Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting
My Training Ethos
Through Cypher Somatics LLC, I hope to offer a space where all of us can show up as our whole selves and utilize lifting weights as a way to move through trauma, feel empowered, and reach personal ideas of success. In creating this organization, I want to center autonomy and disability justice, seeing each person – no matter their level of experience, the way they move, or their goals for training – as important. Vital to trauma-informed personal training is that we recognize how our identities affect our individual and collective experiences both inside and outside of the gym. We cannot exclude the ways in which discrimination and oppression exist in gyms, recreational spaces, and competitive environments, and we cannot overlook how many people feel excluded, marginalized, and harmed in these spaces. By offering personal training and coaching from a trauma-informed perspective, I hope to help acknowledge and mitigate these harmful aspects while co-creating spaces with my clients to experience the joy of lifting all the heavy things.
I’m especially interested in sharing my love of weightlifting with anyone who is intimidated by or has had negative experiences in gyms or fitness spaces. I’ve been there. As a queer and disabled lifter who started training “later in life” (aka in my 30s), I’d love to be the mentor that helps you feel more comfortable with weightlifting and movement, because it is for everyone!
May 2025 Update: I’m currently open to a limited number of clients for a soft launch. These spots will be pay-what-you-can (PWYC) as I work out all the kinks of starting a new business. Appointments can be either virtual or in-home personal trainer sessions / programming / movement explorations (for those in the Greater Pittsburgh Area). If you are interested in one of these spots, please fill out the Client Interest Form linked below! I’ll be in touch shortly.
Watch this space for more updates throughout the May soft launch, including PWYC virtual programming (a “Getting Back to Movement” plan for those working out at home without equipment), more information on offerings, and transparent pricing tiers.
Offerings Preview
Individualized Personal Training (Monthly)
Want virtual programming with weekly check-ins and regular video feedback? This is a great option for anyone who wants a trainer and movement accountability buddy.
Virtual Programming (Monthly or PWYC)
Just want someone to tell you what to lift and how many times? I offer individualized monthly programming or pre-written programming packages at pay-what-you-can rates.
Movement Exploration & Play (Sliding Scale or PWYC)
Want to try out a new movement or recieve cues on a lift you’ve been struggling with? I offer virtual single-session packages to explore, play, and problem-solve movement patterns.