What if one day could change the way you think about strength?
On Sunday, September 27, we welcomed women to Farm Girl Fitness for our first Strength Summit, a full day dedicated to movement, education, personal growth and connection.
From learning about hormonal health and pelvic floor wellness to exploring body confidence and the role strength training plays as we age, the day was about looking at strength from different perspectives and understanding how we can invest in our health for the years ahead.
Why We Created The Strength Summit
For too long, women have been told that fitness is about being smaller. We see it differently. Strength is one of the best investments we can make in our health, both today and for the years ahead.
The Strength Summit was our way of putting that idea into a full day. We wanted to create an experience that went beyond a typical workout, giving women the opportunity to learn from experts, ask questions, explore topics that don't always get enough attention and connect with others who are also prioritizing their health.
Our goal was for everyone to leave with a better understanding of their bodies, practical knowledge they could use in everyday life and a renewed appreciation for what strength really means.
What Happened at the Strength Summit?
From 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, attendees experienced a mix of education, movement, meaningful conversations and time together.
Building Confidence Through Strength Training
We began with a focus on strength training with Jessie Thomas and its role in supporting our health throughout life. The session was an opportunity to build confidence with movement and think beyond how much we can lift or how a workout makes us look.
Strength training can help us maintain our capabilities, support our independence as we age and feel more confident in what our bodies can do. It was a reminder that building strength is an investment in our future selves.
Understanding Hormonal Health with Dr. Julia Fountain
Dr. Julia Fountain, Healthspan Wellness
Dr. Julia Fountain helped attendees better understand their bodies and the changes that happen throughout different stages of life.
Hormonal changes can affect how we feel, sleep, move and experience everyday life. Her session encouraged women to become more informed about their health, understand the options available to them and feel empowered to make decisions alongside their healthcare providers.
One of the biggest takeaways was that understanding what's happening in our bodies gives us the power to ask better questions and take an active role in our health.
Opening Up Conversations About Pelvic Floor Health with Meryl Da Costa
Meryl Da Costa, Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
Meryl Da Costa of Eramosa Physiotherapy opened up conversations about pelvic floor health, a topic many women may experience but don't always feel comfortable discussing.
Her session reminded us that our health is worth talking about, asking questions about and advocating for. Understanding our bodies, recognizing when something doesn't feel right and knowing when to seek support are all important parts of taking care of ourselves.
There is strength in being informed and comfortable enough to speak up about our health.
Looking at Strength Through Body Confidence with Kim Basler
Kim Basler, Body Confidence and Life Coach
Kim Basler brought a different perspective to the day, exploring the relationship between body confidence, self-worth and the way we speak to ourselves.
Fitness can easily become focused on how we look, but our relationship with ourselves matters just as much as our physical strength. Her session encouraged attendees to consider how they see their bodies, how they treat themselves and what it means to feel comfortable in their own skin.
It was a reminder that taking care of ourselves isn't only physical. The way we think about ourselves matters, too.
Investing in Our Future with Margaret Wallis-Duffy
Margaret Wallis-Duffy, of Wallis for Wellness, brought attention to another important part of long-term health: bone health.
As we age, maintaining bone strength becomes increasingly important. Strength training can play a valuable role in supporting our bones, helping us maintain our physical capabilities and building a foundation for the years ahead.
Her session reminded us that the work we put into our bodies today matters. Strength isn't just about what we can do right now. It's also about supporting our ability to stay active, capable and independent as we get older.
Time to Connect, Recharge and Enjoy the Day
Between sessions, attendees had time to connect with one another, continue conversations and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch prepared by Kit's Little Kitchen.
lululemon also joined us as our event sponsor, creating a fantastic shopping experience and providing an attendee kit that made the day even more special.
From the learning sessions to the conversations over lunch, the day offered plenty of opportunities to slow down, meet new people and spend time investing in ourselves.
The Part We Loved Most
Women came to the Strength Summit from different backgrounds, different stages of life and different experiences with fitness. They all ended up in the same place, learning, asking questions, laughing and moving together.
The best moments were often the small ones. Conversations over lunch. Women cheering each other on. Honest discussions about health, strength and taking care of ourselves. Seeing people connect over shared experiences and leave with something meaningful to think about.
Each speaker brought a different perspective, but the message that connected the day was clear: strength is bigger than what we can lift.
It's about understanding our bodies, asking questions, advocating for our health, building confidence and making choices that support the lives we want to live.
We are so grateful to Dr. Julia Fountain, Meryl Da Costa, Kim Basler and Margaret Wallis-Duffy for sharing their knowledge and helping make the day so meaningful.
A huge thank-you also goes to lululemon for sponsoring the Summit and creating such a wonderful shopping experience and attendee kit, and to Kit's Little Kitchen for keeping everyone fuelled with a delicious lunch.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who spent their Sunday with us. Choosing to invest time in your health, learn something new and connect with others is something worth celebrating.
How We Host Workshops and Wellness Events at Farm Girl Fitness
At Farm Girl Fitness, we believe fitness can be about more than attending a class and heading home. Our regular workouts help members build strength, improve fitness and develop a routine, while our workshops and wellness events create space to explore other aspects of health and well-being.
Events like the Strength Summit give people time to learn from knowledgeable professionals, ask questions, try new things and connect with others outside their usual routine.
We aim to make our events welcoming and accessible, with experiences that encourage people to participate, learn and feel comfortable showing up as they are.
That means creating opportunities for:
Movement and education: Combining physical activity with information that supports long-term health.
Different perspectives: Bringing in knowledgeable speakers and professionals to explore topics that matter.
Connection: Creating opportunities to meet people, share experiences and learn together.
A welcoming environment: Making it easier to attend something new, even if you don't know anyone.
Practical takeaways: Giving attendees ideas and knowledge they can carry into their everyday lives.
And you don't need to be a Farm Girl Fitness member to attend our workshops and wellness events. We welcome members and non-members alike.
What's Next?
Our first Strength Summit was a reminder of how valuable it is to bring people together to learn, connect and invest in themselves.
We're grateful for everyone who helped make the day what it was, and we're excited to continue creating opportunities for people to experience more of what Farm Girl Fitness has to offer.
If you'd like to hear about upcoming workshops, special events and opportunities to get involved, follow us on Instagram and keep an eye on our website for updates.
Want to Experience Farm Girl Fitness for Yourself?
You don't have to wait for another special event to get involved.
If you're looking for a welcoming place to build strength, try different workouts and meet people who will encourage you along the way, we'd love to introduce you to the farm.
Book a class and see what's happening at Farm Girl Fitness: View our class schedule.
Learn more about our speakers
Dr. Julia Fountain, ND, MSCP
HealthSpan Wellness
Website: www.healthspan.ca
Email: info@healthspan.ca
Phone: 905-873-8729
Instagram: @juliafountain.nd
Meryl Da Costa, BSc(PT), BHSc(Kin)
Eramosa Physiotherapy
Website: eramosaphysio.com
Email: georgetown@eramosaphysio.com
Phone: 905-873-3103
Instagram: @meryl.epa.pt
Kim Basler
Website: www.kimbasler.com
Instagram: @iamkimbasler
Email: kim@kimbasler.com
Margaret Wallis-Duffy, RMT, CPCA
Wallis for Wellness
Website: www.becometheceoofyourhealth.ca
Blog: https://blog.wallisforwellness.com
Instagram: @becometheceoofyourhealth
Email: phammovement@gmail.com
Phone: 647-280-5612
Jessie Thomas
Owner, Farm Girl Fitness
Website: www.farmgirlfitness.ca
Email: info@farmgirlfitness.ca
Instagram: @thejessiethomas and @farmgirlfitness.ca
