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be empowered, the blog
I’m Dana. I help to empower women in the areas of personal protection, fitness, nutrition, and loving who they see in the mirror again (or, for the first time.) This is what I call Holistic Self Defense.

Progress Over Perfection: Lessons From Messing Up in Dance Class
The other night in dance class, my instructor called me out to perform choreography in front of everyone. And let me tell you—I messed up.

Cutting Strings Under the Lunar Eclipse
The other night, the lunar eclipse lit up the sky—a fiery orange reminder to let go of what no longer serves me…
Self-talk, old patterns, doubts—these are the strings we get to cut. And when we do, we create space for better things to take root.

The Power of Deliberate Practice
Deliberate practice means leaning into discomfort—whether it’s a new dance move or adding small, intentional workouts into your day—because growth happens when we act with purpose.

Elevating Self-Love: Lessons I Brought Home from Kauai
Self-love is one of the most important parts of Holistic Self-Defense. Even though I’ve made huge progress over the past several years, I realized there’s always more work to do. The challenges that come up in life aren’t setbacks—they’re lessons that show me where I still need healing. For me, self-love isn’t a finish line, it’s a daily practice that protects my peace, strengthens my confidence, and helps me live with resilience.

Don’t Believe Everything You Think.
This past week, I had to practice this lesson a lot. I was dealing with a personal situation, and my brain decided to run wild—building scenarios, assigning meanings, and making me feel all kinds of emotions based on assumptions. In reality, none of it was certain. But my body was reacting as if every thought was fact. But here’s what I did about it.

Honoring Your Body in Times of Setback: Rest Is Not Weakness
if you’re in a season where your body is calling for rest—honor it.
Trust that strength isn’t only built in the gym or the studio. It’s built in the quiet moments of self-compassion, when you choose to heal rather than hustle.

How I Gained Muscle, Lost Fat, and Started Thriving at 52
At 52, I transformed my body by gaining muscle, losing fat, increasing carbs, and starting hormone therapy—proving that thriving after 40 is possible with the right support.

It Starts with a Decision.
This summer, don’t just get fit—get powerful.
Summer Camp 2025 is your 9-week reset for strength, energy, and follow-through. With weekly workouts, 1:1 nutrition coaching, and personal support, it’s time to stop starting over and finally build what lasts.

What This July 4th Reminded Me About Real Freedom
True freedom goes way beyond fireworks—it’s about honoring your health, strength, and preparedness every day through a lifestyle of holistic self-defense.

The Real Skill Behind Staying Consistent
Discover the real secret to staying consistent with your health goals—not more motivation, but mastering the skill of managing urges when they hit.

Stay Ready: The Power of Situational Awareness
Situational awareness is one of the most powerful tools in your self-defense toolkit. In this blog post, Dana shares real-life strategies—like never sitting with your back to the door and staying off your phone while walking—that help you stay alert, confident, and protected. It’s not about fear; it’s about empowerment. These simple practices are key components of Holistic Self-Defense and can dramatically improve your personal safety. Read the full blog post and learn how to stay ready, every day.

Don’t Give Up: A Lesson from the Dance Floor
The blog shares a heartfelt story about a woman who attended her first dance class, felt intimidated, and left halfway through—never to return. It’s a reminder of how easy it is to walk away from new or difficult things when they feel overwhelming. But it also encourages readers to be brave, return to the challenge, and embrace the discomfort as part of growth.

Skip the Treadmill. Lift Heavy Instead. Here’s Why.
Ladies, it’s time to step off the treadmill and step into your strength. Whether you’re a beginner who feels lost in the gym, or a seasoned pro who’s hit a plateau, I can help you break through with a sustainable plan that gets results.

The Six-Week Shift: Where the Real Magic Begins
There’s something powerful about reaching that six-week mark in your fitness journey. It’s like a switch flips—your body starts to respond, your mind begins to sharpen, and the work you’ve been putting in finally shows up in ways that are impossible to ignore.

Before the Cookie: How I Shifted My Mood and Protected My Health
I recently had that kind of day. One thing after another kept going wrong, and by the end of it, I was mentally and emotionally drained. A friend, with the best intentions, handed me a cookie and said, “Just eat this. It’ll make you feel better.”
I paused. And in that pause, I found an opportunity to practice something I teach often: holistic self-defense.

Situational Awareness: The Key to Staying Safe Before Danger Finds You
Situational awareness is a crucial part of self-defense, helping you detect and avoid danger before it happens by staying alert, trusting your instincts, and making small adjustments to stay in control.

The Biggest Lie in Fitness: Why Small Changes Matter More Than You Think
Small, consistent changes—like walking instead of scrolling or drinking more water—lead to lasting health and fitness improvements, proving that transformation doesn’t require an extreme overhaul.

Get Stronger from Anywhere: Virtual Training with Dana
Whether you're looking to build strength, learn self-defense techniques, improve mobility, or finally put that heavy bag in your garage to use, I’ve got you covered. My virtual training isn’t just about sweating through a screen—it’s about my customized coaching.

Why NEAT is a Game-Changer
Small daily movements have a massive impact on your long-term health, especially after 40, when muscle loss and metabolic changes accelerate. By incorporating NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and strength training into your routine, you can boost your metabolism, improve balance, and set yourself up for a future of vitality and strength.

The Hidden Connection Between Movement, Nutrition, and Achievement
Studies show that regular exercise improves cognitive function by boosting blood flow to the brain, leading to sharper memory, better focus, and enhanced problem-solving skills. According to the Harvard Business Review, employees who exercise regularly are 21% more productive than those who don’t. Need some guidance? I’ve got you.
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