Healthier, Stronger, Happier You
About Brenda — Founder of Thrive+40
I know what it’s like to feel off-balance after 40, tired, stuck, and unsure why what used to work no longer does. I’ve been there. In my 40s, I actually felt horrible, exhausted, frustrated, and entirely unlike myself. Nothing I tried made me feel better, and it felt like my body was working against me. Over time, I figured out the tools, habits, and science-backed methods that transformed everything.
That’s why I created Thrive+40, a more innovative, more realistic approach to rebuilding energy, strength, and hormone balance without extremes. Now in my 50s, I feel better than I have in my entire life, energized, confident, strong, and truly thriving. And I want to help other women experience that same transformation.
With a background in nutrition, fitness, and a master’s degree in counseling, I help women over 40 feel strong, confident, and in control again through simple strategies that actually last.
Wellness Isn’t About Perfection — It’s About Coming Home to Yourself.
I started Thrive+40 because I know what it feels like to lose yourself somewhere along the way.
For years, I was exhausted and frustrated — constantly chasing new diets, exercise programs, or “quick fixes” that left me feeling worse than before. I wanted to feel strong, confident, and energized again, but nothing seemed to last.
Everything changed when I finally stopped fighting my body and started listening to it.
In 2024, I lost 50 pounds by eating real food, balancing my hormones, and moving my body in ways that felt good — not punishing. But more important than the weight I lost was what I gained: energy, confidence, and a deep sense of self-worth.
That transformation became my purpose.
I became certified as a Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer, and Menopause Specialist so I could help other women over 40 feel that same sense of balance and freedom.
Now, I help women rewrite their wellness story learning how to nourish, move, and care for themselves in ways that feel realistic, sustainable, and joyful. Whether it’s through personalized coaching, community programs, or free resources, my mission is simple:
My Journey in Wellness
Wellness isn’t about how much you lift or how perfectly you eat — it’s about showing up for yourself in ways that honor your body, time, and energy.
Everything changed when I stopped treating wellness like a race and started treating it like a**relationship**. I learned to eat for energy rather than restriction, and to move because it made me feel strong — not because I felt like I had to earn it.
Those small shifts helped me find balance where there used to be pressure, and confidence where there used to be doubt.
Through Thrive+40, I help women experience that same transformation — one built on self-trust, not perfection.
It’s about learning what your body truly needs to thrive, and creating a rhythm that supports your life — your way.
Because you don’t need to do everything — you just need to do what’s right for you.
WHERE PASSION MEETS EDUCATION
My personal journey inspired me to deepen my knowledge and turn my passion into purpose — earning advanced education and certifications so I could help other women thrive with confidence and clarity.
I earned my Master’s in Education: Counseling, a Graduate Certificate in Nutrition (Liberty University), and certifications as a Certified Personal Trainer (ISSA) and Menopause Coaching Specialist (Girls Gone Strong) — blending science, mindset, and real-world experience to support women in every stage of midlife.
KEY EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
When I began my own wellness journey, I promised myself that if I ever taught others, it would be rooted in both compassion and credible education. Every certification I’ve earned represents not just a title, but a deeper commitment to helping women feel capable, balanced, and confident through every stage of life.
I believe that knowledge only matters when it can be applied in a way that feels real and sustainable — not overwhelming. My background combines evidence-based training with a practical, heart-centered approach, so every woman I coach feels supported, understood, and empowered to take lasting action.
As a Certified Personal Trainer (ISSA), I help women create simple, personalized habits that improve energy, confidence, and overall well-being. My goal isn’t to hand out one-size-fits-all plans but to guide each woman toward what truly works for her body and her life.
Through my Master’s in Education: Counseling, a Graduate Certificate in Nutrition (Liberty University), certifications as a Certified Personal Trainer (ISSA) and Menopause Coaching Specialist (Girls Gone Strong), I’ve learned how to design movement routines that work for real women — not just athletes. I focus on functional strength, mobility, and energy, ensuring every exercise supports how you live and move daily, not just how you perform in the gym.
As a Menopause Coaching Specialist (Girls Gone Strong), I understand the unique physical and emotional transitions women face in midlife. This training allows me to help clients navigate hormonal changes with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion — creating routines that feel sustainable, not stressful.
And with my GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Training (ISSA), I’m able to provide science-backed guidance for women using modern medical approaches to weight management. My focus is on helping them maintain muscle, protect metabolism, and establish healthy long-term habits while working closely with their healthcare teams.
Each certification is more than a credential it’s a promise to meet women where they are, support them with integrity, and help them build wellness habits that last long after the program ends.
Thrive+40 Free Community
Join the Thrive+40 Free Community an uplifting group of women sharing their wellness journeys, stories, and successes. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive free and premium resources, live coaching sessions, and encouragement from Brenda and other women who get it.
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