IF I COULD GO BACK I WOULD TELL MY 14-YEAR-OLD SELF
BEING STRONG IS AN OPTION
BREAK FREE FROM DIET CULTURE
AND FIND A HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE PATH
Hello! I’m Hilary, the founder of Empowered Gains. My journey into fitness began at the age of 14 when I fell in love with strength training. Over the years, my path has been anything but linear, and like many, I struggled with the pervasive influence of diet culture. This struggle left me feeling mentally depleted and physically unhealthy. Five years ago, I reached a turning point. I was at my lowest mentally and my highest on the scale. I made a vow to myself to break free from diet culture and find a healthier, more sustainable path.
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The journey hasn’t been easy, and I am still healing from those wounds, but one constant has always been my love for exercise. It is the part of my life that comes naturally and brings me joy. With a background as a physiotherapy assistant, I deeply understand the benefits of weight training, such as improved bone density, increased confidence, and optimal physical function.​
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If I could go back and tell my 14-year-old self that being strong is an option and that skinny isn't the end-all-be-all, I could have saved myself a lot of time, money, heartache, and energy. Now, I am dedicated to empowering women who have had similar experiences. I want to help you show up for yourself, celebrate what your body can do, and break free from societal pressures and negative self-perceptions.
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Currently, I offer my services at KONG Barbell in Chatham (485 Riverview Drive) and at my home studio located between Blenheim and Ridgetown. Additionally, I am available to travel to your location, depending on your home setup.
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On a personal note, I am a mom of two and a farmer’s wife. My family and I call Chatham-Kent home, and I strive to be Chatham-Kent’s friend in fitness. Let’s work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more confident you!
WE ARE DEDICATED TO
EMPOWERING WOMEN
THROUGH STRENGTH, CONFIDENCE, HOLISTIC & WELL-BEING
We believe in the power of functional fitness, positive body image, and Health at Every Size (HAES). Our goal is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where women can feel comfortable, reach their full potential, and shift their focus from aesthetics to strength and health. We are committed to challenging diet culture and promoting a healthier, more positive approach to fitness and wellness.
HEALTH AT EVERY SIZE
DECLARATION
At Empowered Gains, we proudly embrace the principles of Health at Every Size (HAES). We believe that health and well-being come in all shapes and sizes. By embracing the principles of Health at Every Size, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Our commitment to HAES includes the following declarations:
BODY RESEPECT
We honor and respect bodies of all sizes. Every individual deserves to feel confident, valued, and accepted just as they are.
INCLUSIVE FITNESS
We provide an inclusive and supportive fitness environment where everyone can participate and thrive, regardless of their size or fitness level.
WEIGHT-NEUTRAL HEALTH
We focus on health-enhancing behaviors rather than weight loss. Our goal is to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being through functional fitness, positive body image, and sustainable lifestyle choices.
REJECTING DIET CULTURE
We stand against diet culture and its harmful messages. We encourage intuitive eating, self-compassion, and the rejection of restrictive diets and weight-centric approaches.
HOLISTIC WELL-BEING
We recognize that health is multifaceted and includes physical, emotional, and social aspects. We strive to support our clients in all areas of their lives, promoting overall well-being and balance.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH STRENGTH
We empower individuals to focus on what their bodies can do rather than how they look. Strength, functionality, and personal growth are at the heart of our approach.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We build a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and encouraged. We foster connections and friendships that uplift and inspire.