In the Sister-in-Strength Snapshot series, I want to introduce you to some of the fantastic women I’ve had the pleasure to meet and befriend on my own journey. The pursuit of strength can sometimes seem like a lonely affair, in a world that works hard to convince us that we should shrink ourselves instead of taking more space. Each woman highlighted in this series is one that you should definitely get to know!

Name: Kourtney Thomas
Age: 33
Location: Fountain, CO

WHAT DOES STRENGTH MEAN TO YOU?

Strength, to me, is simple and complicated, all at the same time. It definitely encompasses more than physical strength – it’s always mental and emotional too. Strength is confidence, it’s comfort, it’s facing fears, it’s living big. I feel strong when I make progress in the gym or see new muscles popping out. But I feel strong when I cry through struggles too. I feel strong mastering the things I know I’m good at, and I feel strong taking chances and trying new things. Strength is standing firm in who I am, but not being afraid of change and evolution.

Photo: Alecia Hoyt Photography

HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH STRENGTH EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?

Oh goodness, yes. I really had no concept of physical strength at all until my late twenties. Exploring that for myself is what led to strength in all aspects of my life. I always considered myself to be fairly self-confident, but exploring fitness, and then mindset, revealed a lot about personal strength that I had never even considered. Learning that I was strong enough to run multiple marathons was a huge deal. Learning that I was strong enough to start and build a successful business was a game-changer. Learning that I was strong enough to work through any physical challenge I decided to take on is what led to the strength to create and live my Big Life. And actually, to even consider the idea of Big Arms, Big Life! With every step in strength, I have continued to take bigger jumps and grow in more ways than I ever thought possible.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION IN LIFE?

My husband is absolutely my compass. We’re very similar, but very different at the same time, and walking side by side with him, continually learning from each other is the most wonderful and inspiring challenge to live better every day. And I’m continually inspired by my clients, old and new. There are days when I wonder what I’m doing, if it’s worth doing, and out of the blue, I get an update and I know it’s all worthwhile. Seeing the accomplishments my clients have made is incredible, and it inspires me to live bigger and to never be afraid to follow my heart and do what’s calling me.

Photo: Alecia Hoyt Photography

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL MANTRA OR YOUR FAVOURITE SAYING?

I’m not too big on mantras, but I guess you could say it’s Big Arms, Big Life! It’s definitely the way I live my life.

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT TO SEND OUT TO THE WORLD ABOUT WOMEN AND STRENGTH?

Don’t ever downplay any display of your incredible strength because society tells you to. From getting through the day with work and kids, to bench pressing your bodyweight, don’t be afraid to recognize your strength for what it is. Embrace it, whatever it means to you. And exploring physical strength for yourself can only be a positive thing – it leads to joy, fulfillment, and confidence in any endeavor.

To discover more about Kourtney:
Website: Kourtney Thomas
FB: Kourtney Thomas Fitness
IG: @kthomasfitness