From Chasing “Lean” to Living Aligned: Alexa’s GGS Coaching Story

After years of pushing her body through intense workouts and rigid nutrition rules, Alexa thought slowing down would mean losing progress. Through GGS Coaching, she discovered something far more powerful: strength, confidence, and a healthier relationship with her body—built to last.

When “Healthy” Didn’t Feel Healthy Anymore

When Alexa joined Girls Gone Strong Coaching in her early 30s, she looked healthy by most external standards. She had always exercised regularly and eaten what she considered a “healthy” diet. But inside, things felt very different.

“I definitely had body image issues,” she says. “I’m naturally an hourglass/pear shape, and I wasn’t able to embrace that at the time. I was always striving for leaner legs, even though I was a healthy weight.”

Her workouts reflected that mindset. Alexa spent years doing high-intensity training, including frequent Orangetheory classes, believing that pushing harder was the only way to stay in shape. At the same time, her nutrition lacked structure. While she ate “healthy” foods, she struggled with portion control, cravings, and consistency.

Then came a major life shift. As Alexa began her fertility journey, she was diagnosed with PCOS. That diagnosis came with new recommendations: reduce high-intensity exercise, slow down, and focus on supporting her overall health.

“I immediately worried about how I would stay in shape doing what I thought was ‘easy’ exercise,” she says.

She wanted support—but had real hesitations. The investment felt significant, especially alongside fertility treatments, and she worried she wouldn’t be able to stay consistent during active treatment cycles. Still, Alexa knew she couldn’t keep doing what she’d always done.

A Coaching Experience That Met Her Where She Was

What ultimately drew Alexa to GGS Coaching was what wasn’t included: no restrictive meal plans, no one-size-fits-all rules, and no pressure to change her body.

“I had tried so many diets and intense programs designed to ‘fix’ my body,” she says. “This time, I wanted something sustainable, tailored to my needs, and supportive of what I was going through.”

Over the past two years in GGS Coaching, Alexa has worked with both Coach Ellysia and Coach Jen, and the coaching relationship has become a cornerstone of her experience.

“They both have such a deep level of knowledge about women’s health,” she says. “And they’ve been incredible cheerleaders.”

One of the biggest mindset shifts came early: learning that consistency doesn’t mean pushing hard every day.

“They taught me that rest is just as important as exercise,” Alexa explains. “That was huge for me.”

Nutrition was another turning point. Learning foundational skills—like prioritizing adequate protein in the morning and embracing dietary fats—dramatically changed how she felt day to day.

“The foundational nutrition skills changed my life. I feel fuller, have fewer cravings, and I finally understand how to nourish my body—especially during a nutritionally demanding season.”

In her second year, Alexa even began using a glucose monitor to deepen her understanding of how her body responds to food. Combined with the skills she learned in coaching, this helped support more regular cycles as someone living with PCOS.

Just as important, Alexa found safety in the GGS community.

“When I was diagnosed with PCOS, I felt comfortable sharing that here,” she says. “It was truly a soft place to land.”

Redefining Strength and Consistency

Within the first six months of coaching, Alexa experienced a result she never expected.

“I went down a pants size without killing myself at the gym. I was simply applying the nutrition skills, staying consistent with low-intesity exercise, and eating mindfully. I was stunned.”

But the most meaningful part wasn’t the physical change—it was that the changes lasted.

Now, more than two years in, Alexa has sustained her habits, built strength, and let go of the constant pressure to be smaller.

“I’ve learned that low-intensity exercise doesn’t mean easy,” she says. “These workouts are challenging and functional—and I’m stronger without hurting my back, neck, or shoulders. Even my chiropractor noticed the difference.”

For the first time, Alexa isn’t trying to change her body.

“I’m eating well, sleeping well, and moving in ways I truly enjoy. I’ve embraced my shape—including buying clothes designed for my figure—instead of always trying to shrink myself.”

That mindset shift has carried into other areas of her life, too. This year, Alexa left a high-stress job and transitioned to fully remote work.

“GGS taught me to live in alignment with my values,” she says. “I realized my long commute and toxic work environment weren’t serving me anymore. That change alone has reduced my stress and made it even easier to stay consistent with my health.”

Strength That Extends Beyond the Gym

Today, Alexa defines fitness very differently than she once did.

“Fitness isn’t a number on the scale or a specific body type,” she says. “It’s the ability to treat your body with respect, move in ways you love, and consistently practice healthy habits.”

She’s focused on continuing to get stronger, live intentionally, and stay aligned with her values as she moves through her 30s.

When asked what she’d tell another woman who’s considering GGS Coaching, her answer is simple:

“If you’re hesitating, just try it. Commit to yourself for one year. This program will pay dividends for the rest of your life.”

Alexa’s story is a powerful reminder that real progress doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing what actually supports you. Through GGS Coaching, she learned how to slow down, listen to her body, and build a version of health that truly lasts.