Welcome to Empower Health and Fitness!

Before becoming “Empower” the idea of it had long been in my Physical Therapy centered mind—but didn’t quite seem possible. I have been in PT for over 12 years, and I have also been a Personal Trainer in our local community since 2019. I thoroughly enjoy my work, my patients, and clients, and believe 100% that this is what God put me on this earth to do.

I started personal training because I noticed a gap in the system after physical therapy: There was nowhere for our patients to go once they completed their care to achieve next level strengthening, conditioning, or results. “Now what”? We recommend they go to a gym or community center, even which machines and equipment to use. But seldom do they try to integrate (or even want to). It seemed the questions “Where do I go? Who do I see? Will they know what to do with my recent injury/surgery? How do I work out with all this stuff? I want to keep going, but what if I hurt myself?” were all too common and I wanted to provide an answer to those questions and a bridge for the gap.

Specializing in post-PT training, as well as general personal training and fitness, I began to see clients for their various personal goals. All varieties: post-surgery, post injury, graduated from PT but needed the next level of strength and function, weight loss, ‘I have no clue what to do in a gym’, ‘I don’t want to hurt myself’, ‘I need accountability’, ‘I’d like specific training for “X” body system’, and the list is goes on!

The personal training-style always invigorated me because the clients were ALL IN on their goals and knew that I was there to help them achieve it! They had higher abilities and higher functions in order for me to challenge them in reaching their personal goals.

In October of 2024, I really began to feel prompted to continue teaching and training this style, in a space of my own. To empower people with gym education and ease of workouts, and to improve continuity of care. As I inquired about this new possibility, I was very clearly called to absolutely create this type of space, but specifically to provide programs and support for active oncology patients and cancer survivors. It was then that “Empower” was given its name and the process for creating it began. Empowering others in this way is what I am purposed to do.

We all know that another glaring hole in the system is lack of cancer services. We can all think of at least one person we know with cancer- I won’t bore you with the statistical numbers- but this is an unfortunately large, and growing population. Working with cancer patients, I can see the difficulties, and the progression of not only the disease but of the treatments that have to be just as harsh as the disease.

This is a large space that I feel called to fill to give support and hope through training programs to this population. Movement, functional tasking, education, and maintenance are vital during both disease and treatment processes. However, this is not widely used, taught, or implemented and its benefits should not be overlooked or underestimated! I have knowledge and specialty in this area working with cancer patients previously, and I’d like to not only implement it, but share it more—By empowering active patients to a better quality of life through their journey.

This also includes cancer Survivors!! There is so much that goes into getting to ring that bell! But now what? How do you go back to normal? Do you want to go back to the normal you knew before diagnosis? What about a new- dare I say- better normal? Empower was specifically designed for you! I’d like to use my gifts and knowledge to help you rebuild and thrive, not just survive.

I have seen first-hand the frustrating and challenging sides of Survivorship—even after such a great victory! But sometimes at the finish line, we are exhausted from the hard fight and our bodies have scars: physical and mental. But slowly, the body will heal, and we can regain. This process can be slow with ups and downs —but with the right help and guidance—you can steadily rebuild and reach your goals! I believe Empower was purposed in me to help you do just that.

Thank you for visiting and taking time to learn more about our story, our mission, and the heart behind Empower Health and Fitness! -Tori