Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Hovinen.
Hi Courtney, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Pretty in Pink Fitness started in my garage with a handful of women, a few barbells, and a big belief that women deserved a space where they could train seriously and still feel supported.
I began my career as a personal trainer working with women through pregnancy, postpartum, and major life transitions. Over time, I saw a gap in the fitness industry. Too many women were being told to shrink, rush recovery, or avoid lifting heavy altogether. I knew there had to be a better way.
What started as one on one training grew into small group strength programs, community events, and eventually a women only strength training studio. Today, Pretty in Pink Fitness is a space where women train like athletes, build real strength, and reconnect with themselves through movement. Our programs are rooted in science, focused on long term health, and built around the idea that strength is something women deserve at every stage of life.
The name and mission come from the idea of “finding your pink.” Like flamingos who lose their color while caring for others and regain it with nourishment and rest, many women lose parts of themselves through motherhood and life. Pretty in Pink Fitness exists to help them rebuild strength, confidence, and identity and to remind them that they are allowed to take up space, lift heavy, and feel powerful again.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, and I don’t think meaningful businesses ever are.
In the early days, I wore every hat. I was the trainer, the marketer, the scheduler, the cleaner, and the business owner all at once. At the same time, I was also navigating life as a working mom. Building a business while raising a family meant constantly juggling priorities, managing guilt, and learning how to be fully present in both roles without burning out.
There were many seasons where I felt pulled in every direction. Early mornings, late nights, and trying to grow a business around nap schedules and school calendars became normal. The pressure to be everything to everyone was real, and learning that I could not do it all perfectly was one of the hardest lessons.
There were also challenges unique to building a women centered strength training business. I had to consistently educate people on why women lifting heavy is not only safe, but essential. Shifting mindsets around postpartum training, strength over aesthetics, and long term health took time, patience, and consistency.
As the business grew, so did the responsibility. Expanding space, managing overhead, hiring and training staff, and stepping into a leadership role forced me to grow personally just as much as professionally. I made mistakes, learned quickly, and kept going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner and head coach of Pretty in Pink Fitness, a women only strength training studio built around helping women train like athletes at every stage of life. We specialize in strength training for women, including prenatal and postpartum athletes, moms, and women who want to build muscle, feel strong, and improve their long term health.
Our training is rooted in evidence based programming. We focus on progressive strength training, smart conditioning, mobility, and core and pelvic floor support so women can lift confidently and safely. We are known for meeting women where they are, whether they are brand new to lifting or experienced athletes who want to train heavier without fear.
What I am most proud of is the culture we have created. Pretty in Pink Fitness is not just a gym. It is a community where women feel seen, supported, and empowered. We prioritize education, consistency, and confidence over quick fixes or shrinking goals. Watching women rebuild strength after pregnancy, regain trust in their bodies, and show up more confidently in their lives is the most rewarding part of my work.
What sets us apart is that we combine serious strength training with a deeply supportive environment. We do not believe women need to train smaller, lighter, or quieter. We believe they deserve thoughtful coaching, long term programming, and a space where they can take up space, lift heavy, and feel powerful. That combination of science, community, and purpose is what makes Pretty in Pink Fitness different.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to build genuine relationships, not just contacts. Some of my most valuable mentors came from simply connecting with other business owners and being willing to learn from their experiences.
What has worked well for me is making friends with other women in business. I network locally, collaborate instead of compete, and ask questions without ego. I seek out women who are a few steps ahead of me and pay attention to how they navigate growth, boundaries, and leadership. Listening to their wins and their mistakes has been invaluable.
I also believe strongly in getting in front of people. Go to events, show up in rooms, and shake hands. You cannot replace face to face connection. People cannot feel your energy, passion, or presence through a screen, and those in person interactions are often what turn into meaningful relationships and opportunities.
Mentorship does not always look formal. Sometimes it is a conversation, a shared resource, or someone being honest about what they would do differently. Being open, supportive, and willing to give as much as you receive creates connections that last.
At the end of the day, community matters. Surrounding yourself with women who are building, learning, and growing alongside you makes the journey feel less isolating and far more sustainable.
Pricing:
- Small Group Training starting at $96 biweekly
- One-on-One Personal training starting at $128 biweekly
- Flex Membership starting at $150 a month
- Virtual Training starting at $150 a month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://prettyinpinkfitness.com
- Instagram: @prettyinpink_fitness
