Can You Build Muscle with Mitochondrial Disease? Yes—And I’m Living Proof.

When I was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, the message was loud and limiting:
“Take it easy.”
“Avoid strain.”
“Don’t push too hard.”

Translation? Shrink your life. Sit it out.

But I don't shrink. I don’t do silence. And I sure as hell don’t do surrender.

Mitochondrial disease affects how your body creates energy—it’s true. But here’s what most people (including some doctors) get wrong: not all movement is created equal. Resistance training isn’t about long endurance or explosive output. It’s about intention, control, adaptation. And I’ve learned to play by my rules.

Slow, strategic, and deeply intelligent—my workouts are built around what I can do.
And what have I built? Muscle. Strength. Power.
In a body they said would struggle to stand, I’ve learned to rise.

And I’m not an exception. I’m an example.

There’s a growing community of women—living with mito, chronic illness, trauma—who are rewriting what “strength” looks like. Not by ignoring the pain, but by partnering with it. Learning it. Moving anyway.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Progress will look different—but it still matters.
  
  
• Protein is non-negotiable.
  
  
• Rest is not quitting—it’s a performance strategy.
  
  
• Muscle isn’t just possible—it’s your protection.
  
  

If you’ve been told to “stay safe” instead of get strong, hear me:
You are stronger than they’re comfortable acknowledging.

And that? That’s their problem—not yours.

If you’re ready to move, to lift, to take back space in your own body—this is your call.
RISE Unbreakable is where the rules get rewritten.
Where limits get challenged.
Where women like us stop waiting for permission—and start rebuilding our power.

Want to know how I did it?
Let’s talk. Let’s rise.