”
She had tried one-on-one personal training before — spent the money, showed up to the sessions — but the spark was missing.
“I didn’t look forward to it. I wasn’t disappointed if I missed it,” she said.
But her experience at PowerStrength was completely different.
“I was overwhelmed at first,” Annie admitted. “But the trainers knew my name. People introduced themselves. I couldn’t believe how welcoming it was. It’s just so encouraging. You actually want to come back.”
LIFE-CHANING RESULTS
In nearly a year since she joined, Annie has lost weight, built muscle, and transformed not just her body — but her lifestyle.
“It’s been life-changing. I never expected the kind of impact it would have.”
An unforgettable moment came during her family’s annual spring break ski trip to Colorado.
“We ski the same 4-mile hill every year,” she said. “But this year, something was different. My legs didn’t burn. I wasn’t tired. I was racing through the trees with my boys — and they had to keep up with me for a change.”
The same hill. The same person. But a completely different experience.
“I even teared up,” she said. “It hit me how far I’d come. I wasn’t thinking about being tired or uncomfortable. I felt strong. I felt happy. I made memories with my family that I’ll have forever.”
RIPPLE EFFECT
Annie’s transformation hasn’t just been physical — it’s reshaped her entire family dynamic.
“My eight-year-old hugged me and said, ‘You’ve gotten skinnier. I can touch my hands around you now.’ That was one of the nicest things anyone’s ever said to me.”
She’s now more active, more energetic, and more involved.
“I used to say no to playing outside. Now I’m playing kickball in the yard. I’ve changed how I cook. My husband’s lifting weights now. It’s trickled through our whole family.”
MORE THAN A GYM
What makes PowerStrength different?
“It’s the people. It’s the environment. There’s no judgment. Everyone’s doing their own version of work,” Annie said. “It’s fun. It’s welcoming. When you walk in, they treat you like you’ve been here for years — and that you’ll be here for years to come.”
Strength training has become her new foundation. Through a recent member challenge at PowerStrength, Annie pushed past her limits — gaining over two pounds of muscle in a month and discovering a new confidence in the process.
“When you change your body through hard work, and you didn’t think you could? It blows your mind.”
A NEW FOUNDATION
At 43, Annie feels stronger, healthier, and more alive than she has in years. She’s skiing stronger, raising her boys with more energy, and modeling a healthy lifestyle they’ll never forget.
“Before, I thought I was stuck, and this was just going to be me,” she said. “But now I’ve taken control of my health. Everything in my life is better.”
To anyone thinking about starting but feeling stuck, Annie has one piece of advice:
“Don’t overthink it. Just come. It’s a good decision. You have no idea how far it’ll reach into your life — but it will.”
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.
