Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Schaffner.
Kari, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my career in corporate America, but deep down, I knew I was meant to do something more personal. Something that actually made an impact on people’s lives. When the opportunity came to build my own business, I took it and I haven’t looked back.
Empower Fitness and Wellness grew from my desire to help women feel strong, confident and supported especially during seasons like postpartum, perimenopause and midlife, where so many feel completely lost. I created a space where women could focus on sustainable change without restriction or guilt.
Now, I get to coach women through strength training, macro-based nutrition and real accountability. I love helping them feel better in their bodies and more empowered in their lives. It’s not just about workouts and nutrition; it’s about helping women feel like themselves again. Being part of that is something I’m truly grateful for.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Definitely not a smooth road. This industry is full of noise like workout gimmicks, fad diets and now social media platforms pushing more confusion than clarity most days. I’m constantly navigating the misinformation women are bombarded with about what their bodies should look like, how they should eat and how they should move.
And it’s not just what my clients are hearing now. It’s what many were taught growing up. Women I work with were raised to believe that smaller is always better, that hunger means you’re doing it right and that their worth is tied to appearance. A big part of my work is helping women unlearn all of that.
It takes time to rebuild the trust in their bodies, in food and in themselves. But once it clicks it can be life changing. That’s the kind of work that keeps me showing up, even when the industry makes it hard.
We’ve been impressed with Empower Fitness & Wellness, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Empower Fitness and Wellness is all about helping women create sustainable change especially when it comes to weight loss, building strength and feeling good in their bodies again. While I do have a small in-studio space, the majority of what I offer now is fully online, which means I get to work with women all over the country who are navigating real life: careers, kids, menopause, stress and everything in between.
What I’m known for is cutting through the noise. I don’t do gimmicks, quick fixes, or cookie-cutter plans. I specialize in coaching women in their late 30s to 60s through strength training, macro based nutrition and accountability. Everything I do is personalized to the client because no two women are the same and their coaching shouldn’t be either.
What sets me apart is the how. I bring structure, humor, empathy and honesty into the process. My clients don’t just get workouts and macros; they get support, clarity and someone in their corner who actually shows up for them.
I’m most proud that Empower Fitness has become a space where women feel safe to show up as they are and strong enough to grow from there. I want readers to know that this process isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress, strength and finally learning how to take care of yourself in a way that lasts.
Any big plans?
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to offer personalized, supportive and sustainable coaching. No huge pivots or dramatic changes, just staying committed to the women I work with and continuing to refine how I support them both online and in-person.
I’m always evolving my programs to meet women where they are; whether that’s postpartum, navigating hormone shifts or just trying to find consistency again. I’m looking forward to growing my online coaching even more and continuing to build a space where women feel seen, strong and supported.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.empowerfittrain.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowerfittrain/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empower-fitness_2
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/empower-fitness-and-wellness-santee
Image Credits
Meg Marie Photography Alisha Mowry Photography Laura Lou Photography
