Personal Training

Learn to Lift — With Confidence

Our personal training sessions are designed for women who want to feel comfortable, capable, and confident in the gym — not overwhelmed or dependent on a trainer long-term.

Unlike traditional personal training, RBI’s coaching sessions are education-first. The focus is on teaching you how to lift safely, understand proper technique, and build confidence using free weights, machines and a barbell — so you can walk into the gym knowing exactly what you’re doing.

What These Sessions Are

✔️ One-on-one individualized coaching
✔️ Instruction focused on squat, bench press, deadlift and accessory lifts
✔️ Hands-on guidance from RBI-certified coaches
✔️ A supportive, judgment-free environment
✔️ Options for a single session or a short series of sessions

What These Sessions Are Not

✖️ Long-term personal training packages
✖️ Customized workout programs
✖️ Results-driven check-ins or progress tracking
✖️ A replacement for independent lifting

Our Goal

Our goal is simple: to help you learn how to lift safely and confidently — so you can lift on your own.

By the end of your session(s), you’ll have:

  • A clear understanding of proper lifting mechanics

  • Increased comfort navigating the gym and equipment

  • The confidence to train independently at your own pace

Whether you’re brand new to lifting or returning after time away, these sessions are a great way to build a strong foundation and take the next step in your lifting journey.

Interested in Getting Started?

We’re currently taking inquiries as we soft launch this offering. Submit the form below and a member of the RBI team will be in touch to discuss availability, session options, and next steps.

Meet Our Coaches

Abbie Mork

Abbie grew up in Adel, Iowa and graduated from the University of Iowa in 2006 before earning her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2010. She currently owns and operates her own chiropractic practice in West Des Moines and brings a strong clinical foundation to her work in strength training. With a background in lifting and injury prevention, she believes strength training is a critical component of lifelong health and confidence for people of all ages and experience levels.


She has been actively involved in USA Powerlifting since 2016 and currently serves as the Iowa State Chair. In 2018, she co-founded Raise the Bar Initiative (RBI) to create more accessible, welcoming spaces for girls and women to learn how to lift and build confidence through strength. She is deeply passionate about empowering women, believes everyone should strength train, and loves helping people feel capable and confident in the gym. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and snuggling with her four-legged kiddos.

Kaylen Henry

Kaylen has been a part of the Des Moines powerlifting community for over 10 years, training, volunteering and competing all the way to the National level. For Kaylen, it’s about more than just her own PRs, she’s been an integral part of the RBI organization since day one. Whether she’s judging WBC meets in Iowa and Minnesota, co-directing events, managing the Coaching Certification program, or coaching at RBI seminars, she is always finding ways to give back to the lifting community.

Outside of the gym, you can usually find her hanging out with her favorite sidekick, her dachshund Riggins.