I’m Christine Van Anderson, a certified pre- and postnatal personal trainer and the founder of The Strong Mom Collective. I help moms build real strength through pregnancy and postpartum so they can feel confident in their bodies, capable in their daily lives, and proud of what they see in the mirror.  There is no “bounce back” culture in our workouts and classes, but moms who are rebuilding themselves with intention to step into their new role as “Mom”.

Like so many women, my relationship with fitness started with weight loss and calorie counting from an early age….Weight Watchers in 6th grade. Throughout my adolescence and into early adulthood, I did the cardio, tracked the macros. I constantly chased the smallest version of myself. And while those methods worked for a season, they weren’t sustainable, physically or mentally. It wasn’t until I found strength training that everything shifted. I got stronger, more confident, and more at home in my body… even when my body didn’t look the way diet culture said it should.

Then I became a mom, and everything changed, yet again.

After experiencing pregnancy, an emergency C-section, and postpartum recovery firsthand, I realized how little most women are taught about rebuilding their bodies after birth. We’re cleared at six weeks and expected to “get back to normal,” even when nothing feels normal at all. Weak cores, leaking, pain, exhaustion, back pain, and body image struggles become things we’re told to just live with or push through.

But here’s what I know to be true:

Moms are strong, capable, and resilient. We deserve training that actually respects what our bodies have been through and built.

My work focuses on rebuilding deep core and pelvic floor strength, restoring full-body function, and helping moms feel powerful again — whether they’re pregnant, newly postpartum, years into motherhood, or preparing for another pregnancy. 

This isn’t about punishing workouts or chasing a smaller body. It’s about building muscle, improving energy, moving without pain, and feeling confident picking up your kids, crushing your workouts, and living your life fully.

I work with moms who are busy, overwhelmed, and often putting themselves last. Some women who don’t necessarily love working out, but want to feel strong, healthy, and proud of themselves again. My programs are designed to be effective, efficient, and realistic for real mom life.

What shapes my coaching is both professional training and lived experience. I’ve spent years specializing in perinatal fitness, core rehab, and pelvic floor health, and I’ve also lived the emotional and physical reality of postpartum recovery. That combination allows me to coach with both evidence-based strategies and deep empathy for the season you’re in.

Motherhood can feel isolating, especially when you’re struggling with your body, your confidence, or your energy. The Strong Mom Collective exists to remind women that they are not broken, not behind, and not alone. When moms train together, support each other, and celebrate progress that goes beyond the scale, something powerful happens. Confidence grows, friendships form, and women start showing up stronger not just in workouts, but in life.

Moms don’t need to be fixed. We need to be supported, educated, and empowered to grow stronger than ever. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and it is okay to prioritize your health and well-being. 

My gym is child friendly so whether we are training 1:1 or you are coming to a group class – bring your kids with you and let them see what showing up for yourself and taking care of yourself looks like! I can’t wait to meet you!