We recently connected with Bridget Schneider and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bridget thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

When clients enter the health and wellness field, many of them find themselves dissatisfied about various aspects of our lives. However, we manifest our discontent in the way we view ourselves, particularly our outward appearance. Instead of setting a weight goal, I ask clients to think of three goals they have that have nothing to do with their appearance.

The best work I have done with clients is when they are willing to dig below the surface. When a client asks more of themselves, they dig into their history, current limiting beliefs, and the source of their habits. The health and wellness journey does not start and end with the number on the scale, the size on a pair of jeans, or the way someone believes they look in the mirror. The journey starts in the soul and pours forth from those roots.

My favorite texts from clients never involve a measurable success. True success lies in having an enhanced life and empowered adventures. When we toss out diet culture, focus on empowerment, and give ourselves grace, these are some examples of the feedback I receive:

“I have never had a conversation with my trainer at MFJ about losing weight. It has always been about strength, growth and how this improved my overall health. I needed that experience.”

“I can walk up those steps lighting fast, with power underneath me. I can manhandle the groceries into the house with ease. I can carry my kids like the powerful mama I am.”

“Training with MFJ has opened my eyes to the importance of taking care of myself – not just physicially, but emotionally.

Training with MFJ has allowed me to reevaluate my lifestyle and has pushed me towards finding a way of being active everyday – not just for appearences, but for my overall wellness.

Bridget has helped me identify why it’s so necessary to listen to what my body is telling me, and that there is so much more to fitness and health than trying to lose weight and meet a beauty standard.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

When I began my first career after college, I was in a new city and struggled to find activities and friends. I joined a gym and began spending much of my time there. I followed several generic workouts and tried out different gyms. Finally, I hired an online personal trainer who inspired me to push myself and dig into the training field.

During this same time, I entered into what would become a physically and emotionally abusive relationship. In the midst of this, I found solace at the gym. At a time when I needed it most, I became empowered through lifting.

In 2013, I entered a bodybuilding show. During my preparation for the bodybuilding competition, I was introduced to a few powerlifters. I transitioned from bodybuilding to powerlifting and became bolder and began realizing my worth. At this time, I drew the strength to completely sever ties with and free myself from my emotionally and physically abusive boyfriend.

Shortly after, I competed in my first powerlifting meet. As 2014 started, my Dad was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease. I knew I was meant to move back to Des Moines where my parents lived. After questioning and agonizing over the timing, it became abundantly clear to me that it was time to move and change careers. I gave my career in South Dakota notice and started applying to gyms in Des Moines.

From June of 2014 through 2017, a series of events propelled me forward to pursue my own business and eventually my own personal training studio.

I wanted to create an environment that felt safe, but also a place where I could push my clients beyond their comfort zones. I wanted the studio to feel uplifting and yet challenging. This was going to be a place for conquerors. In the last few days of 2017, I opened what is now Muscle for the Journey, a personal training studio.

Muscle for the Journey is a place of empowerment where we look beyond the mirror, the scale, and societal standards to allow the work you do in the gym to transfer to the rest of life. Everyone has a different walk, for this reason I offer in person training sessions, individualized workout programs, and 8 week skill level/goal oriented workout programs. I focus on form and approach clients as the whole individuals they are – mind, body, and soul.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

My first career was as the Communications Director for an international non-profit who partnered with doctors in their own countries. I loved this career and I enjoyed traveling. Although my first career seems to be very different from the career I am in now as a personal trainer and business owner, the two careers have complemented each other very well.

Being an extroverted introvert, my job can be very draining at times. Owning a business feels like a roller coaster and at times I desire a break. However, I can say with confidence this is the career I have been called to and will continue in. Interpersonal relationships are what will change the world and I am grateful to have this opportunity.

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

As a female in the weightlifting world, I had to unlearn the idea that I needed to prove myself to anyone. I am the owner of the first female-owned strength training studio in town. At first, I thought this meant I had something to prove to my clients and to men in this industry. Rather, my focus only needs to be on leaning into my clients and their needs. My background gives me insight into what lies beneath the surface of my clients’ wellness journeys. Success is not measured in the perception others have of you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.muscleforthejourney.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muscleforthejourney/
• Facebook: facebook.com/muscleforthejourney
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@muscleforthejourney/

Image Credits
Brugger Photography