Name: Hailee Bland-Walsh
Age: 34
Location: Kansas City, MO
What does being a Girl Gone Strong mean to you?
Women who claim their strength move in the world differently. They follow their dreams because they possess and internal confidence.
How long have you been training?
I have been training as an athlete since the age of four. I have worked as a professional in the fitness industry for over 10 years.
What does a sample workout look like for you?
I love to lift weights and when I do, I lift heavy. I lift 2 to 3 times a week. I focus on hitting major muscle groups and working to failure. I also teach indoor cycle 2 to 3 times per week and love a big, group, sweat sesh!
Favorite Lift:
My favorite lift is anything for my back! There is something pretty priceless about the looks on guys’ faces when I am moving an entire weight stack around.
Most memorable PR:
I ran the SF Half Marathon in 1:43 minutes. The entire effort felt incredible until the last two miles, and I had to muster a herculean effort to finish in under my goal time of 1:45. A 1:45 finish was a stretch goal for me, so the entire training process was hard work. It felt great to set a goal and make it!
Top 5 songs on your training playlist:
Ohhhhh, I take my playlist very seriously!
Top 3 things you must have with you at the gym/in your gym bag:
Do you prefer to train alone or with a training partner? Why?
I train with a training partner. With a crazy schedule as an entrepreneur, our time together keeps me accountable. Also, he pushes me to work harder than if I were alone and I don’t avoid things I don’t like, i.e. pull-ups.
Most hilarious pick-up line you’ve heard at the gym:
As a fitness professional, it’s always pretty lame when someone approaches me offering advice on what I am doing “wrong” as a way to start a conversation.
Favorite meal:
Hog Island Oysters in San Francisco, CA. Champagne, raw oysters, clam chowder, and the most divine grilled cheese on planet earth.
Favorite way to treat yourself:
I really enjoy getting a massage. I train hard and often, and it leaves me pretty sore. Massage is a part of my wellness practice.
Favorite quote:
"Work hard. Dream Big.”
Favorite book:
The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck, M.D.
What inspires and motivates you?
I am inspired by people who rediscover their greatness. Being a part of someone’s journey is what wakes me up early and inspires me all day long.
I hope that I make a difference in someone’s life every day. I love having the opportunity to help people remember how incredible they are!
What does a typical day look like for you?
5:30AM: Rise and shine, a little meditation, a cup of strong coffee, hot shower.
7AM: At the gym for a personal training client
9AM: Admin work for the gym. Another cup of joe.
10AM: Snack time!
11AM: Lift session
12:30PM: Lunch
1:00PM: Meetings, admin time
3:45PM: Personal training clients
5:00PM: Another small snack!
5:30PM: Teach a cycle class
6:45PM: Second shower of the day
7PM: Dinner with my amazing partner
8PM: Knock out some emails or blog posts
10PM: Bedtime!
What’s the coolest “side effect” you’ve noticed from lifting heavy?
I get stopped every day by people exclaiming, “I want your arms!” Their compliment is a great icebreaker and it gives me 10 seconds to tell them what I do and encourage them to lift heavy and lift to failure.
Next training goal:
My next training goal is prepping for a 5-day hike in Colorado with my family. We will pack in with everything we need and hike 10-15 miles a day at 10-12,000 ft. elevations.
3 words that best describe you:
Compassionate. Creative. Hard-working.
How has lifting weights changed your life?
Lifting weights has not only given my physical strength, but also mental and emotional strength. I like to think of lifting weights as a metaphor for life. When it gets hard, do you cheat and hide from the pain, or do you dig deep and keep pushing? Lifting weights reminds me how I want to live my life.
I want to show up and do the work, even when it gets hard and I’d rather not.
What do you want to say to other women who might be nervous to start strength training?
Too often women avoid doing something because they don’t know how. If you feel intimidated, hire a professional to help you get started. I have never had a single female client regret lifting weights. Lifting weights changes both the body and the way one feels about themselves.
To learn more about Hailee, check out her website here.
If Hailey inspires you, read on to learn more about—and join!—our community of strong, supportive women...
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