We recently connected with Rhonda Freeman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rhonda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I was raised by a single mother and I am an only child. I am not sure if it was a conscious decision she made or a result of the circumstances we were in, but I was raised to be very independent. There were no handouts, there were no birthday parties, no home cooked meals, just a lot of figure it out on your own. I may not have appreciated it in the moment, but as an adult I realize I would not be the person I am and would not have been able to accomplish what I have without that upbringing. I believe when you have to work for something, you appreciate it more. I appreciate the knowledge you have to acquire and the grit you have to put in to achieve long term goals as a result of my upbringing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the fitness industry as a result of not taking care of myself which created health issues and trying to find a way to a better life. In 2018 I joined a boot camp at Junction City Crossfit in my town to try and be more active and have someone hold me accountable. In 2020, I pivoted into solely weight lifting. I entered the world of powerlifting in 2021 and have competed in 11 powerlifting meets since then.

After seeing how much taking note of my body and what it needs to be healthy, I wanted to share that information and help others. I completed several different certifications under ACE and ISSA including health coach, powerlifting coach, strength coach and nutrition coach. This has given me both the educational base and experience to help others succeed.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I started later in life than most athletes, with no fitness or sports background. I had to learn the sport and start my training from the beginning while in my mid-30’s. Becoming an athlete later in life creates a real learning curve when listening to your body. I have had several “bumps” along the road that have helped me learn the importance of recovery, nutrition, and seep and how they affect your body. This particular background gives me the knowledge to help others that are just beginning their fitness journey later in life.

I am most proud of how far I have come in a relatively short amount of time and the personal growth I have made along the way. I started with super ugly lifts and now, only 3 years later, I am a national and state record holder. I have had the opportunity to compete in numerous locations on a local level, national level and world level. Last month I had the honor of competing as of the six members of the Master’s Team USA at IPL Worlds in Oregon where we brought home the gold!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn instant gratification. Powerlifting is not a sport that gives instant gratification. You must put in the work day after day to see the results add up. I am not a patient person by nature so becoming an athlete in this sport was different that what I had been accustomed to. I learned to enjoy each lift and be happy with what my body can do. I learned how all the small things that you do think matter, really do. This unlearning has helped me to be a better person, coach, friend, mother and athlete. Appreciating the moment is one of the greatest gifts powerlifting has given me.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think having control of your mindset and having perseverance are the most helpful tips for succeeding as an athlete and in life for that matter. It may not be as simple as “if you think you can, you can”; but there is something to be said for believing in yourself and visualizing your goals. The same rules that use for my training, I use for my life.

Competing in powerlifting as a sport takes resilience. It is long game and you have to train for years to really get good. I have found so many similarities in the challenges of the sport and how the they transfer over into day to day life. We are all capable of getting stronger.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.reddphoenixx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddphoenixx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.freeman.79
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-freeman-b8047b100/

Image Credits
Shutter Sports Productions Charles Miller of Studio 34 Rhonda Freeman