Taking up more space is a defining theme this year, and Kourtney Thomas — a champion of living large — explains how claiming space is a radical act of self-love and empowerment for women.
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Now, let’s meet this week’s guest and explore why taking up space matters in the gym and beyond.
Taking Up Space in the Gym
Kourtney Thomas wants every woman to feel the liberating, confident sensation of taking up space. Her mission is to guide people toward living larger and more fully in their bodies and their lives. While “personal trainer” is one part of her identity, her role stretches far beyond a single job title — she’s a coach, a listener, an encourager, and a pragmatic supporter who mixes tough love with compassion.
Kourtney’s work focuses on more than aesthetics: she helps clients discover freedom, strength, and voice through movement. Early in her life she often played small and stayed small, constrained by stories she told herself and by others’ expectations. Over time she began experimenting with “bigness” in a physical way, building muscle and presence. As her body changed, so did her mindset — and that transformation unlocked a larger life than she had imagined.
For Kourtney, building big arms was never just about appearance. It became a vehicle for shedding old narratives and creating new ones. Stronger muscles translated into bolder choices and a louder voice. The hashtag #bigarmsbiglife captures that philosophy: increased physical strength opens space for expansive living, self-expression, and empowered decision-making.
Big Arms, Big Life is more than a slogan — it’s Kourtney’s daily practice and the essence of her coaching. She helps clients develop physical strength while also supporting their growth outside the gym: improved confidence, better boundaries, and a willingness to take up space in personal and professional contexts.
Kourtney’s professional credentials back her approach. She earned a personal training certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), followed by an endurance running coaching certification with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). She is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and serves on the NSCA’s National Women’s Committee. Her certifications also include Concurrent Hybrid Performance Coaching, Spinning, TRX, and ViPR Training, reflecting a broad skill set for designing effective, evidence-based programs.
Her coaching blends technical knowledge with practical application: structured strength training, mobility work, and endurance conditioning, all tailored to individual goals. But equally important is her focus on mindset work — reframing limiting beliefs, encouraging risk-taking in safe and controlled ways, and celebrating the small wins that accumulate into lasting change.
Thanks for Listening… You’re Rad
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Tell us what resonated with you from this conversation. Your feedback helps guide future topics and gives encouragement to others aiming to take up more space physically and emotionally. Leave a comment on the post and join the conversation about strength, confidence, and the joyful work of living a bigger life.
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