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​When Vernon first came to me, he had a clear goal:
He was heading on a family cruise and wanted to drop from 200 lbs to 180 lbs before setting sail.
But like many clients, his motivation went deeper than a number on the scale.

Vernon had witnessed his father’s decline in health and knew he didn’t want to follow the same path. He wanted to take action now — not later — so he could stay strong, capable, and healthy for years to come.
The Goal: Fat Loss Without Extremes

This was a 90-day fat loss phase, not a crash diet.

No cutting out entire food groups.
No excessive cardio.
No “all or nothing” approach.

Instead, Vernon committed to:

• Tracking his food consistently
• Hitting his daily protein targets
• Lifting 4 days per week
• Meeting realistic daily movement goals

Nothing fancy. Nothing extreme.
Just consistency and it paid off.

Progress That Continued Even Through the Holidays

One of the most impressive parts of Vernon’s journey?
The scale continued to trend down week after week — even through the holidays.

That’s what happens when habits are sustainable.
No guilt.
No panic.
No “starting over on Monday.”
Just staying the course and trusting the process.

Training Around Injuries (Without Slowing Progress)

Because of Vernon’s background in law enforcement, he came to me with several previous injuries. That meant training had to be smart, not aggressive.

We worked together mostly online, meeting once per week in person for:

• Form checks
• Technique adjustments
• Exercise modifications tailored to his body

Every movement was chosen carefully to:

• Support fat loss
• Build strength
• Avoid aggravating old injuries

Progress doesn’t mean pushing harder — it means training appropriately.

The Power of Online Coaching & Accountability

This is where Vernon’s results really highlight the value of online coaching.
With traditional in-person training, you typically see your coach 1–3 hours per week.

With online coaching, Vernon had:

• Daily accountability
• Nutrition tracking & monitoring
• Weekly check-ins
• Ongoing feedback and support
• Adjustments in real time — not weeks later

That level of access and accountability is why so many of my online clients see faster, more consistent results.
It’s not just about workouts, it’s about support between the sessions, where real life happens.

More Than Physical Change

Vernon didn’t just see changes in his body, he felt them.

“It’s been so long since I’ve been happy when I look in the mirror vs. disappointed. I’m not where I want to be, but the change is amazing to me. It’s hard to believe that I can see a difference in the mirror already.”

And his improved conditioning showed up in everyday life, too:

“I crawled out of the combine feeder house feeling exhausted… but it only took a few minutes and I felt great. I’m thinking my recovery time is improved abundantly! Feels great to be in better shape.”

That’s the kind of progress that actually matters.
And This Isn’t the End…The best part?
Vernon isn’t done.

Once he returns from his family cruise, we’ll be transitioning into a muscle-building phase, focused on strength, performance, and long-term sustainability.
Fat loss was just the first chapter.

Final Thoughts
Vernon’s success didn’t come from perfection.
It came from:

• Consistency
• Accountability
• A plan built for him
• Support beyond the gym

If you’ve tried dieting, intense workouts, or starting over again and again — this is your reminder that sustainable change is possible.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
👉 Interested in online coaching with personalized training, nutrition guidance, and real accountability?
Apply for coaching [here] and let’s build a plan that actually fits your life.
​

Tired of losing and regaining the same weight over and over? Learn how to break free from the diet-lose-regain cycle by focusing on simple, sustainable habits that support fat loss, confidence, and strength, without giving up your favorite foods.


If you’ve ever said, “I know what to do, I just can’t stay consistent,” this is for you. Most women I talk to have tried everything. . . keto, low-carb, fasting, cutting out sugar — and yet they still feel stuck in the same cycle:

➡️ Diet hard.
➡️ Lose some weight.
➡️ Burn out.
➡️ Regain it all (and usually more).

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know this: it’s not your fault. You’ve been taught to chase short-term results instead of building long-term habits.

The truth is, your body doesn’t fail you. The method fails you.


Why Quick-Fix Diets Keep You Stuck

The problem with most diets is that they rely on restriction, eat as little as possible, move as much as possible, and somehow expect your body to cooperate.

Here’s what really happens:

• You cut calories too low, your metabolism slows.
• Your energy drops, cravings skyrocket.
• You give in (because you’re human), and guilt follows.

Then the cycle repeats. You start again Monday, thinking more willpower is the answer. But what you actually need isn’t more discipline, it’s a new strategy.


The Habit-First Approach That Actually Works

If you want to lose fat and keep it off, it’s not about eating perfectly or doing more cardio. It’s about creating daily habits that make healthy choices automatic.

At Phoenix Rising, we teach women to focus on addition before restriction, meaning we add in the right things before we ever take anything away.

This shift builds confidence, balance, and sustainability, the opposite of crash dieting.


5 Habits That Create Real, Lasting Fat Loss

1. Prioritize Protein at Every Meal

Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders, it’s essential for women who want to lose fat, build tone, and stay full.
It helps preserve muscle, boost metabolism, and control hunger.

✨ Try this:
Start your day with 25–30g of protein. Eggs, Greek yogurt, or a shake.
You’ll feel fuller, have fewer cravings, and start your morning on track.



2. Strength Train (Even 2–3x a Week)

Muscle is the engine that burns calories 24/7.
Yet most women avoid lifting weights out of fear of “getting bulky.”
In reality, strength training sculpts your body and supports your metabolism long-term.

✨ Try this:
Swap one cardio day for a full-body strength session or join a RISE Strength & Mobility class where we blend strength, core, and mobility for a balanced workout.


3. Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mindset

You don’t need to be perfect to see results, you just need to be consistent enough.
Missing a workout or eating pizza doesn’t “ruin” anything unless you quit after.

✨ Try this:
When life gets busy, do the minimum effective dose.
Ten minutes of movement > none.
A balanced dinner after a rough day > giving up until Monday.



4. Plan Ahead (Without Tracking Forever)

Most people don’t fail because they lack willpower, they fail because they don’t have a plan.

✨ Try this:
Spend 10 minutes on Sunday writing down:

• 3 protein sources you’ll have on hand
• 3 go-to meals you can make in a pinch
• Your top priorities for workouts
  
  

When your environment is set up for success, your results follow.


5. Find Accountability and Support

Trying to do it all alone is the fastest way to burn out.
We all need community, people who remind us why we started and keep us moving when motivation fades.

✨ Try this:
Surround yourself with others who are on the same journey.

In my Phoenix Rising community, women thrive because they’re supported. Not shamed.

Sustainable Fat Loss Isn’t Sexy, But It Works

You won’t lose 10lbs in a week, but you’ll gain something better: freedom.
Freedom from guilt, from starting over every Monday, from fearing food or failure.
Because when you focus on habits instead of hype, results stop being temporary.
You’ll build strength, energy, and confidence and that lasts far beyond any diet.


Ready to Stop Starting Over? If you’re tired of doing this alone, my Phoenix Rising coaching program can help you build the habits that make fat loss simple and sustainable. No extremes, no guilt, no endless cardio.

👉 Book your free discovery call and let’s create your personalized plan together.

​

 Summer distractions don’t have to derail your goals.
Learn 5 simple, realistic ways to reset your fitness and nutrition this fall so you can feel confident heading into the holidays.


Summer tends to fly by in a blur of travel, cookouts, and busy schedules. If you feel like you didn’t make the progress you wanted these past few months, you’re not alone. The good news? September is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and commit to simple habits that will carry you through the holidays feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident.

Here are five actionable steps you can start today:

1. Rebuild Your Routine With Small Wins
Don’t feel like you need to “go all in” right away. Instead, start by picking one or two healthy habits you know you can stick to — like walking 10 minutes after lunch or hitting your protein target at breakfast. Small wins create momentum and consistency, which matters more than perfection.


2. Prioritize Strength Training Over Endless Cardio
If fat loss and confidence are your goals, resistance training should be your foundation. Even two to three sessions per week can make a big difference in metabolism, strength, and energy. Plus, building muscle helps your body burn more calories at rest.


3. Fuel Your Body (Don’t Starve It)
Skipping meals or cutting calories too hard usually backfires — leaving you hungry, tired, and more likely to binge later. Instead, focus on eating enough lean protein, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats to fuel your day. Balanced meals keep blood sugar stable and make fat loss sustainable.


4. Get Back to Basics With Sleep & Stress
It’s easy to overlook, but your sleep quality and stress levels play a massive role in fat loss and overall health. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep and carve out even 5 minutes for deep breathing, journaling, or stretching. You’ll notice a difference in energy and cravings almost immediately.


5. Set a “Mini Goal” Before the Holidays
Rather than thinking about everything you want to achieve, pick a short-term goal to aim for between now and Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s losing 5 pounds, increasing your squat weight, or simply fitting into your favorite jeans more comfortably. Short deadlines keep motivation high.


✅ Remember: Fall is a fresh start, not a punishment for summer. You don’t need to overhaul your life to see results — just focus on consistency with the basics.

If you’re ready for accountability and a clear plan, I can help you simplify the process and finally reach your goals without restriction or burnout. Book a free discovery call here →

​

Summer is almost here—and if you’re like most women I coach, you’re probably feeling a little pressure to "get it together" before the season hits full swing. Maybe you’ve tried to start over more times than you can count. You’ve done the crazy cardio routines, skipped meals, cut carbs, and downloaded another free challenge hoping this time it will stick.
But let me tell you something powerful:

It’s not too late. You don’t need to be perfect. And you definitely don’t need to punish your body to feel confident this summer.
The next 90 days can look and feel completely different—not because you finally found the "magic fix," but because you focused on what actually works.
Let’s break it down.

​
Why Most Fat Loss Plans Don’t Work (And What to Do Instead)

The biggest mistake I see women make this time of year?
They go all in.

• 5-6 workouts a week
• Barely eating
• Hoping for the scale to drop fast
  
  And then life happens. A busy week. A skipped workout. A weekend of pizza and wine. Suddenly, you're "off track" and it all feels like a failure.

Here’s the truth: The all-or-nothing mindset is what’s keeping you stuck.
What works? Building a sustainable system of habits you can actually stick with—even on a busy Tuesday or a low-energy weekend.


5 Things You Can Start Doing Today

These are simple. They’re doable. And most importantly, they work.
1. Pick Your BAMs (Bare Ass Minimums)
These are the 4 daily non-negotiables I teach in my Phoenix Rising program:

• 8,000 steps per day
• Protein goal (aim for 25-30g per meal)
• Hydration + morning routine (start your day with electrolytes and 30 mins without your phone)
• 2-3 strength sessions per week
  
  

When you hit these, you're moving the needle—even if the scale doesn't budge overnight.

2. Choose 3 Autopilot Breakfasts + 3 Autopilot Lunches
Don’t play macro Tetris every night. Instead, create a simple meal rotation that hits your protein and fiber goals without making you think too hard.
Not sure how? I’ve got a free plug-and-play guide you can download right [here].

3. Lift Something Heavy Twice a Week
Cardio won’t shape your body—strength training will. You don’t need hours in the gym. Just commit to moving your body with resistance a couple times a week. Your metabolism and your future self will thank you.

4. Focus on MORE, Not Less
Instead of obsessing over what to cut, focus on what to add:

• More protein
• More movement
• More whole foods
• More water
• More rest
• More self-respect

That shift alone can change your whole mindset.

5. Track Your Wins (Not Just Your Weight)
You are not a number on a scale. Track your strength. Your energy. Your consistency. Your confidence. Because those are the things that stick when the scale fluctuates.


If You Start Now, You’ll Be So Glad You Did
Imagine where you could be 90 days from now if you stopped overcomplicating the process and just focused on the right things.
You could:

• Feel proud of your habits
• Get stronger and more energized
• Enjoy summer without the crash diet stress
• Build real momentum that lasts way beyond bikini season

And you don’t have to do it alone.



Something New Is Coming...

I’m getting ready to launch my brand-new Phoenix Rising Group Coaching Community before the end of this month—and it’s built just for women like you:

• Women who’ve tried it all.
• Women who are tired of starting over.
• Women who want guidance, accountability, and a no-BS system that actually works.
  
  

Inside, you’ll get everything from expert video lessons, weekly live coaching with me, 90-day challenges with cash prizes, and access to my training app with built-in habit tracking.

More details are coming soon—but if your gut says this could be the thing that finally sticks, stay close.

This summer? We rise. ✨


Ready to simplify your next 90 days? Start with your BAMs today, and watch what happens.
You in?

​

Losing weight in your 40s feels different than it did in your 20s and 30s—because it is! Many women notice that the strategies they once relied on (eating less, doing more cardio, skipping meals) no longer work. In fact, they often backfire, leading to stalled progress, low energy, and frustration.

The good news? Weight loss in your 40s is absolutely possible—you just need the right approach that supports your metabolism rather than wrecking it. Here’s how you can lose fat, build strength, and feel amazing without extreme dieting.
Why Losing Weight Feels Harder After 40Many women believe that weight gain in their 40s is just an unavoidable part of aging, but that’s not entirely true.

​The real reasons fat loss feels harder include:

✅ Hormonal Changes: Estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate, affecting how your body stores fat—often leading to more accumulation around the midsection.
✅ Muscle Loss: If you aren’t actively working to maintain or build muscle, your body naturally loses it over time, slowing your metabolism.
✅ Higher Stress Levels: Busy careers, family responsibilities, and less time for self-care lead to higher cortisol levels, which can contribute to fat storage.
✅ Slower Recovery: Your body doesn’t bounce back as quickly, making excessive exercise and undereating even more harmful.

So what’s the solution? Instead of chasing quick fixes, you need a sustainable, metabolism-friendly approach.

5 Steps to Losing Weight Without Damaging Your Metabolism

1. Prioritize Protein for Fat Loss and Muscle Retention. Protein is non-negotiable if you want to lose fat without losing muscle. It helps keep you full, supports muscle maintenance, and even has a thermic effect—meaning your body burns more calories digesting it.

💡 Goal: Aim for 0.7-1g of protein per pound of body weight daily.
🔹 Simple ways to hit your protein target:

• Start every meal with a protein source (chicken, fish, lean beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese).
• Keep high-protein snacks on hand (protein shakes, boiled eggs, turkey roll-ups, jerky).
• Don’t fear protein powders—they’re a convenient way to boost intake!

2. Strength Train to Keep Your Metabolism High

If you’re relying solely on cardio to lose weight, you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle. Strength training helps you build and preserve muscle, which keeps your metabolism fast and prevents that dreaded “skinny fat” look.

💡 Goal: Train 3-4x per week, focusing on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, hip thrusts, bench presses, and pull-ups.

🔹 Strength training benefits:

• Increases metabolism, so you burn more calories even at rest.
• Improves bone density and joint health.
• Helps reshape your body so you look lean rather than just “smaller.”
• 
  

3. Stop Starving Yourself—Eat ENOUGH for Fat Loss

One of the biggest mistakes women make in their 40s is eating too little.

Severely cutting calories might lead to weight loss at first, but it also causes muscle loss, slows your metabolism, and increases cravings, making long-term fat loss nearly impossible.

💡 Solution: Instead of eating as little as possible, focus on eating enough to fuel your workouts and recovery. A reasonable calorie deficit (200-500 calories below maintenance) is plenty to see steady fat loss.
🔹 How to know if you’re eating too little:

• You feel constantly fatigued and irritable.
• You’ve hit a weight loss plateau despite eating less.
• You experience intense cravings or binge episodes.
• 
  

4. Balance Your Cardio—Don’t Overdo It

Cardio is great for heart health, but excessive cardio can increase stress hormones, break down muscle, and slow your metabolism.

💡 Goal: Instead of spending hours on the treadmill, aim for 2-3 days of cardio per week and make it intentional—think brisk walks, incline treadmill work, or short HIIT sessions.

🔹 Best cardio options for fat loss:

• Daily walks (at least 8,000 steps per day)
• 20-30 minutes of incline walking or cycling
• 1-2 short HIIT sessions per week (optional)
• 
  

5. Manage Stress & Prioritize SleepCortisol (your stress hormone) plays a huge role in fat loss, especially around the midsection. High stress combined with poor sleep can increase cravings, slow metabolism, and make weight loss feel impossible.

💡 Solution: Create habits that reduce stress and improve recovery.
🔹 Simple stress-reducing habits:

• Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
• Set boundaries with work and personal responsibilities.
• Take 5-10 minutes a day for deep breathing, meditation, or journaling.
• Prioritize hobbies and time outdoors to relax your nervous system.
• 
  

The Bottom Line: You CAN Lose Fat at 40+ Without Wrecking Your Metabolism

If your goal is to lose weight in your 40s and beyond, the old ways of dieting and endless cardio won’t cut it. Instead, focus on building muscle, eating enough protein, and managing stress.

By following these steps, you won’t just lose weight—you’ll feel stronger, have more energy, and create a body that looks and feels incredible for years to come.

🚀 Ready to lose fat and get strong without the diet rollercoaster? Stay tuned—I have something coming soon that will help you get there! 💪🔥


​

As the New Year approaches, many people find themselves motivated to prioritize health and fitness. However, studies show that only 9% of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions long-term. Setting realistic and achievable fitness goals can be the key to becoming part of this successful minority.

​Why Setting Realistic Goals MattersUnrealistic expectations often lead to burnout and discouragement. For example, attempting to lose 20 pounds in one month or committing to daily gym visits when you’ve been sedentary sets you up for failure. According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, people who set small, incremental goals are 50% more likely to maintain new habits over a year.

Tips for Setting Achievable Fitness Goals

1. Follow the SMART Framework
   Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” aim for, “I’ll walk for 30 minutes, five days a week, for the next three months.”
2. Focus on Process Goals, Not Just Outcomes
   Outcome goals like “losing 10 pounds” are important, but process goals, such as “completing three workout sessions per week,” keep you focused on actions you can control.
3. Start Small
   If you’re new to exercise, start with manageable activities. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, which can be broken into 10-minute intervals.
4. Track Your Progress
   Use a fitness app or journal to monitor your achievements. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that tracking progress increases the likelihood of achieving goals by 42%.
5. Celebrate Milestones
   Reward yourself for small victories, such as completing your first month of workouts. Positive reinforcement strengthens new habits.
   ​
   

Common Fitness Goals and How to Tackle Them

1. Weight Loss
   • Aim to lose 1-2 pounds per week, a safe and sustainable rate according to the National Institute of Health.
   • Combine a caloric deficit with strength training to preserve muscle mass.
2. Building Muscle
   • Prioritize strength training with progressive overload, aiming for at least 2-3 sessions per week.
   • Ensure adequate protein intake (¾ to 1 gram per pound of body weight).
3. Improving Endurance
   • Start with activities like walking, cycling, or swimming. Gradually increase duration and intensity by 10% per week to avoid injury.
4. Enhancing Flexibility
   • Incorporate stretching or yoga into your routine for 10-15 minutes daily. Studies suggest this reduces muscle stiffness and improves overall performance.

Overcoming Common Barriers

1. Time Constraints
   Integrate short, effective workouts like High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which can improve cardiovascular health in as little as 20 minutes. For even quicker options, try the Ascend Fitness app and its 15 Minutes of Fire program, designed to get you in and out of the gym in just 15 minutes while delivering maximum results.
2. Loss of Motivation
   ​Keep your goals visible and adjust them as needed. A friend or accountability partner can also help you stay on track. Hiring a coach, like Coach Kayli or myself, can provide personalized support, structure, and encouragement to keep you motivated and progressing toward your goals.
3. Plateaus
   Regularly update your routine by increasing intensity, trying new exercises, or adjusting your diet to continue seeing progress.
   
   This year, set yourself up for success by crafting fitness goals that are realistic, actionable, and aligned with your lifestyle. By taking small steps and celebrating your progress, you can make 2025 the year you achieve lasting health and fitness.