Business Details
30 Years
experience
Empower Fitness: Personalized Coaching for Women's Strength
Founded by Kari, a certified fitness and macro nutrition coach with over two decades of experience, Empower Fitness specializes in personalized fitness and wellness solutions for women navigating life transitions. Drawing from certifications in ISSA, Precision Nutrition, and perimenopause/menopause coaching, the business emphasizes sustainable fitness, flexible nutrition, and real-life accountability. With a focus on women's health, including prenatal/postpartum, perimenopausal, and active aging support, Empower Fitness provides both online and in-person coaching tailored to individual needs.The team leverages expertise in mindset coaching, habit development, and joint-friendly strength training to help clients build confidence and achieve long-term results. Backed by partnerships with leading health organizations and adherence to evidence-based guidelines, the business has served San Diego County since 1996, prioritizing client-centered care and eliminating restrictive diet culture through customized macro-based nutrition and strength programs.
Services
Online Coaching
In-Person Coaching
Nutrition Coaching
Prenatal Fitness
Menopause Fitness
Postpartum Recovery
Macro Diet Planning
Strength Training
Accountability Coaching
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- Certified coach with 14+ years of experience working with perimenopausal women
- Customized workout and macro plans tailored to individual life stages
- Science-backed programming aligned with ACOG prenatal guidelines
- Accountability systems designed for midlife women's changing schedules
- Proven results with clients achieving 50+ pound weight loss transformations
Associations and certifications
- ISSA Certified Personal Trainer
- Precision Nutrition Certified Coach
- Certified Menopause Health Coach (My Menopause Transformation/Dr. Wendy Sweet)
- Certified GGS-1 Coach (Girls Gone Strong)
- Certified Oh Baby! Fitness Prenatal and Postpartum Trainer
What people say
Real results
Knowledgeable and encouraging trainer
Best investment in myself
Genuinely cares about clients
Patient and supportive coaching
Services
Online Coaching
Personalized fitness and nutrition coaching delivered through digital platforms. This service includes customized workout plans, macro tracking guidance, and daily accountability check-ins tailored to individual goals. Clients receive weekly program adjustments and habit coaching to overcome common challenges like time constraints and motivation fluctuations. The program specifically addresses midlife fitness needs, including perimenopausal and postpartum support, through evidence-based programming.
In-Person Coaching
Face-to-face fitness instruction available at the Santee, CA location. This service features private sessions with real-time form correction, personalized strength programming, and progress tracking. The physical studio environment supports focused training with access to specialized equipment for body recomposition and mobility work. Designed for local clients seeking accountability, this option accommodates those rebuilding post-injury or navigating life transitions with expert guidance.
Menopause Fitness
Specialized programming addressing hormonal changes during midlife. This service combines joint-friendly strength training with nutrition strategies to manage symptoms like weight gain and energy fluctuations. Certified coaching through ISSA and Menopause Transformation certifications ensures science-backed approaches to maintain metabolic health. The program adapts workouts to accommodate common challenges while building functional strength and improving overall well-being during transitional years.
Prenatal Fitness
ACOG-compliant fitness programming for expectant mothers. This service provides safe, trimester-specific workouts that support physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy. Instruction focuses on core stability, pelvic floor health, and preparation for labor. Certified through Oh Baby! Fitness, the program ensures alignment with medical guidelines while offering flexibility for home or studio participation throughout pregnancy.
Macro Diet Planning
Customized macronutrient-based nutrition guidance tailored to individual goals and lifestyle. This service eliminates restrictive dieting through flexible meal planning that accommodates personal preferences while meeting health objectives. Certified through Precision Nutrition, the approach focuses on sustainable body composition changes without food shaming. Clients receive ongoing support for overcoming common obstacles to consistent healthy eating habits.
People
Kari
Owner & Head Coach
Certified fitness coach with 20+ years experience, specializing in women's health stages. ISSA-certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition coach. Expert in perimenopause, postpartum, and midlife fitness transformations. Holds multiple specialty certifications including prenatal/postpartum and menopause health coaching.
Questions
What coaching options are available?
We offer both online and in-person coaching options, with specialized programs for prenatal/postpartum, perimenopause, and general fitness goals.
Are sessions available for beginners?
Yes! Our programs adapt to all fitness levels, especially addressing needs of midlife women and those returning to fitness after life transitions.
What areas do you serve?
In-person coaching is available in Santee, CA, while online coaching serves clients nationwide regardless of location.
How does nutrition coaching work?
Certified macro nutrition coaching provides personalized guidance through daily check-ins, customized targets, and flexible eating strategies that avoid restrictive dieting.
What sets your coaching apart?
Our approach combines multiple certifications in women's health with real-world experience addressing unique challenges at different life stages.
Can I try a single session first?
Yes, we offer one-time 60-minute coaching sessions for those wanting to explore without long-term commitments.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Karen F.
Jul 18, 2021
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I've been working with Kari for almost a year now and I've seen more progress than I ever expected. Not because of Kari but, because I didn't think I could stick with any program this long! But she remains understanding and flexible when life happens and we work through it and keep going! So far I've lost almost 30 lbs, 7" from my waist and I feel like a new person. And now that I've returned to work it feels great to get compliments! I appreciate the accountability Kari offers and it certain helps to keep me on track! Thank you!!!
Karina C.
Jan 27, 2021
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I've been working with Kari for over a year and my journey with her has been amazing. While I may not be at my goal yet, and still have a lot of learning and work to do, I know with Kari's support I will get there in my own time. That's what is so great about her as a personal trainer. She does not have a one size fits all high sales model, she actually listens to me and coaches me as a unique individual with my unique struggles. As you all know, I'm in San Diego but Empower Fitness has a full program online that you can tap into from anywhere. So, here's my endorsement
Christina B.
Dec 14, 2020
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Kari is a rare find. She is a tough yet supportive coach. The journey of health and fitness is never a quick fix. She takes the time to get to know you personally and caters her program to the individual so success is a reality. Give her the opportunity to make an impact on your life, you won't regret it.
Lara R.
Oct 15, 2020
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Kari at Empower Fitness is the real deal. Her gym is spotless and cleaned repeatedly throughout the day. She had this approach long before Covid-19. I will not work out anywhere else because of it. I purchased a 12 session package with Kari because I wanted someone who understood my needs with age, diabetes, weight loss, and very limited strength training experience. Each and every workout is different and challenging. I think she conjures new ways to push her clients in the gym and it's awesome. lol. Kari has extensive knowledge about fitness and nutrition and she reallllly cares about
