Finding Yourself Through Movement: Strength in Every Body

Tiffany Jones (Athena founder/owner)

Hi all! In case you don't know me, I'm Michelle, one of the nutritionists and a mind-body eating coach at HartsSpace. I've been involved in many of the HartsSpace happenings, working closely with Katie to create various avenues of support and connection for our community! Recently our accountability group had the pleasure of hosting Tiffany Jones from Athena Fitness: a powerhouse in the fitness world and a champion of empowering movement for women. Our discussion centered around a topic close to all of us: our relationship with our bodies and exercise, and how to cultivate a sustainable, joyful, and empowering approach to fitness.

One of the things that stood out most was Tiffany’s philosophy on building a relationship with exercise that actually works for you. She reminded us that it’s normal to face exercises we “should” do but don’t enjoy. That sometimes the most challenging classes (like a tough HIIT session) can be the most empowering, because they set us up to thrive in the movements we love most, like dance, recreational sports, chasing your kids or grandkids, and creating a foundation for a life of quality into later years. Tiffany also shared the idea of exercise snacks: small, manageable bouts of movement throughout the day that reduce overwhelm while keeping us consistent. Research shows that exercise snacks can be just as effective as a dedicated 20-minute workout!

This month, we also explored how to listen to your body to uncover the movement it’s truly craving or asking for. Learning to tune in to what your body needs, whether it’s strength, mobility, cardio, or just playful movement—can make exercise feel like nourishment instead of obligation. As Tiffany puts it, “Movement is not about fixing ourselves, it's about finding ourselves.” You can hear more about Athena in the short interview below.

"Movement is not about fixing ourselves, it's about finding ourselves"

Short Interview at Athena

In addition to empowered exercise, we explored how exercise impacts the nervous system, a big topic of discussion in our HartsSpace client discussions. Different types of movement regulate the nervous system in unique ways, promote healthy aging, and even function as a “retirement fund” for independence and health:

• Strength training builds muscle mass and bone density, protects joints, improves posture, and supports metabolic health—helping maintain independence as we age.

• Cardio/HIIT strengthens the heart and lungs, improves circulation and energy levels, and lowers risk for chronic disease.

• Yoga, mobility, and mindful movement activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce stress, and enhance recovery—critical for reducing inflammation and supporting long-term health.

• Dance, group classes, and playful movement foster social connection, joy, and emotional expression—all factors linked to longer life expectancy and better cognitive health.

We also dug into the impact of diet culture and early messages about body image, particularly for girls and women. Tiffany emphasized how early negative self-talk can start and why cultivating a supportive, safe, and body-positive community is so important. With so many messages out in the world about “shoulds,” having a space like Athena—or even our HartsSpace accountability group—where exercise is framed around empowerment, confidence, and joy, can be transformative.

This month’s theme, “Strength in Every Body,” gave us the perfect lens to explore all the mental health benefits of movement, how to reframe exercise from a “should” to an act of empowerment, and strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship with food and body. Many participants, myself included, were inspired enough that we’re planning a group outing to try an Athena class together—a chance to experience Tiffany’s philosophy in action and connect in community.

As we look ahead, our final session of the month will focus on building your fall fitness plan. We’ll be reflecting on our current routines, patterns, and barriers (think seasonal shifts in energy, motivation, and nervous system regulation) and creating actionable steps to stay consistent while keeping exercise joyful.

Register for the 9/28 session

This work ties beautifully into our next monthly theme, The Power of Alignment, which emphasizes how aligning movement, nutrition, and mindset can create lasting, balanced results and support long-term health and longevity. We'll also have a guest speaker talking all things alignment, nervous system, and whole-body function.

At HartsSpace, we know what it’s like to navigate a difficult relationship with body and fitness. Both Katie and I have experienced different seasons in this journey, and we are deeply passionate about helping participants create plans that leave them feeling proud, confident, and empowered—not focused on looking a certain way. We understand the barriers: time, energy, motivation, societal pressures, and diet culture. And we know how to navigate them with tools, support, and community.

If you’re looking for more connection, guidance, and personalized support, we also offer one-on-one sessions with our providers and opportunities to deepen your practice and community at our HartsSpace retreats. These experiences give you the tools and space to reconnect with your body, your goals, and your health in a way that feels sustainable, joyful, and longevity-focused.

Our accountability group sessions, Tiffany’s wisdom at Athena, and our upcoming fall sessions are all about moving confidently in your body, regulating your nervous system, listening to what your body needs, and creating fitness plans that fit your life, not the other way around. Because every body deserves strength, confidence, empowerment, and a long, healthy life.