CERTIFICATIONS

☑️ NASM Certified Personal Trainer

☑️ Certified Biomechanics Specialist

☑️ Barbell Rehab Method Certified

☑️ Unique Considerations for the Female Barbell Athlete

☑️ Soft Skills for Strength Coaches - A Trauma Informed Certified

Meet Your Personal Trainer

Nicky Nickelson

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Schedule Your Free Consultation Now
Schedule Your Free Consultation Now

Exercise has been something that has carried me through some of the hardest moments in my life and has also mirrored to me that I am capable of accomplishing anything that I put my mind to. From having a bad day, celebrating a huge milestone, experiencing mobility limitations, or healing through an injury; training has helped me see that things don’t need to be all or nothing and that I can meet my body exactly where it is at. Movement has enhanced my confidence, has brought feelings of empowerment, and has allowed me to learn so much about my inner self. This has all been a huge part of my fitness journey and I LOVE when I see this come alive in others that I work with.

I love supporting individuals to move their bodies in a way that is safe, results driven, and fun. I thrive in helping others build their capabilities through creating a space of accountability, trust, and vulnerability.

In working together we will come to a better understanding of the structure of your body, its center, strengths, and limitations. Through increased connection and knowledge of self we build short term gains into lifelong strength and promote an increased awareness of the power in your body and the way it delivers that power to the world. In my practice with you, what you learn in the gym will extend into your life as we come to understand, together, how best to carry yourself through the activities you perform every day. My duty and joy as your trainer is to go beyond the walls where we meet and understand that the fall you had when you were 12, the child you carried in your arms for over a year, and the time spent swinging a hammer or crunching numbers at your desk has as much to do with our work as the weights we lift together. My goal for myself and my clients is to understand your body in the world, not in the abstract, but as the force of nature that it is.

As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Biomechanics Specialist, I specialize in strength training (bodyweight and weighted), exercise modifications, functional training to support activities of daily living, mobility, and the development of balanced movement through connection.

All bodies are welcome.

Schedule a time with Nicky
Schedule a time with Nicky

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Unique considerations for female barbell athletes involve tailoring training for menstrual cycle fluctuations, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and higher ligament laxity. Key areas include managing intra-abdominal pressure for pelvic floor health, preventing RED-S/bone injuries, using appropriate equipment (shorter 6.6ft bars), and focusing on building confidence. 

    Key Physiological and Training Considerations

    Hormonal & Cycle Management: Training may need adjustments based on the menstrual cycle, particularly around ovulation.

    Pregnancy & Postpartum: Specialized programming is required to safely navigate training during pregnancy and return to lifting postpartum.

    Pelvic Floor Health: Increased intra-abdominal pressure during heavy lifting (e.g., Valsalva maneuver) requires careful management to address potential issues like urinary incontinence.

    Joint Laxity & Stability: Higher joint laxity in women can lead to decreased stability, necessitating a focus on form to prevent injury.

    Injury Prevention: Higher rates of ACL injuries, shoulder, and elbow issues mean, specialized attention to these areas is necessary.

    Bone Density & Nutrition: Due to lower bone density and the risk of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), ensuring adequate nutrition is vital to prevent stress fractures. 

    Training and Equipment Adjustments

    Equipment: Use shorter (6.6 ft) barbells to accommodate differences in height and arm length, allowing for better, safer control.

    Coaching Style: Utilizing positive, empowering, and supportive communication is often more effective than traditional authoritative coaching.

    Volume/Intensity: Addressing specific weak points through General Physical Preparedness (GPP) is recommended.

    Lifespan Considerations: For masters athletes, including power training and eccentric exercises is crucial to counteract declines in muscle mass. 

  • NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) stands out for its science-based approach, industry-leading reputation, and comprehensive support system. From cutting-edge content to career resources, NASM prepares you not just to pass a test—but to thrive as a fitness professional.