The Founder's Path
I’m Rachelle Barker, and I’m a woman over 40 who struggled with my weight from my teenage years. In my late 40s, I got COVID and struggled to breathe. That became the turning point that started my journey to finally lose weight.
I tried on my own for about eight months. I was consistent, but I lost only about five pounds. I felt discouraged and wondered if hormones or my age were working against me.
When my doctor retired, a new doctor asked whether I had ever taken anything to help with weight loss. Because my A1C was elevated, he suggested a GLP-1 medication. It helped me get started, but it was not a magic pill. I continued working with my doctor while building the habits that would carry me forward.
It took three years to reach my goal weight. I learned that a plateau was not a failure: sometimes my body would lose five pounds, then stay there for weeks. I tracked my weight, calories, and protein, started strength-training classes at a women’s gym, and walked on the other days.
I worked out on my own for eight months before I felt ready for a class. The classes gave me accountability, encouragement, and a plan. When that gym closed, the women from my group found another one so we could keep training together. I’m still taking strength-training classes today — and I actually look forward to working out now.
Along the way, I lost 85 pounds, came off the medication with my doctor’s guidance, and have maintained my weight for a year. The biggest lesson was that slow progress is still progress. Strength training, nutrition, accountability, patience, and sustainable habits mattered more than perfection.
Stronger Each Year is for women 40+ who want to feel stronger, healthier, more confident, and more intentional about the years ahead. I didn’t do this perfectly, quickly, or alone — but I didn’t give up. I’m here to help other women believe they haven’t missed their chance either.