personal training

Why Muscle Is Your Metabolic Superpower

Why Muscle Is Your Metabolic Superpower
Uncover the transformative power of muscle and why it stands as your true metabolic superpower—not just a tool for toned arms or heavy lifts. Dive into the profound benefits muscle brings, from boosting your resting metabolic rate and regulating blood sugar to supercharging hormone health and fortifying your body against age-related decline. Understand why building muscle is key to food becoming fuel, not fear, and how it can lead to sustainable fat loss without the pitfalls of conventional dieting. Discover the profound impact muscle has on your mental strength, resilience, and overall confidence, proving it’s not just essential but empowering. Ready to redefine your strength journey and embrace lasting vitality? Explore the purposeful approach to muscle-building with Refinery Strength Collective and find out why now’s the time to unleash your metabolic potential.
Read more...

The Top 5 Strength Myths Women Still Believe (and Why They’re Wrong)

The Top 5 Strength Myths Women Still Believe (and Why They’re Wrong)
In a world where misinformation about women's strength training persists like an unwelcome shadow, many myths are keeping you from unlocking your full potential and embracing a stronger, more resilient life. Discover how common beliefs about bulking up, needing to lose weight first, or the risks involved are not only exaggerated but entirely misunderstand the transformative power of lifting. Instead, uncover the truths that reveal how strength training builds lean muscle, boosts metabolism, and safeguards your health through every stage of womanhood. With insights on prioritizing longevity and real confidence, this post will challenge what you've been told and inspire you to take the first step toward a life of empowerment and vitality—dive in to learn more.
Read more...

3 Common Strength Training Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

3 Common Strength Training Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Discover the untapped potential of strength training beyond aesthetics with Refinery Strength Collective's insightful guide. This article delves into the transformative power of building lasting confidence and resilience while addressing three common mistakes women make on their strength journey. Are you focusing too much on looks over function, following a generic program, or neglecting the necessity of rest? Learn how to overcome these pitfalls by creating a personalized approach that supports your daily life, embracing rest as part of your routine, and ultimately, harnessing strength that enhances your well-being. Unleash the life-altering benefits of strength that empower far beyond mere physical appearance.
Read more...

Meet Amy Karas

Hi, I’m Amy Karas—coach, mom, and believer in grit built over time. I help women cultivate durable strength through smart, compassionate training. After years coaching diverse women, I saw how many were under-served by one-size-fits-all fitness—especially those with autoimmune conditions or shifting seasons like postpartum or perimenopause. Refinery Strength Collective was born to change that.

Creds & Lived Insight:
  • NASM-CPT, Girls Gone Strong L1
  • Specialty: Autoimmune-aware, female physiology, power development
  • Philosophy: Faith-forward, science-driven, client-led
Values:
  • Dignity First – You are not your diagnosis or decade.
  • Evidence & Empathy – Data + lived experience guide us.
  • Progress Over Perfection – We refine; we don’t punish.
Photo of Amy Karas