About

Empowerlift Training

Elevating performance with the science of training and the art of coaching

Coaching is both a science and an art form.

The Science

Our approach is grounded in evidence-based principles of exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, and psychology. This scientific foundation allows for effective training programs backed by evidence and best practices in the field.

The Art

Coaching is about understanding and connection. We take the time to build strong, trusting relationships, ensuring that our guidance is personalized to meet your unique goals and challenges.

Meet Your Coach

Kristen Dunsmore

Powerlifter & Performance Coach

Hi, everyone. I want to share my journey and shed light on the path that brought me here. Many of you may know me for my accomplishments within the powerlifting community, but my passion for fitness began long before my first competition.

I fell in love with lifting almost immediately. However, the journey to my first competitive meet was not without its hurdles. It took three years of self-doubt before I found the courage to step onto the platform. I was under the same impression that many of you may have experienced at some point – never feeling strong enough. Fortunately, dare I say, I caught the powerlifting bug and the rest is history. My first competition was in 2014, and I have been going strong ever since. There have been plenty of ups and downs in the meantime, but the one thing that has stayed consistent through these years it my dedication to strength training. 

My tenure as an athlete and ten years of coaching have illuminated a common thread I’ve seen among fellow powerlifters: the internal battle against the standards of elite perfomance showcased on social media. This constant comparison can overshadow our personal achievements, leading many of us feeling inadequate and perpetuating the pursuit of often unattainable benchmarks. I know because I have experienced this myself. However, I also know what it’s like to have good people in your corner, holding you accountable and reminding you of the badass you are.

As I’ve gotten older, I realize that powerlifting, and strength training in general, is about embracing the journey, celebrating personal progress, and recognizing that true success comes from overcoming our own challenges. 

Kristen Dunsmore

Powerlifter & Performance Coach

Hi, everyone. I want to share my journey and shed light on the path that brought me here. Many of you may know me for my accomplishments within the powerlifting community, but my passion for fitness began long before my first competition.

I fell in love with lifting almost immediately. However, the journey to my first competitive meet was not without its hurdles; it took three years of self-doubt before I found the courage to step onto the platform. I was under the same impression that many of you may have experienced at some point – never feeling strong enough. Fortunately, dare I say, I caught the powerlifting bug and the rest is history. My first competition was in 2014, and I have been doing strong ever since. There have been plenty of ups and downs in the meantime, but the one thing that has stayed consistent through these years it my dedication to strength training. 

My tenure as an athlete and ten years of coaching have illuminated a common thread I’ve seen among fellow powerlifters: the internal battle against the standards of elite perfomance showcased on social media. This constant comparison can overshadow our personal achievements, leading many of us feeling inadequate and perpetuating the pursuit of often unattainable benchmarks. I know experience this myself and I still do from time to time. However, I know what it’s like to have good people in your corner to hold you accountable and remind you what a badass you are.

As I’ve gotten older, I realize that powerlifting is about embracing the journey, celebrating personal progress, and recognizing that true success comes from overcoming our own challenges.

Credentials

Concordia University Chicago – PhD in Health and Human Performance (in progress)

Syracuse University – MS in Exercise Science

University of Tampa – BS in Exercise Science

2x National Champion in the 69kg and 72kg weight class

Assistant Track and Field Strength and Coach

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a leading force in the fitness industry, inspiring and empowering lives through strength training. We aim to cultivate a welcoming environment where everyone feels confident under the barbell redefining what it means to be strong and healthy. Through expert coaching, continuous education, and a commitment to continued improvement, we strive to elevate the standards of coaching.

 

Our Mission

Our mission is to help individuals across all skill levels achieve their performance and fitness goals through personalized, science-based strength training programs. We are committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment where everyone is given the opportunity to can build confidence and find their strength by creating healthy, long-lasting habits.

Empowering through strength training

Our mission is to help individuals achieve their fitness goals through personalized, science-based strength training programs. We are committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment where everyone, especially women, can build confidence, improve their health, and discover their strength.

Best Lifts

182.5kg

squat

112.5kg

bench

215kg

deadlift

What our athletes are saying

Since starting with Kris in October of 2018 to June 2019 I put 124 pounds/56 kilograms on my total. We were able to achieve this with great coaching and by modifying the plan to fit my work and life.

BRANDON W.

I added 25kg to my total—earning the silver medal overall in the 72kg weight class, a silver medal for my squat and a bronze medal for both bench and dead.

I recently competed at IPF World Classic in the Master 1 division after working with Kristen for 4 months. In that time, I added 25kg to my total—earning the silver medal overall in the 72kg weight class, a silver medal for my squat and a bronze medal for both the bench and the dead. Kristen was knowledgeable, patient and fun. It was always easy to get in touch with her if I had questions and she was supportive the whole way through the competition. I look forward to working with her again to prepare for USAPL Raw Nationals.

BECKY E.

Going into coaching with Kristen was the single best decision I have made towards my powerlifting goals

Within a year of her guidance, she has led me to place 2nd at IPF Worlds in the 66kg Sub-Junior division. More importantly, she has taken the time to individualize my training to fit my specific goals and characteristics. This has not only made my progression seamless, but it has put a sense of purpose and clarity into my training that was hard for me to discover on my own. She is responsive with advice on each workout log, and always willing to give the advice and answers I need to get better. Nothing but a simple, effective, and fun experience to work with Kristen.
#GetyouaKristen

DARA S.

STRENGTH START NOW

Sign up for the Empowerlift Training Newsletter

 

When you sign up, you'll receive the latest updates on the fitness industry, tips and tricks to help you achieve your performance goals, and specifical promotions from Empowerlift Training.

lateral raises

You have Successfully Subscribed!