In today’s fitness market, cardio is overhyped, variety is used in excess, 6-week starvation challenges are the norm, and more is treated as better.
Our view is rather basic but, in a sense, a counterculture position in the gym scene: we treat strength as our base and prioritize quality over quantity, allowing clients to thrive as they age.
We do this through quality of movement and consistency, training over exercising, and a firm belief that more isn’t better…better is better!
Hi there, I just wanted to reintroduce myself to our new members and followers. I’m Jocelyn, the owner of our small but mighty gym in the heart of the St Johns neighborhood in Portland. Our goal at PDXSTRENGTH is to make everyone feel welcome. We strive to provide educational, fun, safe and inclusive workouts every time you step foot in our door. We are an anti-diet culture fitness studio. We’re anti-everything that makes you feel like you should always be trying to get smaller. You deserve to be here exactly how you are. We think that’s important, you deserve to be here exactly how you are. I’m always here for any questions/feedback. Thanks for all the support these past 10 plus years. Xoxo
The fitness industry can definitely foster unhealthy relationships with body image, food and eating. From someone who has battled eating disorders from age 17, it’s filled with triggers – yet I’m still involved with an industry whose noxious breadcrumbs led me down a very dangerous path. So why am I still here? I’m in love with movement and I’ve learned some valuable lessons on how to tune into my own internal GPS instead of chasing hazardous ideals. This defiance has become part of my mission and why I choose to be here in this industry and why I fight for it to be more welcoming. But honestly with a history of toxic thoughts and unhealthy patterns, I have to be proactive about how I navigate and exist in the fitness space. Here’s some things we promote at the studio to help: 1. I do not participate in weight loss or body shaming conversations. 2. I don’t talk about an exercise being good for a better looking body part or looking good for bikini season etc. 3. I avoid labeling food and exercise as good or bad. 4. I check myself regularly. I can’t exist in a hole where eating disorder triggers are banished. So at times I need to reframe my thoughts from what my body looks like to what my body can do. 5. I listen intently to my body. For example if my body needs fuel, I give it fuel instead of overthinking what I should or should not be eating. ❤️ we are here to help protect your mental and physical well being at PDXSTRENGTH. There is a thin line between the healing power of movement and the detrimental impacts of the fitness culture and every day I try to stay sharp enough not to cross it. Xoxo Jossy ❤️
We were asked to do a quick segment on the Movement Monday Segment on KOIN news. My trusty side kick Zelmo joined in on the fun and we shared some fun bodyweight movements you can do anywhere. We always push for fun with our workouts, because if it is not enjoyable, it’s really tough to stay motivated and consistent. Thanks KOIN news for inviting us!
https://www.koin.com/am-extra/move-it-monday-fun-consistent-workouts-are-key/