Episode Overview:
In this episode of MVMNT4LIFE, Kolby sits down with Claudia Chaloner, a physical therapist and long-time CrossFit athlete, to discuss her journey from small-town West Virginia to becoming a cash-based PT in San Diego. Claudia shares her unique experiences, including moving to New Zealand, running her own practice, and now transitioning into motherhood while maintaining her fitness. They also dive into the importance of bridging the gap between traditional physical therapy and functional fitness, offering valuable insights into empowering women in the gym, especially those new to strength training.
Key Topics Covered:
- Claudia's Journey to Physical Therapy
- Claudia reflects on growing up in West Virginia and her journey through college, meeting her husband, moving to New Zealand, and eventually pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy.
- She discusses how her early experiences traveling and working as a fitness instructor abroad shaped her passion for movement and health.
- Launching a Cash-Based Physical Therapy Practice
- Claudia shares how she transitioned from traditional clinical PT to a cash-based, mobile practice embedded in the CrossFit community in San Diego.
- She highlights the challenges and rewards of moving from clinic work to establishing her own PT practice in CrossFit gyms.
- Empowering Women Through Strength Training
- One of Claudia’s passions is working with women—especially older women—who are new to strength training and helping them break free from traditional fears, such as getting "too bulky."
- She recounts success stories of helping clients move from injury or immobility to thriving in fitness, including working with adaptive athletes.
- The Shift to Assisted Living PT and Online Coaching
- Currently pregnant with her second child, Claudia shares her recent transition into working with older adults in assisted living facilities, a stark contrast from her previous roles.
- Despite the change in environment, Claudia continues her online PT business and shares the joy of helping people move better even remotely.
- Training While Pregnant
- Claudia talks about staying active during her pregnancy and how important it is to listen to your body. She emphasizes the importance of patience and grace in postpartum recovery.
- Kolby and Claudia also discuss the importance of having a supportive gym community for pregnant women and moms returning to fitness.
Takeaways:
- Know Your Limits, But Push Your Potential: Claudia's story of transitioning into cash-based PT and empowering women in strength training reminds us that there's always room to grow, even when starting from discomfort or injury.
- Functional Fitness + Physical Therapy = Success: Integrating physical therapy with functional movement, especially within a CrossFit framework, can bridge the gap between recovery and living a fully active life.
- Pregnancy Isn’t the End of Fitness: Claudia shows how women can continue working out during pregnancy with proper adjustments, and encourages other moms-to-be to stay active.
Call to Action:
If you have questions about your fitness journey, pregnancy training, or physical therapy, reach out to Claudia Chaloner via her Instagram or email (linked below).
Need Physical Therapy or Fitness Help?
Reach out to Kolby at Oxnard|MVMNT for a free consultation and get started on your fitness journey today. www.orxnardmvmnt.com or follow us on Instagram @oxnardmvmnt and @kolby_krysto or @claudiachaloner
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