She Strengthens

Healing Through Movement: The Power of Trauma-Informed Fitness

In today’s world, where racial injustice, COVID-19, and police brutality dominate the headlines, it’s no surprise that many Americans are living with trauma or experiencing it anew. The constant barrage of disturbing images, videos, and news stories takes a toll on our emotional well-being, leaving our bodies tense and our minds on edge. But what if there was a way to heal from this trauma, to find a sense of safety and agency in our own bodies?

The Connection Between Trauma and Fitness

Laura Khoudari, a trauma-informed strength trainer, believes that fitness can be a powerful tool in the healing process. “Fitness is often thought of as big boxing gyms and studios, but it can also be used to help heal the body by taking a mindful, compassionate approach,” she explains. Khoudari’s approach focuses on creating a sense of safety and agency in her clients, helping them connect with their bodies and develop a greater sense of self-awareness.

What is Trauma-Informed Personal Training?

According to Khoudari, trauma-informed personal training is about setting conditions to heal from emotional trauma through strength training. “My knowledge of the physiology of trauma and how it impacts the nervous system is always at the forefront of how I implement a program,” she says. Her goal is to help clients develop a greater sense of agency, connect with their bodies, and increase their sense of safety in the world.

Building a Sense of Safety

Khoudari’s approach involves building the capacity to stay in one’s body, even in the face of trauma or stress. “With trauma, or a lot of stress, or even culturally, we tend to be in our head a lot,” she explains. “You lose touch with all sorts of important information centered in your body that tells you how to take care of yourself.” By taking time in the gym to practice being in their bodies, clients can begin to regain a sense of safety and security.

Working with Clients

Khoudari works with clients who have experienced a range of emotional and physical traumas, from falls and surgeries to medical trauma and more. She emphasizes that the story of what caused the trauma is not as important as the disorganized, nervous system response that results. “I think you need to do some top-down talking with somebody (like a therapist) and some bottom-up body processing to heal,” she says.

Common Misconceptions About Trauma-Based Fitness

One common misconception about trauma-based fitness is that it’s a form of therapy. “We aren’t doing therapy,” Khoudari clarifies. “It’s a much more supportive role of helping bring the body back in line.” Another misconception is that the goal is to “fix” the client. “We’re not fixing. We’re not doing unto our clients. We are giving them tools to be able to heal themselves,” she says.

Sensitivity and Avoiding Triggers

Khoudari’s approach is centered on meeting her clients’ nervous systems where they are at any given point in time, while keeping in mind their goals. “Instead of focusing on not triggering my clients, my focus is on meeting them where they are,” she explains. She creates a safe and accessible environment, using techniques like grounding sensory activities and partner warm-ups to help clients feel connected and supported.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Fitness

Khoudari believes that most fitness professionals need to be aware of how the nervous system is impacted by trauma. “Trauma really impacts the nervous system,” she says. “So to be a really great fitness professional, having some knowledge of the impact of trauma on the nervous system will really benefit your clients.” By exercising in a way that acknowledges the stress and trauma that clients may be experiencing, fitness professionals can help their clients feel safer and more empowered.

The Future of Trauma-Informed Fitness

Khoudari is excited to see the fitness industry shift towards a more trauma-informed approach. “I am so excited for the day that I’m irrelevant and when someone who trains with this approach isn’t as difficult to find,” she says. By spreading awareness and education about trauma-informed fitness, Khoudari hopes to create a more compassionate and supportive fitness industry that prioritizes the well-being and safety of its clients.