Featured

Come train with us!

Sanctuary: A place of refuge. Weightlifter: One who lifts barbells in competition or as an exercise. -merriam-webster.com There is something peaceful, and yet violent about it. Some would say that the movements are like ballet with the barbell. Some say weightlifting is a way to relax, to center themselves, to release aggression and stress. Some […]

Sanctuary Barbell turns 4!

Thank you to all of our athletes that have been a part of the past four years. You all have shaped this family, this Sanctuary.

Let’s get vulnerable for a sec, shall we?

Two years ago, I injured my wrist. 2018 was a painful year, trying to figure out how I was going to keep going with weightlifting. I kept training, trying to find ways around my injury. We tried everything, for taking a break with overhead movements and doing nothing but squats, to scaling my numbers back, […]

30 Days of Plant Forward Meals/Dishes Day 7

Day 7: January 07, 2020 Turkey Taco Pizza with Cauliflower Crust Ingredients: CauliPower Cauliflower crust 1 lb ground turkey Low Sodium Taco Seasoning 1/2 cup onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 jalapeno, chopped *optional* 1/4 cup salsa of your choice 1 cup Mexican Blend Cheese Cilantro for topping *optional* Steps Preheat the oven as […]

30 DAYS PLANT FORWARD MEALS/DISHES DAY 4

Day 4: January 04, 2020 Salmon Teriyaki Bowl Ingredients 2 salmon fillets (approx. 4-6 oz. each) 2 Tbsp soy sauce, reduced sodium 2 Tbsp mirin (or dry sherry)*optional 1½ tsp honey 1½ tsp water 1 tsp cornstarch 1 cup cooked rice (cook rice in coconut water for added flavor) 2 cups brussel sprouts ½ red […]

30 Days Plant Forward Dishes/Meals Day 2

Years ago, I worked for the Olive Garden. I was obsessed with the Alfredo Sauce, but it always left me sluggish, and quite frankly, my stomach did not agree with the amount of dairy in it. I pride myself on being able to find Macro Hacks, or making my favorites Macro Friendly. Through trial and […]

January Habit: Eat More Vegetables

Its the new year, but I’m not here to tell you, ‘New Year. New Me.’ I’m here to tell you that its the New Year, and my goal is simple. To grow and become a better me than before, one habit at a time. 2020’s mantra is Progress, not perfection. Vince Lombardi said it best; […]

30 Days Plant Forward Dishes/Meals Day 1

Day 1: January 1, 2020Adobo Green Beans with Cauliflower Rice Ready in 20 minutes Serves 4 people Ingredients One Bag Washed and Trimmed Green Beans 1 cup Soy Sauce ½ cup Apple Cider Vinegar ½ cup White Vinegar ¼ cup chopped red onions 3 garlic cloves minced 2-3 Bay Leaves Salt and Pepper to taste […]

Kitchen Appliances I Can’t Live Without

No doubt that the most used appliance in my kitchen would be the stove and the oven, but there are other appliances that I could not possibly live without. No Asian Household is complete without the Rice Cooker. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one or one that can feed an army. My trusty […]

Welcome to my Kitchen!

Welcome to my Kitchen! I started my road to fitness in 2006 when I met my husband, Jesse. When we met, I was an out-of-shape smoker, who cringed at the thought of taking the stairs for one floor. I hated working out and the gym gave me anxiety. I could not do one proper push-up, […]

Coach Jesse Says…

For those of us who enjoy the weight room, there is something calming about the sound of the steel hitting the floor. The smell of chalk in the air. And the knowledge that we are all there for a common purpose. The pursuit of strength is a lifelong goal, and one that I have been […]