Meet Christina Harmon | Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and Somatic Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Harmon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Previously, I had never intended to start my own business. My background and experience had been in engineering, and I always thought I would follow the typical corporate route laid out in front of me. However, after going through 7+ years of full body chronic pain and fatigue, tears in all of my shoulder and hip joints, a failed surgery, and a diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, my aspirations started to change.

I spent years going to almost every specialist, doctor, physical therapist, etc. that you could think of with little to no relief or hope. I ultimately came to the realization that I was going to have to learn about my body and my conditions for myself and become my own advocate if I wanted to heal. I am thankful for my background in engineering, research, and biomechanics as it taught me how to learn, analyze, and solve complex multisystem problems and I utilized all these skills so seek out answers for myself.

I ultimately determined that there were many different factors that could have extensive effects on how an individual experiences pain. Some of these factors include biomechanics of the body, nutrition, sleep, stress levels/trauma/emotional health, connection with others, mindset, and other neurological factors. I sought out mentorship and education from experts in all of these fields and I started to combine methods to find some relief and progress.

While having some hope restored, I also started to become overwhelmed with how much information was out there and how confusing and unclear it was. I was also frustrated because I could see how all of these factors overlapped and worked synergistically with each other; however, they all seemed so separate, and I could not find any places that helped with all of these under one roof. It seemed like I had to go to a different specialist and a different location for everything and it was exhausting.

While continuing to learn and work with mentors, I decided that I wanted to work towards creating a business that had a more holistic approach towards pain and performance. I dreamed of a place that people could go to receive help in all of these areas of health and a place that valued the interplay of the mind, body, and spirit. I became a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and somatic coach. I also took certifications related to neurology, hormones, mindset, mobility, strength and conditioning, Pilates, kettlebells, etc. and will forever be adding to that list.

While I am still working towards my larger vision, I currently specialize in strength training and nutrition coaching as well as somatics and I love collaborating with my clients’ physical therapists, doctors, nutritionists, therapists, etc. to ensure they are receiving holistic, well-rounded care. My mission is to advocate for others and help them live their healthiest and most limitless life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While I would not wish any chronic pain or medical conditions on anyone, I believe that my personal experience with chronic pain and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome is also what makes me a great coach.

A lot of hesitant clients come to me having had previous experiences with trainers and coaches. Some of their main concerns have been not feeling heard, feeling dismissed, fear of movement, and increasing pain.

I believe that no one knows their body better than they know themselves. When my clients tell me something about their body, if something feels off, or they feel better with X over X, I believe them. There are a million different ways to get to the same end goal and I am more than willing to put my ego aside from what I think might be best to find what works best for each individual.

Additionally, my own movement and health limitations with almost every joint in my body has required me to become very creative with movement work arounds so that myself, and my clients, can continue to move and build strength even while in pain. I often find that not moving usually makes the problem worse. However, I meet my clients where they are at, and I also understand that where they are at can change drastically from day to day. I have noticed this is something that individuals who have not experienced chronic pain or medical conditions may not understand or know how to deal with.

I also prefer to take a mind, body, and spirit approach to training if my clients are open to it. I emphasize and track progress by focusing on function and what a client is able to do compared to when they came in, mind-body connection, stress levels, energy levels, mood, etc. as opposed to weight, measurements, physique, or hyperfixating on pain levels.

While I no longer practice engineering, I still utilize my engineering mind every day and believe this also sets me apart as a coach. I program with an evidence-based approach whenever possible. I also specialize in biomechanics and integrating mobility principles into strength training. Everything I do is built off an initial assessment that will be repeated regularly to assess progress and to ensure programming is up to date and tailored specifically towards my clients’ goals and needs. I also have a love and passion for kettlebells, so I like to incorporate those in when appropriate as well and love it when a client gets as much joy from them as I do.

One of my biggest challenges that I have had to overcome was having trust in myself to leave engineering to pursue a career in the health and wellness field. Another challenge that I struggled with was my own mindset about my pain and health journey and how that relates to my worth as a coach. I used to have an unrealistic belief that I had to be 100% healed and never experience pain again to be in a position to coach someone and so I waited a long time before I put my services out there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many things to in Colorado and Denver, I am not sure I could decide.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Leven Deli Co., Stowaway Kitchen, Carniceria La Guadalajara (for 79 cent tacos), Get Rights Bakery, Nest at Nurture, and Safta for brunch if you’re feeling kind of fancy.

I also love going to all of the little local shops, markets, and parks here. I especially love The Terrorium Shop on Yates St., Wash Park, Cheesman Park, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Would also definitely have to check out some live music and dancing so either Little Bear Saloon, Red Rocks, the Grizzly Rose, or Mercury Cafe.

And then of course lots of hiking! Some of my favorite hikes are in and near the San Juan National Forrest so going there would be a must. And then of course a 14er (I love Grays and Torreys). Otherwise, more locally, I like hiking around the Flatirons, or Eldorado Canyon State Park.

I also love climbing so going outside to climb or to one of the Movement gyms would definitely be a stop on my list.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had, and will continue to have, many mentors and supporters throughout my journey. My number one cheerleader is my husband, Patrick, who continues to believe in me and my abilities even when I have doubts. Additionally, one of my current mentors, and personal trainer, Ian Markow, is someone who I look up to and helped advocate for me throughout my pain journey.

Website: https://www.christinaharmoncoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinamharmon/

Image Credits
Nourished Personal Training