As the holidays approach and calendars fill, one local gym is looking beyond the glitter to what comes next: January. Victress Elkhorn owner Becca Albrecht says the new year is when women rebuild together, and the gym’s 12-week Strength Cycle is designed for exactly that.
Victress began in Lincoln, Nebraska, founded by Stacy Orsborn and Stasi Grenfell with a fitness focus built specifically for women. “The main idea in the very beginning was prenatal training for women,” Albrecht recalls. That vision grew quickly, and soon a second location opened in Elkhorn, where Albrecht’s role evolved almost overnight. “I was a member for a minute, then I became a coach, then head coach, and I loved it. I loved the mission and knew I wanted more,” she says.
That passion led to a partnership and, eventually, ownership. “It’ll be two years in January that I’ve owned the Victress Elkhorn location,” Albrecht says. After more than a decade in health care, Albrecht felt called to take a leap. “A lot of direction came from God as I chose to walk away from corporate America,” she says. “My husband was super supportive, and it’s been such a blessing ever since.”
At Victress Elkhorn, programs are designed with women in mind, starting from the inside out with breath and core work. “A lot of our movements are core- and breath-focused to really protect the pelvic floor,” Albrecht explains. “We don’t program sit-ups; instead, we do exercises like dead bugs, bird dogs, planks and front squats.”
That same intentional care continues through every season of life, from postpartum to pre- and post-menopause. “Our postpartum program, which we call ‘Return to Movement,’ slowly reintroduces exercise,” Albrecht says. “The goal is intention over intensity. You’re kind to your body, slowing down and really feeling what you’re doing.”
Victress collaborates with pelvic-floor therapists and keeps education front and center, including workshops on menstrual-cycle training. “We teach women how to train around their cycles,” she explains. “My first question is always, ‘Where are you at in your cycle?’ Then we modify movements to honor and respect that time.” It’s an approach that sets Victress apart, along with one other noticeable feature: there are no mirrors. “We’re not about the cosmetic side of working out,” Albrecht says. “I want to move my body without worrying about how I look in a mirror today, because that changes day to day.”
The gym’s mission extends to the next generation, too. “We have a youth sports performance program for teen girls that builds confidence and teaches speed, agility, power and strength,” Albrecht says. And for parents, weekday mornings come with an added bonus: childcare during the 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. classes.
As the new year approaches, Albrecht wants to spread one message loud and clear. “Our 12-week Strength Cycle starts the first week of January,” she says. “It’s our most popular program and everyone’s favorite.” Each week builds on the last, helping women progress safely and confidently. “You’ll build on the core strength training we establish at the beginning, and by week 12, you’ll be completely set up for success in week 13 and beyond,” Albrecht explains. Memberships are flexible, month-to-month with no long-term commitment, and the program is open to all. “Even if someone just wants to join for 12 weeks, they can,” Albrecht says. “Our member retention is incredible. More than 70% of women stay for years after they join.”
Victress Elkhorn meets women where they are, every day and in every season of life. “We work on an RPE scale, which stands for rate of perceived exertion,” Albrecht explains. “Maybe today a 7 or 8 effort feels like all you have, and that’s okay. We’re not here to compare. We’re here to encourage and motivate you to keep showing up.”
That perspective is especially powerful for women in perimenopause and menopause. “Strength training is crucial during this stage of life because it helps preserve muscle mass,” she says. “As estrogen declines, weight training helps maintain strength and bone density.” While cardio and sprint intervals make appearances, the emphasis is clear: more weightlifting, more empowerment and more community.
“These women make me better as a person,” Albrecht says. “We build each other up here, no cattiness, just support. What makes Victress special is that it’s relational, not transactional. When women walk through our doors, they’re not just signing up for a workout; they’re joining a community.” She adds, “We really mean it when we say come as you are. We meet you exactly where you’re at, whether you’re rebuilding after pregnancy, navigating a tough season or just looking to move your body again. There’s a place for you here.”
She leads by example, too. “I lift three days a week and run three days a week,” she says. “Those workouts are in my calendar, non-negotiable.” From prenatal breathwork to barbell confidence and a community of women who cheer each other on, Victress’ approach is simple: slow down, move well and do it together.
“Everybody’s an athlete,” Albrecht says. “We want everyone to be seen, feel safe, feel welcome and leave empowered.” And for anyone eyeing a fresh start in the new year? “It’s everyone’s favorite cycle,” she says with a smile. “Join for 12 weeks, and I’m almost certain you won’t want to leave.”
With retention rates like Victress Elkhorn’s, odds are you probably won’t. For more information, visit victressmvmt.com.
“We build each other up here, with no cattiness, just support. What makes Victress special is that it’s relational, not transactional. When women walk through our doors, they’re not just signing up for a workout; they’re joining a community.”