Meet Rachelle Axten of Tempe/Chandler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachelle Axten.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a tiny town in Saskatchewan, Canada – the kind of place with no grocery store, a school a town away, brutal winters, and definitely no gym. But movement was always a part of who I was, so I played every sport I could get into from dance to volleyball to baseball. After high school, I moved away to college for Engineering Design and Drafting Technology. It wasn’t fitness related, but I stayed active in the gym and on rec teams.

When I started working full time, I quickly realized sitting at a desk all day wasn’t for me. That’s when I began pursuing my coaching and personal training certifications, working with clients in the evenings and on the weekends. The more I coached, the more I loved it – and eventually knew this is what I was meant to do. So, I made the leap, switched careers, and haven’t looked back since (and it’s been over 10 years now).

Like many women, I once followed the “traditional” path – light weights, 1200 calorie diets, chasing “toned” results that never came. Everything changed when I found true strength training. I started lifting heavy, fueling my body properly, and I fell in love with the feeling of being strong and capable. More food and more strength brought me more confidence – and the results spoke for themselves. Now, that’s exactly what I help other women do: shift their mindset, lift with purposes, and build real strength. Because women are capable of so much more than they think.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it’s been a perfectly smooth road, but I also don’t see the challenges as setbacks. In the beginning, I used to think I just “got lucky” with amazing clients and supportive peers. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t luck at all – it was the result of my hard work, consistency, and care I put into my coaching. Building a business takes long hours, learning curves, and a lot of showing up even when it’s tough. But for me, it never felt like a burden, because I truly love what I do. Every challenge has been an opportunity to grow, to get better, and to serve my clients more effectively. When you’re passionate about something, the hard work doesn’t feel like a struggle, it feels like purpose.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Personal Trainer and Online Coach. I specialize in helping women ditch diet culture and build real strength and confidence – both inside and outside of the gym. So many of us were taught to shrink, eat less, lift light, do endless cardio. I help women unlearn that and step into a different approach – one that’s about fueling their bodies, lifting heavy, and challenging both body and mind. Because if you want real results, that’s where the magic happens. No more shrinking, just building.

What I’m most proud of is the impact this shift has on my client’s lives. It’s not just about the weight on the barbell – it’s about the confidence, self-trust, and strength they carry into every part of their life.

What sets me apart is my ability to meet every single client where they are. I’ve worked with women at every level, from bran new beginners to those with years of training experience, and I know how to create a plan that feels both doable and challenging. My goal is to make the gym a safe, empowering space for everyone. Strength training isn’t always easy, but that’s part of the process – and it’s always worth it.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am big on anything by Tim Grover – his books and talks are packed with motivation and mindset lessons that really resonate with me as both a coach and an athlete. “How I Became the Fittest Woman on Earth: My Story So Far” by Tia Toomey is another favorite; her story is incredibly inspiring and a reminder of what’s possible with hard work and belief in yourself. Beyond books and resources though, what helps me most is simply connecting with people. Talking to women at every stage of their fitness journey – hearing their struggles, goals, and wins – that’s what really keeps me learning, growing, and confident in what I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fitnesswithrachelle.com/home
• Instagram: @fitnesswithrachelle