Lori Nathanson

Lori Nathanson

REGISTERED YOGA TEACHER (RYT-500)

Lori Nathanson brings a unique blend of science, education, and mindful movement to The Strength Initiative. Originally from Norwalk, Connecticut, Lori earned her BA from Duke University before completing her PhD in Education Sciences at the University of Virginia. She currently works as a researcher at Westat, where her passion for evidence-based practice shapes the way she approaches both her professional work and her own health.

While Lori has dabbled in strength training over the years, it was the growing body of research on healthy aging that inspired her to make lifting a more intentional part of her life. As she has learned more about the powerful role strength training plays in preserving mobility, independence, and long-term health, she became convinced that lifting heavy isn't just for athletes—it's one of the best investments women can make in themselves.

Lori found exactly what she was looking for when she discovered The Strength Initiative: a welcoming, values-driven community of women committed to getting stronger together. She was immediately drawn to the organization's physician-founded, science-backed approach and its mission of making strength training accessible to every woman.

Movement has been a lifelong passion for Lori. She has practiced yoga since she was 22 years old, initially believing she was "good at yoga" simply because she was naturally flexible. More than two decades later, her perspective has completely changed. Today, she believes she is good at yoga because she continues to show up and practice. She completed her 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher training in 2018 to deepen her own understanding of the practice, but quickly discovered a love for teaching as well. Guided by the philosophy, "Learn it, live it, give it," Lori enjoys helping others experience the physical and mental benefits of mindful movement.

Not surprisingly, the researcher in Lori also finds joy in the weight room. Rather than chasing numbers alone, she loves tracking progress over time and seeing the data reflect the strength she's building through consistent training.

Outside the gym, Lori embraces everything Charlottesville has to offer. She enjoys cooking and sharing good meals, painting, live music, hiking throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, traveling, and spending evenings at the theater. A lifelong theater enthusiast, she grew up celebrating birthdays and family milestones with trips to Broadway and has been fortunate enough to see the original casts of both Rent and Hamilton.

After years as a self-described city girl, Lori has also fallen in love with local farming life through her Bellair Farm share, where she enjoys picking flowers, harvesting tomatoes, and clipping fresh herbs. Her creative side extends beyond the kitchen—she has painted portraits of her beloved dog Ruby and one of her personal heroes, John Lewis, and recently began exploring pottery through beginner wheel-throwing classes at City Clay, where she's happily embracing the occasional misshapen masterpiece.

Whether she's guiding a yoga practice, hiking a Blue Ridge trail, or celebrating a new personal best in the gym, Lori brings curiosity, warmth, and a deep appreciation for lifelong learning. She believes that strength—both physical and mental—is something we build through consistent practice, supportive community, and the willingness to keep showing up.