About Coach Chelsea Z
Offering individualized coaching and programming for hypermobility, hEDS, and those struggling with persistent injuries. You can gain strength, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Strength Training for the Space Between Rehab and Real Life
Hi, I’m Chelsea, the coach behind ISM. My goal is to help people with hypermobility, chronic pain, recurring injuries, and complicated movement histories build strength in a way that is functional for their bodies—not against them- and support their individual goals.
“Just Exercise” Isn't That Simple- I Understand
While I grew up participating in a variety of activities, some of which I was successful in, I was constantly injured in some fashion, but generally limped through.
After two large impact traumas, however, I was left with chronic low back, hip, neck, and shoulder pain. Not only was I in pain, but I was unable to do activities I had previously loved. I was devastated.
Through MANY visits with medical professionals ranging from M.D. s, Acupuncturists, massage therapists, physical therapists, etc. I began to make small strides forward and was told that “exercise would help”. However, the more I tried, the worse it got.
Over time, I learned that joint hypermobility was a large contributor to my challenges, and learned how to work with my body instead of against it. I use low-impact strength, postural correction, methods from Pilates, classic strength training techniques, and more to slowly move the needle towards functionality.
Additionally, I worked on improving nutritional habits, breathing, stress management, sleep, and lifestyle habits to support my body and be able to participate in activities that I love.
Simultaneously, I was working with clients in studios and gyms, and began to see similar patterns. These experiences have shaped how I coach, and I truly understand the frustration that comes with not being able to follow the seemingly simple instruction of “just get stronger”.
The Space Between Rehab and Strength
There is a grey area between being released by a medical professional and being strong. This grey area is particularly difficult to navigate if you have hypermobility, hEDS, or chronic pain, as standard strength programs, classes, or even personal training sessions are not designed to fit your body.
As a result, you may find yourself in a cycle of injury, physical therapy, and exercise, only to start over with an injury soon after getting back to exercise! This is incredibly frustrating!
This grey area needs to be navigated in a manner that works with your body, rather than against it. It took me YEARS to learn these lessons, and I can help you find a path through to the other side where you can gain strength and functionality.
My Coaching Philosophy
How I coach has been significantly impacted by my experiences, what has worked for me, and what I have seen to be effective for others. It is based on principles that help build stability, improve movement patterns, and restore functional strength.
1. Understand Your Body With Improved Awareness
2. Build Control & Confidence
3. Build Strength Progressively & As a Whole
4. Adapt as You Change
The goal isn’t to find the perfect workout; instead, it’s to build a way of training that supports your goals.
Who I Work With
I am dedicated to helping individuals with hypermobility, hEDS, chronic pain, persistent injuries, and those transitioning from medical care. Clients I work with often feel like their challenges are “too complicated” or “not a good fit” for standard programs, and they are right!
Hypermobility, hEDS, chronic pain, and persistent injuries require a specialized and individualized strength training program to be effective.
My Experience & Education
Experience
I have 17 years of teaching movement and 22 years of coaching experience. My experience includes coaching bodyweight strength, nutrition, kettlebell strength, gymnastics, circus arts, horseback riding, classic weightlifting, and mobility. I think the key to the success I have had is listening to every client’s individual needs combined with knowledge from experience, courses, and certifications.
Education and Certifications:
Personal Training Certification – NASM
BA Biology – Seattle University
Pain Management Specialists- Fitness Mentors
Functional Movement Screen L1 & L2
Precision Nutrition L1
Girls Gone Strong L1
Z Health Essentials
Ground Force Method L1 & Juniors
Training for Warriors L1
Strength Doesn't Require Pushing
Most strength programs talk about pushing. However, with hypermobility, chronic pain, and persistent injuries, I find that awareness and thoughtfulness in training are far more valuable.
I focus on skill development that supports long-term health and strength. These skills include physical skills such as correct muscle engagement, improved posture, and functional movement patterns. However, they also include mental skills like awareness and learning when and how much to ask of your body.
Change takes time, but when you give yourself the space to learn and grow, you can flourish.
The program should fit you; you should not have to bend to make yourself fit.
What Clients Say About Training With Chelsea
“My mindset was all about making big strides and always improving performance but that’s actually not aligned with my goals and intentions. I want to move freely and do the things I love for as long as I can. Chelsea helped me remember that I’m building a foundation for life and practices for life. I can let go of the striving.”
“Your guidance and feedback during our calls! My mind was blown already on our first call. But also Chelsea has been so helpful and supportive in the app whenever I have a question too.”
“Chelsea has really helped me improve my quality of life. I feel better and am able to better participate in activities I love. I really like the flexibility of the program. If something comes up, I’m able to move my work out to a different day and don’t feel like I’m inconveniencing my trainer by canceling at the last minute. Chelsea is always supportive regarding nutrition or workout questions. I’ve been really pleased with the whole program!”
Are you ready to move forward and learn how to build functional strength that fits your body?