Strong By Design Podcast
We believe that you are STRONG BY DESIGN. We believe you were made in God’s image to have a strong body, mind and spirit. The Strong by Design podcast is the #1 resource for strength, health, and fitness solutions in the world. Tune in for expert interviews, fitness tips, nutrition advice, free workout sheets, supplement giveaways all while being encouraged, inspired and entertained. Brought to you by Critical Bench who reaches over 30 million fans per month between our email newsletter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. If you're interested in being a guest on the show or doing a collaboration please send an email to strongbydesignpodcast@gmail.comNew Episodes go LIVE every week on Wednesday and sometimes bonus releases on Saturday. So let’s get ready to unlock your potential and transform your life!
Strong By Design Podcast
Ep 423 More Than Muscles: How Strength Training Builds Resilience and Identity ft. Alena Alsruhe
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What if strength training was about more than building muscle?
In this powerful conversation, Coach Chris sits down with licensed professional counselor, EMDR-certified therapist, and strength coach Alena Alsruhe to explore how physical strength becomes a pathway to emotional resilience, spiritual depth, and personal transformation.
Rooted in John 10:10 and the promise of an abundant life, this episode dives into the healing power of movement, the science behind trauma recovery, and why resistance training is one of the most overlooked tools for mental health. Alena shares how EMDR works, how pain can be transformed into purpose, and why physical challenges shape mental toughness in ways comfort never can.
You’ll also hear how strength training uniquely empowers women to stop shrinking, reclaim their confidence, and step fully into who they were created to be. From the importance of presence over platitudes when walking through pain, to the restorative power of nature and sunlight, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating a hard season.
If you’re looking to build more than muscles—if you want to build resilience, identity, and faith—this episode is for you.
Time Stamps
0:00 - The secret to living fully | John 10:10
0:56 - Welcome to the 'Strong by Design' podcast
1:52 - Meet Licensed Professional Counselor & Strength Coach Alena Alsruhe
5:18 - EMDR: What it is and why it matters
9:48 - Where Alena's love for strength training began
12:39 - More than muscle: The spiritual power of moving your body
16:18 - Starting your health journey? Listen to THIS!
18:24 - Why physical challenges make you mentally tough
25:44 - How strength training empowers women
33:56 - How pain becomes purpose and power
40:20 - Presence > platitudes: Walking w/ people through their pain
46:12 - The healing power of nature and sunlight
51:30 - Alena shares highlights from the 'Strong & Beautiful' conference
1:00:05 - In a hard season? This one small step can change everything
Resources:
Alena’s Counseling Website – www.alenaalsruhe.com
Alena’s New Coaching Website – www.thealohawellnesscolletive.com
Alena’s - YouTube Channel
EMDR and credible counselor network
Short video Alena mentioned about Trauma
Connect with Alena:
Connect with Chris:
Connect w/ Critical Bench:
