Steph Garcia

Steph's passion for strength training began as a freshman in high school while competing as a year-round swimmer. What started as lifting to improve athletic performance quickly evolved into a lifelong appreciation for building strength, confidence, and resilience. She later discovered CrossFit, where she spent two years developing a love for barbell movements and functional fitness before transitioning to a more traditional strength training approach centered on resistance training and progressive overload. Along the way, Steph coached strength and functional fitness classes at F45 Training, where she discovered how much she enjoys helping others move well, challenge themselves, and accomplish things they never thought possible.

A proud "double Hoo," Steph earned her BS in Kinesiology from the University of Virginia and is currently completing her MS in Exercise Physiology at UVA. Her academic training, combined with hands-on coaching experience, gives her a deep appreciation for the science behind exercise and the powerful impact strength training can have across the lifespan.

Steph's passion for women's health is also deeply personal. At just 20 years old, she was diagnosed with osteopenia—a diagnosis that completely reshaped the way she viewed exercise and long-term health. Rather than discouraging her, it reinforced her commitment to resistance training and gave her firsthand experience with just how important strength is for protecting bone health, maintaining independence, and supporting lifelong wellbeing. That experience fuels her desire to help other women understand that strength training isn't simply about lifting weights—it's about investing in a healthier future.

When Steph discovered The Strength Initiative, she immediately connected with its mission of making evidence-based strength training welcoming and accessible to women of every age and experience level. She is excited to be part of a community that empowers women to build strength, confidence, and lasting healthy habits while supporting one another along the way.

Steph's favorite lift is the back squat. She loves the challenge of progressively getting stronger and the confidence that comes from seeing consistent effort translate into measurable progress.

Outside the gym, Steph enjoys staying active through boxing, rock climbing, and hiking, and she's always eager to try something new. One of her favorite traditions is hiking Old Rag at least once every semester—a ritual that reminds her to appreciate both the journey and the view from the top.

Steph is also passionate about helping others beyond the weight room. She has been teaching swim lessons since she was 17 and specializes in adaptive aquatics, working with individuals with disabilities to build confidence and independence in the water. She is currently a graduate coaching intern for an IFBB Pro, where she continues to expand her knowledge of physique coaching and nutrition with the goal of one day stepping on stage herself.

When she's not coaching or studying, you'll probably find her listening to Amy Winehouse—especially "Valerie," a song she loves so much she named her car after it—or enjoying a good romantic comedy (with 13 Going on 30 firmly holding the top spot).

Whether she's coaching a first squat, hiking another mountain trail, or diving into the latest exercise science research, Steph brings enthusiasm, compassion, and a genuine belief that strength has the power to transform lives from the inside out.