Putting strength training in the hands of survivors.

Working with an individual who can afford expert instruction on an ongoing basis limits those who can benefit from weightlifting.

Countless articles point out the benefits of physical exercise for the body and the mind. One particular form of exercise that has been proven to be extremely successful for people working to overcome trauma is weight training!

Many fitness professionals understand what feeling strong can do both mentally and physically. "When I plant my feet in preparation to squat, I imagine I am rooting my body to the ground. Ain't nothing gonna move me. I will move this weight."- says one personal trainer about lifting.

Yet, weight lifting Coach, Keith Allaway points out, " One reason, I believe that yoga and various forms of cardio vascular exercises have been used as a tool to help survivors process trauma is that the entry point is much lower. With strength training, not only does one need professional instruction but one also needs equipment and access to a safe space."

We agree! Weight lifting truly empowers people.

Yet, for correct and successful weight training, one needs:

• A safe environment

• Knowledgeable trainer

• Continuous motivation

• A supportive structure

• The financial means

The challenge is that unless you can afford a personal trainer, a gym, or equipment, you're out of luck using weightlifting as a form of wellness or mental health. Sure, one could watch a video or even an app that might guide you through a weightlifting routine but there is nothing to give you feedback if you are performing the movement correctly. There is something that just doesn't feel right about that.

It is precisely for this reason that a group of like-minded fitness professionals banded together. We are strong advocates of weight training as a way to empower people. Our goal is to bring weight training to a population that may not have access to some or all of the elements listed above. With that in mind, we have created a non-profit organization— Muscle Inspires New Empowerment (M.I.N.E).

MINE contracts with seasoned fitness professionals who are trauma sensitive to share their knowledge to help low-income survivors of gender-based violence learn a strength training routine that they can do for themselves. We fitness professionals might know lifting but the clients, the survivors, are experts in their own bodies. Together we can co-create a program that will fit each individual.

Perhaps a way to visualize what this process looks like, it to imagine you are working with a colleague who will be taking over your project at work. Your task is to make sure they understand what the project's goal, avoid pitfalls, and help to develop strategies together so that they are successful. Ultimately, you know that you will be stepping out of the picture and you want to make sure your colleague has all the tools they need to be successful.

Knowledge of how to perform and evaluate one's own weightlifting routine is only part of the equation. Banding with others to form a community of support is an essential component. Graduates of MINE are encouraged to become workout partners or accountability buddies with each other. This will help provide support structure and motivation which can be challenging.

Not everyone has access to a place lift. This can be a big barrier. Even if there is a place, it is possible that the gym might not feel welcoming for that person. NYC is lucky to have https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters . For $75 one can get a six-month membership. Graduates of MINE will get access to a place that they feel comfortable to lift for one full year. to a place like NYC park and Rec or someplace similar.

We have a long way to go in making sure everyone has access to strength training and all of its benefits. Please donate to MINE today an put the power of knowledge in a survivor's hands.