Meet Coach B
Hey, I’m Brenda!
I’m a queer former rugby player and NASM certified personal trainer living and coaching in Portland, Oregon. As someone who’s spent most of my life in and around fitness culture, I recognize that a lot of gyms and training programs just aren’t comfortable places for everyone.
I want to change that.
I’m passionate about working with women, fellow LGBTQIA+ community members, and anybody looking to build strength, confidence, and resilience through body neutral coaching.
In other words, we’re going to make you Resilient AF.
- NASM-CPT7 (Certified Personal Trainer)
- Virtual Coaching Specialization
- NASM/AFAA CPR
- Integrated Balance Training
- Pain-Free Performance Specialist
My Story
Rediscovering joy in movement
I was a shy kid… until I stepped onto my first basketball court. It was like something lit up inside me when I discovered sports. On the court (or the field or the track), I learned that I was my best self when I was part of a team. Sports created a space where I felt like I belonged.
But it wasn’t until I discovered rugby that I knew what it meant to truly love a game. Rugby taught me that there’s a place in sports for everybody—not in spite of your size, speed, or personality, but because of those things. Then, when I was 23 years old, I tore my ACL and my entire world went sideways, literally and figuratively.
While I’d always been passionate about sports, I’d never made much time for recovery. After my ACL surgery, I was so obsessed with “getting my body back” that I spent the next decade stuck in a terrible cycle: find a new sport (HIIT, indoor soccer, spinning), overtrain, injure myself, stop training. Rinse and repeat. It got to the point that I couldn’t jog down the block without pain.
My body had something to tell me. And I had to stop moving and start listening before I could heal my relationship with fitness.
I still think I’m my best self when I’m part of a team. As part of your team, I’ll help you learn to listen to your body so you can avoid the cycle that held me back for so many years. Are you ready to get started?
My Story
Rediscovering joy in movement
I was a shy kid… until I stepped onto my first basketball court. It was like something lit up inside me when I discovered sports. On the court (or the field or the track), I learned that I was my best self when I was part of a team.
Read More
Sports created a space where I felt like I belonged. But it wasn’t until I discovered rugby that I knew what it meant to truly love a game. Rugby taught me that there’s a place in sports for everybody—not in spite of your size, speed, or personality, but because of those things. Then, when I was 23 years old, I tore my ACL and my entire world went sideways, literally and figuratively.
While I’d always been passionate about sports, I’d never made much time for recovery. After my ACL surgery, I was so obsessed with “getting my body back” that I spent the next decade stuck in a terrible cycle: find a new sport (HIIT, indoor soccer, spinning), overtrain, injure myself, stop training. Rinse and repeat. It got to the point that I couldn’t jog down the block without pain.
My body had something to tell me. And I had to stop moving and start listening before I could heal my relationship with fitness.
I still think I’m my best self when I’m part of a team. As part of your team, I’ll help you learn to listen to your body so you can avoid the cycle that held me back for so many years. Are you ready to get started?
Size Inclusive | Body Neutral | Trauma Informed | ED Sensitive | HAES
Proud member and supporter of the LGBTQIA2S+ community
As a queer woman who has spent nearly two decades in and around fitness spaces, I strive to create an inclusive environment that’s safe and affirming for everyone regardless of background, gender identity, race, age, or experience!