The Power of Coaching—and the Example That Lasts a Lifetime

Let me tell you a little story about Kayla.

Kayla is a dedicated single mom. Dedicated to her role as a mama—and equally dedicated to showing up for herself. She never misses a day at the gym, and she brings her son along.

At first, he sat quietly on the bench and observed. Now, he confidently jumps right in. He watched her lead, and now he’s following suit.

That’s how priorities are built early. Fitness becomes a non-negotiable. Not just when it’s easy—but on the hard days, the busy days, and the seasons when life feels like a lot. Kayla is teaching her son something powerful: you can’t take care of anyone at your best unless you take care of yourself first.

Now let’s talk coaching.

During a workout last week, Kayla thought I was joking when I dropped a second sandbag on her lap. She hit the floor and looked at me like, “Very funny—take it off.” But on the next round, we adjusted her setup. I reminded her that she deadlifts more than this.

And just like that—TADA.

She crushed reps in her final round, when fatigue was at its peak.

That’s the magic of coaching.

Sometimes, progress doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from having someone see what you’re capable of before you do. Someone who pushes when you doubt, adjusts when things feel off, and reminds you of your strength when you forget.

That’s what takes you from where you are today to where you’re trying to go.

And if you watch closely, you’ll see the real full-circle moment at the end—her son doing his thing in shiny black sneakers, already learning what consistency looks like.