Natali Medlen’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Natali Medlen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Natali, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity is everything to me, especially when it comes to building friendships and professional networks. Someone can be highly intelligent or full of energy, but at the end of the day, what’s in their heart is what truly matters. With integrity as the foundation, the rest naturally follows.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been active my entire life, from competing in over a dozen different sports to spending countless hours in the gym since high school. In 2011, I discovered bikini competitions, and that experience completely shifted the direction of my career. What makes my work unique is my ability to help people achieve incredible transformations—I’ve guided clients through extreme weight loss journeys, and many have stayed with me for over a decade, which is something I’m truly proud of.

Now, at 42 years old, as a mom of three (including twins), I’ve reignited my passion for competing and recently returned to the bikini stage. To date, I’ve competed eight times across three different leagues. I think what sets my story apart is showing that age, motherhood, and life’s challenges don’t have to limit what’s possible. If anything, I hope my journey inspires others to believe they can push further and do more than they ever thought they could.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For much of my life, I felt I had to be ‘the strong one’—holding everything together for everyone else no matter what I was going through. That role served me for a long time, but I’ve realized it’s no longer sustainable. Releasing that identity has allowed me to show up more authentically, not just as a trainer and competitor, but also as a mom and a woman. Strength isn’t about carrying everything alone—it’s about allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to keep moving forward even when things aren’t perfect.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. Growing up, I witnessed both stability and the loss of it all, navigating two very different blended households. What shaped me most was the example my parents set—through every hardship, they never complained, blamed, or gave in to despair. Instead, they showed me the value of work ethic, gratitude, and kindness, even in the toughest times.

I’ve experienced loss myself and have had to start over more than once. But those experiences never scared me. If anything, they built my resilience. I know now that no matter what life takes away, I have the strength and determination to rebuild, and that mindset is something success alone could never have given me.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
No, the public version of me isn’t the full picture. I’m a very private person, and if it weren’t necessary for my business, I likely wouldn’t use social media at all. On rare occasions I’ll share a story of my children, but I choose to keep their moments private. Those who know me personally would describe me as outgoing and open, yet I can also be quiet and reserved until I build trust. In many ways, I’m a balanced mix of extrovert and introvert, which allows me to connect with people in different ways both personally and professionally.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think what people may misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s only about fitness or competitions. While those things are a big part of my life, what I truly hope to leave behind is the example that resilience, discipline, and kindness can carry you through anything. My story isn’t just about building muscle or stepping on stage—it’s about showing that no matter how many times you have to start over, you can rise, rebuild, and inspire others along the way. That’s the heart of my legacy, even if on the surface it looks like it’s only about physical strength.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: built4thistucson
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/built4thistraining/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/built4this-personal-training-tucson-4
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@built4thispersonaltraining20

Image Credits
Tanya Case owner of Tacit Focus Photography LLC. IG @tacitfocusphotography