Empower Personalized Fitness Durham

Meet Virginia 👋

With more than 21 years of experience in the fitness industry, Virginia has dedicated her career to helping people become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

Before joining Empower, she owned and operated Bodymass Gym, a boutique strength training facility with locations in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC. She also co-founded Bodymass Composition Testing, helping clients use DEXA scans and metabolic testing to better understand their bodies and create sustainable health and fitness plans.

While Virginia has worked with clients of all backgrounds and experience levels, she especially enjoys helping those who are new to fitness and may feel intimidated by the gym environment. She believes strength training is one of the most powerful tools for building confidence both inside and outside the gym.

Outside of coaching, Virginia is a competitive NPC Bikini athlete, is preparing for her first powerlifting meet in 2026, and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. Her favorite place to recharge is her family’s off-the-grid cabin in the mountains of West Virginia.

We’re grateful to have Virginia as part of the Empower team. 💪

Pride Month 🌈

This month, we celebrate Pride and recognize the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued.

At Empower, we believe fitness is for everyone. Our community is strongest when people can show up as themselves, pursue their goals, and feel a sense of belonging.

Happy Pride Month. 🌈

Get To Know Rasmus 👋

Rasmus brings a unique combination of high-level athletic experience and years of coaching expertise to Empower.

A former Swedish National Team decathlete and Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), he has worked with athletes ranging from youth competitors to professionals, helping them build strength, improve performance, and reach goals they once thought were out of reach.

What drives him most isn’t just athletic success—it’s helping people become stronger, more confident versions of themselves.

When he’s not coaching, you’ll likely find him spending time with his wife and son, traveling, or searching for the perfect crystal-clear lake to swim in.

We’re grateful to have Rasmus as part of the Empower team. 💪

At Empower, we believe mobility, recovery, and restoration are just as important as strength and performance. That’s why we’re excited to now offer Thai Massage Therapy as part of our approach to balanced fitness and long-term health.

Thai massage combines assisted stretching, mobility work, and hands-on bodywork to help:
• release tension
• improve flexibility & range of motion
• support recovery
• help your body move and feel better

Whether you train hard, sit all day, or simply want to move through life with less stiffness and discomfort, recovery should be part of the plan.

Thai Massage is now available at Empower with Samak.
Your body will thank you.

Today, we remember.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend; it’s a time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and service of the men and women who gave their lives for others.

We honor those who served and the families who continue to carry their legacy forward.

Take a moment today to remember and reflect.