Why You’re Stronger Than You Think

Strength is one of those words we often connect to the body. How much weight someone can lift, how far they can run, or how toned their muscles are. But the truth is, strength has layers. Some of the strongest people you’ll ever meet are not defined by their physique. They are defined by the quiet courage it takes to keep going, especially when life feels heavy.

At times, doubts can creep in. Maybe it’s the weight of exhaustion, fear, or feeling like progress is too far away. But even in those moments, there’s something powerful happening beneath the surface. Science tells us that strength is a whole-body experience. It’s in the mind, in the heart, and even in how we heal.

And scripture reminds us that strength is also a spiritual gift. It’s something God renews in us, especially when we feel like we’ve reached our limit.

To bring this to life, let’s look at a real-world story of transformation. Not a model or a spokesperson, but someone whose journey embodies what it means to find strength in consistency, faith, and emotional resilience.

Meet Alicia Briggs

Alicia Briggs is a woman who once found herself at rock bottom. Bedbound, weighing over 429 pounds, and recovering from a stroke that left her children thinking she had died. In that moment, she realized something had to change. Not for the spotlight, not for a title, but for the chance to live again.

Her transformation didn’t start in a gym. It started at home, with quiet prayers, small choices, and deep faith. Over time, Alicia lost more than 230 pounds, rebuilt her health, and began encouraging others to do the same. Her story was featured in The Sun, where she shared that her turning point came when she decided to start fighting for herself and her future.

1. Strength in Consistency

Alicia began her journey with small, steady steps. Her goal wasn’t an overnight change. It was a daily commitment. She adopted a high-protein diet, built a routine she could stick with, and stayed patient with herself. Over time, she lost more than 230 pounds.

Research from Harvard Health Publishing confirms that regular physical activity, even in small doses, contributes to long-term changes in brain chemistry. It lowers stress hormones, boosts mood-regulating endorphins, and improves focus and energy over time. In other words, your body rewards repetition. Even a 15-minute walk each day begins to train your brain to handle pressure more calmly. Consistency is not just about building habits. It is about gradually transforming your biology to be more resilient.

2. Strength in Faith

Through the highs and lows, Alicia’s foundation was her faith. She often shares that her strength didn’t come from her alone. “I run to Jesus,” she says. “He is my peace, my medicine, my joy.” That spiritual conviction carried her through the days when change felt slow and motivation was low.

Isaiah 40:31 puts it beautifully. “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.” Alicia’s life reflects this truth. Her strength was not just physical. It was a renewal that came from trusting in something bigger than herself.

Faith creates what psychologists often refer to as psychological hardiness. A mindset that helps people recover more quickly from adversity. According to The American Journal of Psychiatry, individuals who engage regularly in spiritual practices experience lower rates of depression, greater emotional regulation, and a stronger capacity to navigate stress. This research points to something many people of faith already know. Spiritual beliefs don’t just uplift you emotionally. They can change the way your brain processes life’s challenges. Faith strengthens your inner world so you can face your outer world with greater peace, clarity, and courage.

3. Strength of the Mind and Body

As Alicia’s physical health improved, so did her mental clarity, self-worth, and energy. She went from surviving to thriving. Not just physically but emotionally. And that is not a coincidence. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, regular exercise supports the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that helps the brain grow, adapt, and build resilience. In simple terms, movement doesn’t just make you feel better. It changes the way your brain responds to stress and helps protect your emotional health. This means every workout you complete is doing more than shaping your body. It is rewiring your brain. Over time, your response to pressure, anxiety, and discouragement becomes stronger and more balanced. Physical strength fuels mental strength, and the two are deeply intertwined.

You’re Stronger Than You Think

Alicia’s story is one of many. Her journey shows us that strength doesn’t have to be loud or fast to be real. It is built on choices, grounded in faith, and activated by small steps. You might not see the strength in you yet, but it is there.

At Total Effort Fitness, we believe in helping you unlock what’s already inside. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing to show up. You are stronger than you think, and we are here to walk that journey with you.