Twelve years ago, Pam Parker was just starting on her fitness journey. After struggling with weight issues throughout her life, in 2008, Pam and her son began working toward their health together after being inspired by the T.V. show, The Biggest Loser.
Today, at 60, she owns and operates Spirit Strong Fitness, a studio gym for women of all ages and abilities in the Paintsville area.
As Pam worked out at her local gym throughout the years, the owner was struck by how encouraging she was of others at the gym. The owner asked Pam to become one of the gym’s trainers.
With this, Pam had found one of her true callings – helping others on their fitness journey.
When that gym closed, Pam missed working with others on their health. She was interested in starting a gym, but no one in Pam’s family has ever owned or operated a business. She said she wasn’t sure how to start a business short of mortgaging her home. After talking to a friend about her vision, she found out about the Mountain Association. She worked on a business plan, and applied for a loan with us.
And in 2017, she opened Spirit Strong Studio off of Route 23 in Paintsville where her mission is to inspire women to excellence in spirit, soul and body.
“It’s a special sisterhood here. We welcome every woman – at every fitness level, every age, every size,” Parker said. “I know what it’s like to weigh 200 pounds or more, and to be intimidated by going to a co-ed gym. There’s no judgement here.”
Pam is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in physical fitness training and weight management. Over the years, she has personally trained hundreds of women.
With certifications in nutrition and fitness from the Cleveland Clinic and through Embrace Life Certified Coaching, Parker offers three classes a day ranging from kickboxing and “Figure 8” dance, which focuses on abdominal strength, to lower impact classes like chair yoga, which caters to those who may have a difficult time getting up and down off of the floor.
Many of the classes are designed around circuit training utilizing the gym’s hydraulic equipment. Hydraulics increase resistance the faster the client pumps the equipment. This allows people of all fitness abilities to be in one class together without taking time to load or unload weights as they move from machine to machine.
Parker said Spirit Strong members range from age 9 to age 87, with multiple people in every age group.
“Everyone has their own reasons — their own why – for their journey toward health,” Parker said.
When someone joins the studio, Pam sets up a consultation to get to know them and learn their “why.” She works with them to set goals, and take baseline measurements. Part of Pam’s journey toward health was working around a hip injury, so she understands how important personal attention and modifications are to her clients. She works closely with clients during their first few workouts to check their form.
The atmosphere at Spirit Strong is warm and friendly, and the energy is contagious. Throughout the year, Pam plans special events and awards. For example, every year, they crown a “muscle queen” and a “summer strong” winner. She also plans a triathalon, which includes a run/walk at the Paintsville Lake, a cardio workout and yoga.
Parker has had several area doctors refer patients to her studio and she works with people of all abilities, including one woman who is legally blind. A few clients are working to increase their bone density to counter osteoporosis issues. Parker said one doctor had to do a second look at one of her client’s bone scan as the results were so astounding.
“Women are such givers, but we cannot give to others unless we take care of ourselves,” Parker said of her mission.
“Exercise helps so many of my clients feel younger. They get those endorphins and serotonin, and just have more energy. We share that energy and strength with each other.”
Looking toward the future, Parker hopes to expand the studio to a larger space to expand opportunities for new types of workouts.
The Mountain Association is proud to provide affordable financing for Parker’s vision for Spirit Strong Fitness. We are excited to support Pam as she helps so many other women on their journey toward a greater well-being.
