Welcome, It's great to meet you!

I'm Ashleigh O'Brien.

Who I love to serve:

I'm passionate about helping underserved populations gain access to quality fitness, habit change and wellness coaching and support:

  • Elderly and Aging Population - often ignored and met with disinterest by fitness and wellness (and sometimes medical) professionals and communities.
  • Those with nervous system dysregulation (often caused by trauma or long term excessive stress and overwhelm) - who often, cannot just push through it or 'just do it' because their bodies will betray them.
  • Those who've struggled with their weight regardless of effort and motivation - who are often given up on by professionals because none of their normal advice and products/services work.
  • Post physical/occupational therapy - because we each only get so many physical therapy sessions covered in a year and often need more than we get to regain full function after injury, surgery or significant life change.

My professional experience:

  • I've been a certified personal trainer for 15 years.
  • I have an Associates of Applied Science in Physical Therapy and practiced as a Physical Therapist Assistant for 3 years. (license expired)
    • I prefer the freedom of personal training, outside of the restrictive construct of insurance based health care.
    • I also acknowledge and celebrate that I'm a much better trainer and coach because of my education and professional experience.

My personal experience:

  • I've struggled with obesity, an eating disorder and negative self image.
  • I've lived with the effects of significant childhood trauma.
  • I've experienced the healing power of mental health therapy, as well as personal exploration of how to heal and live well through lifestyle support, exercise, nutrition, self love and self acceptance.
  • I've learned that being present is the only place we can truly live while accepting that ignoring to past and not planning for the future, makes the present less pleasant to live in. Balance is key and looks different for each of us.

My approach:

  • Most of us cannot force our way to health, fitness and wellness.
  • We must learn to have compassion, love and acceptance for ourselves.
  • Motivation comes from what we really want combined with what we can truly tolerate. Most of us try to change too much too quickly.
  • Energy comes from lifestyle, not just food (or coffee/energy drinks) and sleep.
  • Everyone can build fitness, regardless of their current state.
  • Everyone can benefit from improving their fitness even if you have restrictions.
  • Core muscles are for holding and protecting your organs and skeleton in proper position.
    • If you want visible abs, you'll have to get your body fat low enough for them to be visible. That comes from diet, not endless ab work.
  • Ladies - It's likely your thighs will always touch. We're made that way on purpose.
  • Gents - Your chest, calves and shoulders can absolutely grow but you will likely have to be very consistent for a long time (years) to see results you really want.
  • CELEBRATE EVERY WIN!
  • Humans are meant to work together.
  • Start where you are.
  • Let it take the time it takes.

I’m so glad you’re here!

With love,
Ashleigh