About

About Lifting for Life

Lifting for Life has been in business for 8 years.  Coach Colleen started teaching one class in January 2017 and now teaches classes 5 days a week.  The program is designed to accommodate everyone, from beginners to long term lifters.

About the Coach

Colleen is a Level 2 USA Weightlifting Coach and an Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA) Certified Aqua Fitness Instructor with over 22 years of lifting experience and nearly a decade of coaching. She brings a blend of technical expertise, practical experience, and a deep passion for helping others feel stronger, more capable, and confident in their bodies.

Colleen began her own weightlifting journey with the very same program she now teaches. For the first 11 years, her training focused on general strength and conditioning. Over the last 11 years, she has expanded into Olympic-style lifts—specifically the clean & jerk and snatch—giving her a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the sport. She has both competed in and coached at weightlifting meets, and found both roles to be incredibly rewarding.

Since earning her USA Weightlifting certification in 2016, Colleen has been leading classes consistently (starting in January 2017), coaching a diverse range of individuals—from beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced lifters fine-tuning their technique. She also spent a semester as an assistant coach for the Lawrence High School Volleyball team, where she helped athletes develop strength, improve mechanics, and reduce injury risk through proper lifting form.

In addition to her work in weightlifting, Colleen has been teaching Aqua Fitness classes for the City of Lawrence for the past 11 years. Her experience in both land- and water-based training has provided her with a broad understanding of body mechanics, mobility, and injury prevention—perspectives she brings into every class she teaches.

Colleen is known for her emphasis on form, safety, and gradual, sustainable progress. She understands that every lifter has a unique path and is committed to meeting individuals where they are. Her coaching style is marked by clear instruction, thoughtful modifications, and a warm, encouraging presence that empowers people to grow stronger at their own pace.

Whether you are looking to build strength, enhance mobility, increase confidence, or try something completely new, Colleen is dedicated to supporting each step of the journey.