My partner was my coach from 2018 until 2022. I made the decision to change coaches because wearing too many hats is difficult for a relationship, but I also wanted to be challenged by someone who was completely unbiased. I contemplated the decision for over a year before deciding Billie was going to be the right fit. I needed someone who was going to be honest and show me some tough love, but I also needed someone to be empathetic and understanding in their approach. When I told my partner who I had chosen he said, if it isn’t going to be me, it could only be Billie.

One year in, Billie is the warmest, most kind-hearted person I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Billie will always remain in your corner and creates spaces that are safe and empowering. Billie has the most amazing balance of holding your hand just enough to make you feel supported, but not too much that you lose your autonomy. Billie is not afraid to call you out when you need to hear the hard truths, and you always listen because you know she’s only saying it because she wants the best for you. Billie has built my independence and empowered me as a strong woman, by supporting me to believe that I am one. How ever I show up is enough for her, but I show up the best I can be, because of her.

I spend Tuesdays compulsively refreshing my inbox because receiving Billie’s response to my check-in is by far a highlight of my week. Her attention to detail, depth of reply and ability to understand my vulnerable shares, always make me feel so incredibly seen, heard and empowered. More often than not, she will reciprocate with her own personal experiences where she has acted courageously in the face of challenge. I value her sense of humour, commentary and dialogue that just oozes wisdom.

I’ve been thrown some fairly big curveballs in my time with Billie, so I can say with utmost confidence that this human is someone you want in your team. Through postpartum as a first time Mum, a divorce, being in the thick of Eating Disorder recovery and moving interstate, Billie has f**king kept me standing upright. Talk about hype girl! I have never once felt judged or projected upon, whether I reach out for celebration on the pint of ice-cream I ate, the Powerlifting PB I hit or to vent about resistance to life in general - she is available and present.

Our goal together has never changed (let’s get #thiccccc), but the path to reach it has adapted depending on where I am at with my ED recovery. From being a strict macro-tracker, food weigher, scale enthusiast… to a totally number-free athlete. I am freakin pumped to continue rising under her expert guidance and support.

I have been working with Billie online for two years now. I really had no idea how I would go with online coaching and I was really uncomfortable filming myself.

But Billie has been incredibly supportive. I feel fitter, stronger and my self esteem has increased dramatically. I'm so much more confident in myself.

Billie has always tailored my workouts to suit me. Her coaching style is incredibly supportive, my programs are always exciting and new and her feedback is always extremely supportive and constructive. Whenever I am unsure or have a workout I need to change, Billie is very quick to respond and give advice. I never feel dumb for asking questions. I've learnt so much training with her and I have really built my confidence training in the gym.

I have now just competed in my first powerlifting competition. Never in a million years did I think I would ever do something like that. It was completely outside of my comfort zone and I'm so proud of what I've achieved. I definitely would not have done it without Billie's support and guidance.

Before meeting Billie, I wasn't healthy at all, I hadn’t had my period for a year and I was hangry every day. didn't care though. I was fitting in size 8 jeans, my face was skinny, and my collar bone was very emphasised. 

Meeting Billie for the first time, I decided I wanted to be even just a quarter of her strength. Billie welcomed me with open arms, let me feel safe, she was very attentive and was really in my corner, watching and encouraging me with so much enthusiasm. She takes no bull excuses. She can see people's potential, even when that person cannot yet. She makes working out fun and a safe place to tell whatever stories you want, because she will always listen to you.

After 18 months of training under Billie, I am proud to say that my view of my body has changed drastically. Billie believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself. She saw my potential and she worked hard with me to reach where I am now. Now I can look straight in the mirror, pointing out what I love about my body, because Billie helped me build that confidence. I can say that I am forever grateful to Billie as she changed my life 360 degrees.

Billie has always been so supportive of me. Never once have I felt judged or shamed when my training gets wobbly (which it does more often than I would like).

Billie has this way of calling people back in when she can see things starting to slip and that alone is a big part of why I am still training. Billie has worked to remove barriers from me being able to train consistently. Some of these barriers I didn’t even realise I had until she had modified my training to eliminate them.

From Billie, I am learning that lifting is not always about the weight on the bar. I’m learning to enjoy the process and not rush to the end. I am so grateful for finding The Strength Fortress and a love for powerlifting.

I was a complete mess before I started with Billie, I had crippling self esteem issues, my mind was my worst enemy, now I am strong and nothing keeps me down for very long. I constantly acknowledge how strong I am both physically and mentally. I am enjoying life again, I owe most of that to Billie and her belief in me.

Billie somehow manages to make me feel like I’m the only person she’s coaching. The level of attention and care, and even just remembering everything that’s going on in my life is above and beyond what I would expect from a coach. She gives me her 100% attention.

I started powerlifting to make new friends. Most of my friends are in different life stages to me and I wanted to meet people with shared interests. It’s always bit daunting trying to make friends as an adult. I always say I’m too weird to make new friends. Turns out that is not true.

I look around at the legends I train with now and am in awe of them and how much they lift. The community is so supportive. My sessions come packaged with a cheer squad who motivate + push me, and support me if I balls something up. I have excellent chats on a daily basis. I really come for a chat and do some training on the side (lol).

Squatting 100kg has been a highlight for sure. But I actually think my biggest achievement is the shift in my mindset. I’m not trying to be as small as possible anymore. I am happy being strong and I am comfortable in my own skin.

Barbell training has been the vehicle that has allowed me to begin the hard head and heart work to value myself amongst all the noise and expectation around me. For years now, I’ve been seeking the ability to be present, too often feeling that I’m floating in space. Like life is happening around me, but my feet are not touching the earth. Barbell training is grounding me, both figuratively and literally.