Born and raised in San Diego, Kari is the owner of Empower Fitness & Wellness and a strength training coach dedicated to helping women break free from the cycle of restrictive diets, fitness fads, and self-doubt. She knows firsthand what it’s like to struggle with body image, weight fluctuations, and the frustration of not knowing where to start. After years of chasing quick fixes, she discovered that real transformation comes from building strength, fueling properly, and creating habits that actually stick.
Kari doesn’t just coach, she gets it. She’s been where you are, and she’s committed to helping you create a sustainable approach to fitness and nutrition that fits into your real life. No extreme restrictions. No punishing workouts. No gimmicks. Just a straightforward plan tailored to your body, goals, and lifestyle so you can finally feel strong, confident, and in control of your health.
Her coaching philosophy? Training should build you up, not break you down. She provides a safe, supportive space for women to navigate the challenges of fitness, nutrition, and mindset without guilt, shame, or unrealistic expectations. It’s not about willpower or perfection. It’s about finding what works for you and staying consistent enough to make it your new normal.
When she’s not coaching clients, you can find Kari spending time with her high school sweetheart and husband, and their fur crew, Cornish Rex cat Eve, and dachshunds, Bob & Alice (who you’ll probably see lounging at the studio).
If you’re ready to stop starting over and finally build a body and mindset that feels good for life, Kari’s your coach.
Note from Kari:
You only get one body so why not take care of it in a way that actually supports you, not drains you? The moment you start seeing your body as something to be cared for, not punished, everything shifts. It’s not about perfection or extremes. It’s about making choices today that set you up for strength, confidence, and longevity tomorrow.
I believe in a fully customized approach because no two people have the same goals, abilities, or lifestyle. Your training and nutrition should be tailored to you, your body, your schedule, and what actually fits into your life. That’s why I focus on realistic, effective, and sustainable programs that challenge you without feeling overwhelming. My goal? To educate, motivate, and guide you in a way that keeps your body progressing and your mind engaged.
Studies show that working with a coach increases accountability, consistency, and…most importantly…results. But beyond that, I believe that balance is the key to building a life where health and happiness go hand in hand.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck, I see you. I’ve been there. My clients have been there, too. And the good news? You don’t have to stay there.
If what you’re doing right now isn’t working, it’s time to try something that does. Let’s build something that finally feels good, doable, and built to last.
Certifications & Memberships:
- Certified Personal Trainer by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- Certified MPH (Mindset, Psychology, Habits) Accountability Coach (My Body Tutor)
- Certified Macros-Based Diet Coach (Precision Nutrition)
- Certified Stronglifting: Level 1 (Bret Contreras, BC Academy)
- Certified GGS-1 Coach (Girls Gone Strong)
- Certified Oh Baby! Fitness Prenatal and Postpartum Trainer
- Certified Specialist in Fitness for Older Adults (ISSA)
- Certified Lagree Fitness Instructor
- American Red Cross CPR/AED Certified
Insurance:
Comprehensive insurance policy through Hiscox
Ready to Reclaim Your Personal Power?
Allow yourself to receive the most effective form of training with personal training, or our online fitness & macro coaching.