What good is physical fitness for women?
Working out isn’t just about looking fit—it’s one of the best tools for women’s overall health:
Balances hormones: Reduces PMS symptoms, supports PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome), and eases menopause changes.
Strengthens bones & joints: Lowers risk of osteoporosis and keeps you moving with less pain.
Protects the heart: Improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and cuts diabetes risk.
Boosts mood & energy: Fights stress, anxiety, and fatigue while improving sleep.
Supports healthy weight: Builds muscle, increases metabolism, and helps long-term weight control.
👉 Regular movement = stronger, happier, and healthier at every stage of life.
Are Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc. helping me to become more healthy?
Glucagon-Like Peptides (GLP-1s) occur naturally in the human body, where they stimulate insulin release, slow stomach emptying, and increase feelings of fullness. The medications you’ve been hearing so much about—now used by roughly 1 in 10 adults—work by mimicking these natural hormones. Injected GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic have been shown to reduce cravings, promote significant weight loss, and help people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes lower their A1C levels. Emerging research also points to added benefits for heart and kidney health.
All of this is exciting—but it’s important to zoom out and look at the bigger picture:
Muscle Mass Matters: Without strength training or physical activity, weight loss can come from both fat and lean muscle. Losing too much muscle lowers your resting metabolic rate, making long-term weight maintenance more difficult.
Exercise Enhances Results: Resistance training helps preserve (and even build) lean mass while shedding fat. Cardio further supports heart health, endurance, and energy balance.
Metabolic Health: Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories at rest and improves blood sugar control—perfectly complementing the effects of GLP-1 medications.
Sustainability: While medications like Ozempic can jump-start progress, lasting health changes still depend on lifestyle habits: smart nutrition, regular movement, and adequate recovery.
Bottom line: GLP-1 medications are a powerful tool, but they work best when paired with exercise and muscle-preserving strategies. That’s what makes results not only effective, but sustainable and protective for long-term health. True North Fitness Lab is here to guide YOU on YOUR fitness journey with/without help from the GLP1’s- let’s do this!
What is body recomposition?
Many people who seek personal training are actually aiming for something called body recomposition—a process focused on building lean skeletal muscle mass while simultaneously reducing unwanted body fat. This approach is especially effective for beginners or individuals with visible fat stores. The keys to success are consistent strength training and creating a modest calorie deficit of about 200–400 calories per day.
As lean muscle mass increases, your resting metabolic rate also rises, meaning you burn more calories—and more fat—throughout the day. Once you’ve reached a body mass index (BMI) or overall physique you’re happy with, the focus shifts to maintenance.
For more experienced lifters, training may include structured bulking and cutting phases—periods dedicated to muscle growth followed by leaning down for enhanced definition.
No matter your starting point, True North Fitness Lab can safely guide you toward your goals with effective personal training and personalized nutritional coaching.
Start your transformation today—your strongest self is waiting.
How is Tonal 2 Different than “regular” weights in the Gym?
Glad you asked!
Tonal’s digital weight system is a game-changer. Unlike traditional weights, where momentum and inertia can help you “cheat” your way through reps once the weight gets heavy, Tonal requires controlled movement—there’s no swinging your way to the finish line!
Tonal 2 also offers advanced features like Spotter Mode, Chains, Smart Flex, and more. These tools increase time under tension, which is one of the most effective ways to build muscle. Ever see someone flinging weights around at lightning speed? Unless they're training for explosive power (like elite athletes), they’re not only wasting energy—they’re also risking injury. Proper form matters, and Tonal helps you maintain it with smart resistance and real-time feedback.
Beyond lifting, Tonal delivers a full suite of programming: Yoga, Meditation, High-Intensity Interval Training (Aero HIIT), and more. It’s truly a complete home gym.
After decades of lifting in traditional gyms, I can confidently say Tonal delivers a more targeted, muscle-building experience. Personally, I use both traditional weights and Tonal to get the best of both worlds.
Now it’s YOUR turn to experience state-of-the-art fitness!
Welcome to True North Fitness Lab, LLC
It all begins with an idea.
Finding My True North
As a kid, I was fairly active — playing tennis, basketball, riding bikes, swimming, and more. Despite all that movement, I was also quite chubby. Looking back, I now realize I was consuming far more food (energy) than I was using each day.
Most afternoons after school, I’d come home hungry and devour a bag of chips or some other salty, carb-loaded snack until I was stuffed. Then I’d crash on the couch, nap the afternoon away, and wake up just in time for dinner. I remember having to wear pants larger than most kids my age, and I was constantly battling colds, sore throats, and sinus infections. My self-confidence was low, and I was often jealous of classmates who didn’t struggle with their weight. And so the cycle continued — until I left for college.
In the fall of 1990, everything started to change. I enrolled in an “Intro to Weight Lifting” class, not knowing what to expect. On the very first day, as we walked into the gym, I noticed an upperclassman (not part of our class) stretching off to the side. His sculpted, muscular physique was eye-catching, but what impressed me even more was his focus and dedication to his routine — especially his commitment to stretching and proper form. He was there nearly every class, and his consistency inspired me.
As I began learning the basics of weight lifting, I quickly got hooked. Within weeks, I started noticing physical changes. Yes, I was sore — but I was also getting stronger. My belly began to shrink, and my muscles started to grow. Most importantly, my self-confidence was rising for the first time in years. Walking long distances across campus helped burn even more calories, and for the first time, I was in an environment where I had control and was accountable for my outcomes.
Now, 35 years later, I still train consistently and remain mindful of how I fuel my body. Sure, there are some aches and pains that come with aging joints, but overall, I feel strong, mobile, and healthy. I work out most weekdays and often squeeze in a weekend session too.
Today, my mission is to help others feel better, move better, gain strength, and build confidence. That’s why I founded True North Fitness Lab, LLC — to help YOU find YOUR True North. I’m so thankful to have found mine.