05/21/2026
Let's hear it for our first Lioness of May... Maria!🥳
It's crazy to think that Maria has already been with the pride for a year and a half, but here she is knocking on the door of 150 classes!!!! This is what consistency looks like, folks. Maria is one of those super curious lifters that we love to nerd out with about muscles and movement. She asks great questions, is excited to learn new skills and shows up even on the hard days. She knows her dedication to strength will keep her kickin' ass for the long haul and doesn't let excuses get in her way. Her joyful personality, mixed with just the right amount of sass, makes her a great addition to any class! We are so proud of how far she has come and have no doubt she will reach any goal she sets for herself!
Keep crushing it, Maria!💪
Here's her story...
💜Tell us a little about yourself outside of the gym:
Outside of the gym you will find me hanging out with my husband and our 2 active kids who are 13 and 10 or snuggled up on the couch with my fur baby Dash! I love to bike outdoors, garden, bake, read when I have time, and cheer for my kids at their soccer and basketball games! I am also privileged to work with amazing women in my private practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with mamas/birth parents during pregnancy, postpartum, parenting years and beyond! My favorite comfort food is baked potatoes or pastries from Bloom Bakehouse! Not sure what relaxing is these days, but when I get a chance, I love to watch Grey’s Anatomy or other dramas, go for a walk, connect with friends, or sit on our screened in porch!
💜What brought you to Lioness and what keeps you here?
Soccer moms helping other soccer moms! I was talking with Sarah at a few of our daughter’s soccer games about wanting to start lifting but not knowing where I would fit in. Sarah was raving about trying where she went and passed on a December promo. I tried it and was hooked! What keeps me here: Stellar coaches who are both encouraging and offer a nudge when I need it, the amazing communality of supportive women, and really just how I feel every time I come tired but leave feeling energized!
💜What is your favorite muscle group to work?
I like the variety of muscle groups we get to work on at Lioness and the number of different ways to lift or move that we get exposed to. I have really been surprised by enjoying bench pressing and lat pulldowns and seeing my strength increase over time! Balance work has also been super helpful too!
💜What are you most proud of accomplishing with Lioness?
I remember thinking early on when I joined “Am I really the type of person who is going to consistently come and lift, I’m just not sure that is me.” Crazy enough it is absolutely me and I truly enjoy lifting and am here for the long haul!
💜What is the fitness/wellness goal you would like to accomplish in the next 6 months?
I want to consistently bench press 75+lbs! I have done it once for a few reps and worked up over the past year and a half increasing from starting at the bar, so I want to keep seeing how high I can go! Also, I have rediscovered my core that has been tucked away for many years since having kids and even though it has been at times a painful reintroduction, I want to keep working to build my core strength! I see being able to hold a plank position for a full 40 seconds in my future!
💜What advice do you have for our newer members or those thinking about jumping in?
Go for it! Lioness is for every woman who want to feel good in her body and be in a community of women who support one another at all ages, shapes, and stages of life! It’s also totally ok to ask lots of questions when you don’t remember how to do a move at a station, Kelley see’s that look on my face, and is right there to demo it with me again!
