JULIE'S ADVENTURES IN STRONGMAN PART 1 - Why I'm training for Strongman (and wearing a kilt to do it)

Lately, I’ve had a lot of friends and family ask…

“So what are you up to these days?”

My answer? 👉 I’m training for a Strongman competition.

Yep—after years of powerlifting (squat, bench, deadlift, and following very specific commands like “rack” and “press”), I was ready for something a little wilder… and a lot more fun.

Enter: Strongman.

Unlike powerlifting, Strongman is all about:

  • Carrying heavy objects

  • Holding onto awkward objects until your grip gives out

  • Pressing strange things overhead

  • Dragging, flipping, and hauling whatever needs moving—from point A to B

No commands. No rigid form. Just grit, creativity, and pure strength.

And here’s the best part…

AND …. it’s happening at a Renaissance Faire. 🏰

That’s right—I'll be lifting heavy things in a sports kilt (yes, it’s a real thing), wearing my trusty Vans, and channeling my inner Viking princess. ⚔️👑

This event, called the Kilted Strongman, lets me check off TWO bucket list items in one day: ✅ Compete in a Strongman event ✅ Finally attend a Ren Faire!

But beyond the costumes and fun, here’s the real reason I signed up:

I recently finished reading Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck, and it reminded me of something I’ve always known—

👉 I’m not a thrill-seeker. 👉 I’m a challenge-seeker.

I love the process:

  • Trying.

  • Failing.

  • Learning.

  • Getting stronger.

  • Doing hard things because they’re hard.

  • And having fun while doing it.

This growth-focused mindset is something we recognize and foster in our coaching programs. It’s not just about lifting more—it’s about showing up for yourself, again and again. It’s this mindset that helps our clients create long-term, sustainable lifestyle change.

And when I say long-term change, I mean things like:

  • Breaking free from the cycle of yo-yo dieting, starvation, and binging

  • Learning to fuel their bodies instead of punish them

  • Showing up for workouts (even when motivation dips)

  • Planning meals in advance instead of grabbing whatever’s closest

  • Going to bed earlier and protecting sleep like it matters—because it does

  • And maybe most importantly…

  • Setting boundaries when everyone else seems to need something from them, and choosing to care for themselves, too 💛

Our clients aren’t chasing quick fixes. They’re building new habits—one day at a time. That’s how real change sticks.

So I’m curious—what challenge are you leaning into right now? What are you getting better at? Do you enjoy the process as much as the outcome?

And BTW, I’m pairing this post with one of my favorite paintings—a birthday gift I had made for my husband . Most hilarious birthday gift ever.

Julie BailisAscent New Haven