City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More
Cristina Martinez, Trainer

Featured Article

StrongHER Together

Sports Village Fitness Empowers Women in Fitness and Beyond

At Sports Village Fitness (SVF), fitness is about more than just breaking a sweat—it’s about building strength, confidence, and community. With seven dedicated female trainers, a wide range of training programs, and a supportive environment designed to help women thrive, SVF is redefining what it means for women to take charge of their health.

From weightlifting to Pilates, self-defense to group training, SVF provides a space where women feel empowered to challenge themselves, connect with others, and grow stronger—both physically and mentally.

Meet the Women Behind the Strength

Each of SVF’s female trainers brings her own unique experience, passion, and expertise to help women achieve their fitness goals.

Jordan Hughes knows firsthand how fitness transforms not just the body, but the mind and spirit. “For a long time, I struggled with anxiety and depression and refused to take medication for it, so instead, I found fitness, and it saved me," she shares. "I believe fitness is so much more than appearance. It's a way of balancing yourself—your mind, body, and soul.” With a background in competitive bodybuilding and a certification from NASM, she helps clients of all ages rediscover their strength and purpose.

Carly Cates grew up in a family of athletes and brings her competitive background in tennis to her training. With a degree in Sports Management and a NASM certification, she’s passionate about helping both young athletes and seasoned competitors push past their limits. Carly is excited to train individuals of all ages and looks forward to making a positive impact in her clients' lives.

Thalia Luffman, an ISSA-certified personal trainer and boxing instructor, believes fitness is a powerful tool for mental resilience. “Your body can do it—it’s time to convince your mind,” she says. Having been involved in sports from a young age, she understands that fitness is more than just physical transformation—it’s about building confidence, maintaining a happy lifestyle, and overcoming challenges.

Paige Paladino blends her love of sports and science into her training approach. With a background in sports medicine and an ISSA certification, she focuses on making women feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. “Put all excuses aside and remember this: You are capable,” she encourages. Paige enjoys strength training, HIIT, and spin, and she loves helping clients explore new workouts.

Cristina Martinez started her fitness journey to improve her own health but soon realized her passion for helping others do the same. Her experience in CrossFit reinforced her belief that fitness is a lifelong journey with endless possibilities for growth. Cristina is dedicated to working with clients of all ages and finds joy in seeing them achieve what once seemed impossible.

Holly Frisch knows what it takes to create lasting change—she lost 90 pounds in nine months and later became an ISSA-certified personal trainer. With additional certifications in Functional Nutrition & Metabolism, she helps women approach fitness with a holistic mindset, emphasizing lifestyle changes that go beyond the gym.

Amber Fraley specializes in Contemporary Mat and Reformer Pilates, ensuring women of all fitness levels can build strength, flexibility, and endurance in a safe and supportive environment. With over a decade of experience, she provides modifications for injuries and special conditions, making fitness accessible to everyone. She has a passion for offering positive, motivating, and challenging workouts tailored to each individual.

Courtney Schroder discovered her passion for fitness in Colorado, earning certifications as a personal trainer, nutritionist, health coach, elite trainer, and master trainer. She loves working with people of all backgrounds but finds the most joy in helping middle-aged women lose weight, build confidence, and improve mental health. For Courtney, fitness isn’t about restriction—it’s about creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle while still enjoying life. She believes exercise and nutrition should be empowering, not punishing.

Creating a Community for Women to Thrive

Women naturally thrive in community, and SVF recognizes the importance of providing a welcoming space where women feel seen, supported, and understood. Through group fitness classes, small group training, and even childcare services, SVF makes it easier for women to prioritize their health without sacrificing other responsibilities.

“A lot of women feel more comfortable working with female trainers because we understand their challenges,” says Jordan. “We become their cheerleaders—not just in the gym, but in life.”

Trainers at SVF tailor workouts to each woman’s unique needs, ensuring that every client feels strong, powerful, and confident. “We don’t just train bodies,” Thalia adds. “We build friendships, trust, and support systems that help women push through mental and physical barriers.”

Overcoming Fitness Misconceptions

Despite growing awareness about the benefits of strength training, many misconceptions still hold women back from reaching their full potential.

One common myth? Lifting weights makes women bulky.

“This is not the case UNLESS that is your goal,” SVF trainers emphasize. Strength training is one of the best ways to build lean muscle, reduce body fat, and improve overall health.

Another misconception is Eating less equals better health.

“In order to take care of our bodies and make them strong and fit, we must fuel them properly,” says the SVF team. Under-eating can slow metabolism, cause fatigue, and hinder progress in the gym.

Many women also over-rely on cardio, believing it’s the only way to lose weight.

“Cardio is great, but strength training is essential for long-term health,” the trainers explain. It helps improve bone density, balance hormones, and enhances overall longevity.

Understanding Women’s Unique Fitness Needs

SVF trainers also recognize the unique challenges women face in their fitness journeys.

  • Hormonal fluctuations: A woman’s energy and strength levels can vary throughout the month due to hormonal shifts. SVF trainers encourage women to listen to their bodies and adjust workouts accordingly.
  • The demands of daily life: Many women juggle work, family, and personal responsibilities, making it hard to prioritize fitness. SVF makes it easier by offering flexible training times, childcare, and diverse class options to fit busy schedules.
  • Feeling safe in the gym: SVF fosters an inclusive, non-judgmental environment with a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. With multiple workout areas, women can find a space where they feel comfortable.

Building Strength Inside and Out

SVF goes beyond traditional training by offering programs designed to empower women in all aspects of life.

One of the most impactful offerings is the Women’s Self-Defense Class, a four-week program designed to build strength, endurance, and confidence. The course teaches women how to handle adverse situations, use defensive tools, and protect themselves—skills that extend far beyond the gym.

“It will help you feel more confident while taking care of yourself,” the trainers emphasize.

A Space for Every Woman’s Fitness Journey

Because SVF is a multi-purpose facility, women have endless options to explore what works best for their bodies. Whether it’s weightlifting, Pilates, yoga, step, kickboxing, spinning, or specialty classes like Burn Booty and Senior Strong, SVF ensures that no woman is limited to just one fitness style.

“We want women to enjoy the journey,” Holly says. “Fitness should be fun, empowering, and something that makes you feel good inside and out.”

Join the Movement

At SVF, women aren’t just working out—they’re building a lifestyle of strength, resilience, and self-care. With dedicated female trainers, a supportive community, and a variety of programs tailored to women’s needs, SVF is helping women take charge of their health in a way that’s sustainable, enjoyable, and empowering.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your fitness to the next level, SVF is here to support you every step of the way.

Businesses featured in this article