Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Freeman.
Rhonda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into fitness didn’t begin with an athletic background. I didn’t play sports growing up, and for much of my life I was simply trying to survive difficult circumstances while raising my family and building a career. In my late 30s, I walked into a gym looking to improve my health, never imagining it would completely change the direction of my life.
What started with cardio machines eventually led me to CrossFit, then Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and later bodybuilding. Along the way I discovered something much bigger than physical strength. Training became the vehicle that taught me discipline, resilience, and confidence. It showed me that we are capable of far more than we often believe.
Since then, I’ve earned multiple national and world titles in powerlifting, set an IPL World Record in the bench press, qualified for the NPC National stage in Women’s Physique, and become a coach, speaker, and referee. But the accomplishments I’m most proud of are the people I’ve been able to encourage along the way. Whether it’s helping someone pick up a barbell for the first time or reminding them that it’s never too late to rewrite their story, that’s the impact I hope to leave.
Today, I continue to compete while also writing a book about resilience, healing, and the lessons strength has taught me. If my journey proves anything, it’s that your past doesn’t determine your future. It’s never too late to become someone you never imagined you could be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. Like most people, the version of my story that people see today is only a small part of what it took to get here.
I experienced childhood trauma, became a young mother, spent years balancing work, raising three children, and trying to build a life while often putting myself last. There were times I questioned whether I was capable of more, and there were plenty of setbacks—injuries, losses, disappointments, and moments where things didn’t go according to plan.
Ironically, those struggles became some of my greatest teachers. Strength training taught me that progress isn’t built in one defining moment. It’s built by showing up consistently, especially on the days you don’t feel like it. That lesson carried over into every part of my life.
One of the biggest shifts for me was realizing that resilience isn’t about pretending everything is okay or always staying positive. It’s about acknowledging what’s difficult, adapting, and continuing to move forward anyway.
Looking back, I wouldn’t choose many of the things I’ve experienced, but I also wouldn’t be the person I am without them. They’ve given me empathy, perspective, and a deep desire to help other people believe that their circumstances don’t have to define what they’re capable of becoming.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I help people discover they’re capable of more than they believe.
Professionally, I wear several hats. I’m a certified strength and nutrition coach, a competitive powerlifter and Women’s Physique athlete, a powerlifting referee, and a speaker. I work with clients of all ages and experience levels, helping them build strength, improve their health, and develop the confidence that comes from doing hard things. My coaching is highly individualized because I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all approach. Every body, every goal, and every story is different.
While I’m proud of the championships, world records, and qualifications I’ve earned, those aren’t what define my work. What means the most to me is when someone tells me they walked into a gym because they saw my journey, attempted something they never thought they could do, or started believing in themselves again. Those moments have a lasting impact.
I think what sets me apart is that I started later than most people and without an athletic background. I understand what it’s like to feel intimidated, to doubt yourself, and to wonder if you’ve missed your chance. I don’t coach from a pedestal—I coach from experience. I want people to know that strength isn’t reserved for a select few. It’s something we can all build, physically and mentally, one decision at a time.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
That’s probably the hardest question in the interview. My childhood wasn’t easy, so I don’t have one defining memory that stands out above the rest.
What I do remember are the simple moments—riding my bike around the neighborhood until the streetlights came on, climbing trees, spending time outside, and feeling completely free for a little while. Those moments gave me a sense of peace that I didn’t fully appreciate until I was older.
Looking back, I think those experiences shaped who I am today. I’ve learned to find joy in simple things and to appreciate moments of freedom, whether that’s spending time in nature, training in the gym, or sharing meaningful conversations with people. Those small moments have a way of becoming the ones that stay with us the longest.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddphoenixx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-freeman-red/
