Kathleen Chapman

Kathleen holds a BA from The University of the South and an MS in Magazine Journalism from Northwestern University. She has worked in editorial journalism and nonprofit public relations and is currently a freelance copy editor. 

Kathleen discovered strength training about a year ago when she began attending classes at The Strength Initiative. She quickly became hooked!

Kathleen’s introduction to lifting came after she was diagnosed with osteopenia and wanted to improve her bone strength. Her daughter had been encouraging her for years to work with a trainer and give lifting a try, and around the time of her diagnosis, Kathleen happened to read an article about The Strength Initiative in The Daily Progress. She was immediately drawn to the small class sizes and women-only environment. After trying a few classes, she signed up for the 55+ program and found a community of fellow lifters who share a sense of humor, gently push one another forward, and build confidence together. Her favorite lifts are the bench press and deadlift.

Outside of the gym, Kathleen loves traveling, reading, fine dining, Broadway shows, movies, and attending Virginia’s annual Film Festival. She is also a devoted UVA sports fan, particularly when it comes to men’s and women’s basketball. She currently shares her home with a cardigan corgi and a terrier mix, who keep her laughing with their goofy antics.