An Inspired Chat with Rhonda Freeman of Out skirts

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rhonda Freeman. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Rhonda, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am chasing progress in my strength, physique, discipline and self-mastery. I want to make an impact and inspire women to believe in their ability to do anything. I am proving to myself that I can push beyond limits.

If I stopped it may be more “ease,” but I would feel restless, unfulfilled and likely resentful – the chase isn’t just about an external goal; its about proving to myself who I am and showing others what is possible.

If I stopped, not only would it pause my physical progress; it would disconnect me from the part of me that thrives on becoming more.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a non-traditional female athlete who didn’t start my fitness journey until age 35—after raising my three children. Facing some health challenges and not wanting to simply “get older,” I decided to take control of my health and fitness. Since then, I’ve educated myself extensively, earning certifications from ACE and ISSA, plus specialized training in powerlifting and barbell rehab.

My fitness journey began with an on-ramp CrossFit class, where I stayed involved for a couple of years before pivoting to powerlifting. In powerlifting, I’ve been fortunate to build a reputation as an elite competitor, winning numerous medals and competing on an international stage. Most recently, I’ve dived into bodybuilding and am excited to be stepping on stage in just six weeks for my first women’s physique competition.

I love sharing my daily adventures, sprinkled with education and motivation, on Instagram. You can follow along with me @reddphoenixx.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A part of me that has served its purpose — and that I’m learning to release — is the belief that I always have to work twice as hard just to be on the same playing field as everyone else. Coming from an unhealthy childhood and becoming a mother as a teenager, I carried the mindset that I’d always be starting from behind. That belief pushed me — it fueled my drive, whether it was building a career, raising a family, or later in life, stepping into competitive powerlifting and now bodybuilding.

While that mentality helped me achieve a lot, I’ve come to understand that it no longer defines me. I’ve proven I’m not just catching up — I’m capable, disciplined, and strong in every sense of the word. Letting go of that outdated narrative is allowing me to step into my worth with confidence, both on and off the platform.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I realized that my past didn’t have to define my limits — it could define my strength. For years, I carried my experiences quietly, feeling like they were something to overcome or conceal. But as I grew — as a mother, as a professional, and now as a competitive athlete — I began to see that those challenges gave me discipline, resilience, and empathy.

Instead of being a source of shame or struggle, my pain became my drive. It taught me how to push through hard moments, set big goals, and show others what’s possible. Today, I use that energy not just to achieve my own goals, but to inspire and encourage those who are facing their own uphill battles. We all go through pain at some point in our life, it is important to know how to shift your perspective and use that pain as power.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
A belief I used to hold tightly was that everything in life had to have a clear purpose or outcome — that I had to be doing A in order to achieve B. Whether it was in my career, personal life, or athletics, I was constantly striving, constantly trying to ‘earn’ progress by proving something through action.

But over time, I’ve come to see that not everything needs to be part of a grand plan. Life doesn’t always need a reason — sometimes it just needs to be lived. I’ve shifted toward valuing presence over purpose, joy over justification. That doesn’t mean I’ve lost my ambition or drive — it means I’ve learned how to enjoy the process, not just chase the result. Letting go of the need for everything to “mean something” has actually allowed me to experience more meaning than ever.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I’ve absolutely gotten what I thought I wanted — winning in powerlifting, standing on the podium, holding the medals — and realized that while those moments were validating, they weren’t what truly satisfied me. I’ve won repeatedly, and I’m proud of that, but it became clear that it was never really about the trophies or titles.

What has always fulfilled me more deeply is the journey: the discipline, the early mornings, the discomfort, the resilience built in the silence when no one’s watching. Powerlifting taught me that the real reward is in proving to myself that I can do hard things, that I can keep showing up, and that growth happens far beyond the platform.

Chasing wins gave me direction — but learning to love the process is what continues to shape me into a stronger human, not just a stronger athlete.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddphoenixx/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-freeman-red/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhonda.freeman.79
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Reddphoenixx
• Other: https://linktr.ee/ReddPhoenixx

Image Credits
PWRBLD Media