What is your strength activity, how long, how’d you get started?
I’ve been a powerlifter for over 10 years. I began lifting weights as a young kid with my dad in our basement. He was the one who introduced me into powerlifting. We use to sit at the table to eat breakfast and read Powerlifting USA magazine together in the 90’s when I was a kid.
What is one obstacle you faced that developed you in the person you are today? Was it worth it?
I developed anxiety at a very young age. I have struggled all my life with feeling worthless and unloveable because of my experiences. As difficult it was (and still can be at moments) to shake those thoughts of feeling worthless and unseen, I am so grateful because those experiences have made me more compassionate toward others, more understanding of others struggles.
In college I ended up struggling with substance abuse big time. That piece of my journey also stemmed from my childhood hurt and trauma but led me to opportunities I could never have imagined. Being able to help others in recovery after getting clean made me feel like I had value and had something to offer others hurting as badly as I had.
I wouldn’t change a single part of my story. I went through all that I did because God had bigger plans to use a humble, broken vessel like me to love and encourage others. I’m very thankful.
What would you tell someone that is afraid to get into powerlifting?
Don’t be afraid! The thing I love most about the powerlifting community is no one cares how long you’ve been doing it, how strong you are, what you look like—if you get hyped over pushing the limits of your abilities—you’re in. You’re one of us. Even at meets, the entire crowd—including your “competition”—is cheering you on. No matter what. There are no qualifiers to that. We just love to see other people succeed. By the end of Meet day, complete strangers become friends and those friends often turn to family. Don’t be afraid or intimidated to start. Just start. Anyway you can. And know that your powerlifting fam is behind you from Day 1.
What does HER strength mean to you?
Most of the time when you hear strength you think of power, toughness, whether mental or physical. But to me, HER strength has been a journey of love, grace and humility. There is a specific type of strength required to show others grace and mercy, to love those who make it difficult, to love yourself when you fall short, and to let go of pride and ask for help. That strength is what I see when I look back at my journey where I found HER strength.
What are your go to activities to help with your mental, physical, and spiritual?
Mentally and physically, lifting is my bread and butter. Lifting weights has been an amazing outlet for my anxiety.
Spiritually—this is a tricky one. My husband is a youth pastor so relying on church or church activities like I used to doesn’t cut it anymore. That time feels more like work most of the time because I’m serving alongside him. So I have learned I have to be actively filling myself back up in other ways. I listen to a lot of podcasts, sermons, and worship music. I have mentors who I spend time with talking about things that fill my soul and encourage my spiritual life.
Learn more about Kait:
USPA New Jersey State Records Chair
USPA State Referee
USPA Certified Powerlifting Coach
508.505.6883
Find HER Strength 