Client Spotlight: Jen B.’s Strength Story – From Ballet to Barbell
When Jen Brown first joined our Bent On Better family in 2017—just a few months after we moved into our current personal training studio at 1126 Greenhill Rd, West Chester, PA 19380—she wasn’t looking to lift heavy weights.
In fact, lifting weights wasn’t even on her radar. Jen came in with a ballet and horseback riding background. She was already active, but strength training? Barbells? Dumbbells? That felt like a different world.
But like many women in their 40s, Jen wanted more definition. She wanted to feel stronger in her body. And most importantly, she wanted to increase her strength safely—without falling for the common myth that lifting weights would make her “big and bulky.”
From Beginner to Stronger Than Ever
If you’ve followed Bent On Better for a while, you know we’ve steered away from posting traditional “before and after” transformation photos.
Why?
Because the fitness industry has done a poor job representing real results. These photos often put the wrong emphasis on fitness—and they set unrealistic expectations for what’s actually possible in a short time.
That’s why we focus on what really matters: Not the “before and after,” But the “after the after.”
It’s one thing to reach a goal. It’s another thing to stay there, maintain it, and improve on it over time.
That’s what makes Jen’s story so special.
When she joined our small group personal training program in West Chester, she started from the ground floor. We focused on building a foundation. In the beginning, she trained just 3 days a week, using resistance bands and bodyweight exercises.
Fast-forward to today:
In the photo we’ve shared, Jen is deadlifting 88lbs—and she lifts more than that now.
What’s even more impressive is that it’s close to her own body weight.
Lifting your own body weight for a compound exercise like a deadlift is huge. That kind of strength doesn’t happen overnight. It takes coaching, consistency, and time—all things we specialize in here at Bent On Better in West Chester, PA.
More Than Strength: Resilience, Balance, and Life
Jen’s progress isn’t just physical. She’s accomplished all this while working full-time, raising her son, and battling debilitating migraines that often impact her vision, hearing, and focus.
Some weeks were almost unbearable. Others were what she calls “normal”—and she still showed up. She trained even on tough days, stayed consistent through busy seasons, and prioritized herself without sacrificing her family or career.
There were even seasons when she trained with us 4–5 days per week. Her consistency has made her a quiet inspiration to others in our gym community.
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Real Results, Right Here in Chester County
Jen lives in Exton, PA, and makes the drive to our studio in West Chester multiple times a week. She’s not alone. Many of our members commute from surrounding towns like Downingtown and Malvern because they value the personalized coaching, supportive environment, and science-backed training methods we offer here at Bent On Better.
That’s because we’re not a traditional gym.
We offer small group personal training with a personalized touch, designed specifically for busy adults who want to build strength, reduce pain, and live longer, healthier lives.
Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond, Jen’s story proves that it’s never too late to start strength training.
Why Strength Matters (More Than You Think)
If you’ve ever avoided weight training because you’re worried about getting “bulky,” Jen is living proof that lifting weights can help you feel better, move better, and look better, without any of the myths you’ve been told.
Strength training is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health.
Muscle is the keystone of longevity, and that’s not just our opinion. It’s backed by science and promoted by the top minds in health and wellness.
Are You Ready to Build Your Own “After-After”?
If you live near West Chester, Exton, Downingtown, or Malvern, PA and want to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident (without the intimidation of a big-box gym) come see what Bent On Better is all about.
Jen, You Represent the Best of Bent On Better
Jen, your journey shows what’s possible when you keep showing up—even through life’s challenges.
From resistance bands to barbell deadlifts, from ballet to barbell, you’ve done it all.
You’ve become stronger, more capable, and an inspiration to others at Bent On Better in West Chester, PA. And the best part? You’re still going.
Your after-after is a story worth celebrating.
We couldn’t be prouder to have you as part of the Bent On Better family.
Cheers to your strength, Jen.
Let’s build your foundation. Let’s do it the right way.
And let’s make your “after-after” something worth celebrating, too.
Bent On Better – Small Group Personal Training in West Chester, PA 19380
Helping busy adults build strength, move better, and live longer—one session at a time.
