We aim to contribute to a growing body of research that:

• Supports weight lifting as an effective adjunct intervention in the treatment of trauma
• Informs the design of trauma-informed weight lifting interventions
• Centers the lived experience of trauma-impacted weight lifters to inform culture change and capacity building within fitness, movement and sport spaces

Upcoming Projects

Trauma Informed Weight Lifting among Trans Students: A Pilot Study

In partnership with Eva Nowakowski-Sims, Barry University

There has been very little research about transgender persons and their needs related to exercise, especially in gym spaces. Exercise and weight lifting has been found to be a transformative experience for trans persons. Yet, there are barriers and transphobic discriminations that trans people experience in gym spaces that prevent them from accessing the benefits of exercise. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the impact of the trauma informed weight lifting program on gender dysphoria and mental health among trans students. Study findings could offer important insights to inform the development of gender affirming and trauma-informed gym spaces within universities as well as the integration of weight lifting as adjunct interventions for health and wellness.

Beyond the Binary: Searching for Gender Affirming and Trauma Informed Gym Spaces

In partnership with researchers at Barry University and Harvard University

The purpose of this study is to explore how transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) persons experience weight lifting as a healing intervention for trauma and navigate the spaces where they lift using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).  This study explored the participants‘ understanding of their experiences and how they have made meaning from these experiences. Additionally, the researchers explored the influence of power, privilege, and oppression on the lives of the participants, and how various contextual factors influenced their experiences and interpretations of their experiences.

 A literature review to characterize our current understanding of trauma-informed approaches to care and professional interactions, exercise in the treatment of psychological disorders, and weightlifting as an adjunct to therapy for PTSD.

An audit of educational and training materials for personal trainers, coaches and other fitness and health professionals to understand: If/how trainers are taught to work with trauma-impacted clients; If/how trainers are taught about vicarious trauma and how to care for themselves; How other professionals (yoga instructors, clinical psychologists, physicians, etc) are taught to work with trauma-impacted clients; and to summarize the "best practices" for trauma-informed interactions and self-care from all of the above disciplines. Potentially provide recommendations for educational materials for trainers.