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From Tired to Empowered: How Strength Training Transformed Phil and Emily’s Daily Life
Phil and Emily Bouma are no strangers to a busy schedule. Their time is stretched thin between running a business, Emily’s accounting work, coaching basketball, and raising 3 kids.
Despite their demanding lives, the Boumas have steadfastly committed to their health and fitness through PowerStrength’s Personal Training Program for Adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Their journey is a testament to the power of consistency, accountability, and prioritizing their health to achieve remarkable results.
THE SEARCH FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Before joining PowerStrength, Phil and Emily each had fitness routines that lacked one key element—accountability.
Phil had tried working out at a big-box gym, while Emily trained remotely with a personal trainer based in Texas via Zoom. Both struggled to stay consistent and, as a result, didn’t see the results they were hoping for.
“The biggest challenge was consistency,” Phil admitted. “Life happens, it’s really nice that PowerStrength reaches out and makes sure you’re doing well and getting you back in when you haven’t been here in a couple weeks.”
Emily echoed this sentiment. “I was balancing work, life, and family, and I wasn’t prioritizing myself. When I trained on Zoom, it was easy to cancel. There was no one checking in on me,” she said. “At PowerStrength, there are live people to show up for.”
THE TURNING POINT
Emily’s journey with PowerStrength began when she joined her husband for a Valentine’s Day partner workout.
“Phil told me I would like it, so I gave it a shot,” she recalled. “I was still working with my personal trainer at the time, so I started coming once a week. But after a while, I realized how much better I felt training here.”
However, life got in the way, and Emily took a year-long break.
“I didn’t feel good that whole year, I wasn’t doing anything besides coaching,” she said. “When I came back, I told the coaches at PowerStrength that I wanted to make up for that year that I had lost. It was now or never.”
Phil had his turning point when he realized how much weight he had gained.
“I was closer to 300 pounds than 200 pounds, and I knew I needed to make a change,” he said. “PowerStrength helped me set small, attainable goals—starting with drinking more water—and I built from there.”
REMARKABLE RESULTS
Since joining PowerStrength, both Phil and Emily have made incredible progress.
Emily, driven by her competitive spirit, was the Transformation Challenge member division winner at the Alpine location in the fall for dropping the most body fat in just 30 days.
“I was all in for that challenge. If we’re going to do it, let’s win,” she said. “We received a packet and it wasn’t just, what you should eat or what to do, it was mental check-ins, and doing some of those helped, There were other people in the gym upping their weights, so I did too. Having a group of people doing the same thing motivates you to push yourself beyond a normal day. Seeing my results on the InBody scan was eye-opening. I didn’t realize how much progress I could make in such a short time.”
One of the biggest benefits Emily has noticed is an increase in her energy levels.
“When I get here a lot of days after a full day of work, I’m already tired and I still have to make dinner and do all these things, but by the time I spend an hour in the gym, I’m saying, ‘okay, let’s do this, I’ll do three loads of laundry too. Why not?’” she said.
This renewed energy has made a significant difference in her daily routine, allowing her to take on more and feel better while doing it.
Phil has lost an impressive 45 pounds, reaching his goal weight of 215 pounds.
“Now that I’ve hit that, I want to drop another 15 pounds—exactly the same way I did the first 45. By putting in the work, staying consistent, and not canceling sessions,” he said.
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Beyond their personal fitness transformations, Phil and Emily are setting a powerful example for their children.
“We tell our kids they have to put the work in if they want to be successful, and now they see us doing the same,” Emily said.
Their 12-year-old son even participates in PowerStrength’s ‘Little Beast’ program. This program is for young athletes in grades 4 through 7 and builds strength, speed, and confidence through work ethic and consistency—reinforcing the family’s commitment to health and fitness.
Phil and Emily continue to prioritize their training even with their demanding schedules,
“It’s a lifestyle change we agreed upon,” Emily said. “I used to feel guilty about taking two hours out of the workweek to train, but I’ve realized that because I take that time for myself, I’m a better mom, I have more energy to hang out and play with them, and I’m a better role model for them.”
Phil agrees, emphasizing the mental clarity and energy boost that comes with starting his day at PowerStrength.
“Morning workouts set me up for success,” he said. “Getting in the door and having a good session helps me get through the rest of my day.”
A JOURNEY WORTH TAKING
For Phil and Emily, PowerStrength has been more than just a gym—it’s been a life-changing experience.
With the structure, accountability, and support they lacked before, they’ve not only achieved their fitness goals but have also built a healthier, stronger foundation for their family.
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.
