Strength that supports her life!
Doctor-led, function-first strength training designed to help women move well, feel confident, and build resilient bodies through every season — from pregnancy and postpartum to perimenopause and beyond.
Why We Are Different
We don’t just program workouts.
We assess movement.
We correct mechanics.
We build strength that transfers to daily life.
Why does this matter? Strength helps you:
Lift your baby without back pain
Return to running with confidence
Navigate postpartum changes safely
Support hormonal shifts during perimenopause
Move through your day without feeling depleted
Our approach prioritizes:
Movement Quality Over Intensity
How you move matters more than how much you lift.
Function Over Trends
No fads. No burnout. Just smart, evidence-informed training.
Education Over Guesswork
You’ll understand your body — not just follow instructions.
Longevity Over Quick Fixes
We train for decades of strength, not 6-week transformations.
This is doctor-guided, function-first strength — designed for women who want to feel capable in their bodies at every stage of life.
Most fitness programs focus on intensity, aesthetics, or pushing harder.
We focus on function.
At Her Functional Strength, strength training is specific to women and guided by occupational therapy principles — meaning we look at how your body moves, how it adapts, and how it supports your real life.
Her Functional Strength exists to help women build resilient, capable bodies through doctor-guided, function-first strength training.
Her Functional Strength is for women who want more than a workout.
It’s for you if:
• You’re preparing for pregnancy and want to build a strong foundation.
• You’re postpartum — whether 3 months or 6 years — and know your body deserves intentional rebuilding.
• You’re navigating perimenopause and want strength training that supports hormonal and structural changes.
• You feel strong in some areas but unstable, tight, or unsure in others.
• You’ve been told to “just get back into it,” but your body feels different.
• You’re tired of high-intensity programs that leave you exhausted instead of empowered.
• You want to understand your body — not fight against it.
• You care about longevity and want to move well for decades to come.
This is for the woman who values smart training over trendy workouts.
The woman who wants to feel capable carrying her kids, lifting weights, traveling, working, and aging — without pain or fear.
If you want strength that supports your life — not competes with it — you’re in the right place.
*In Person Training & Virtual Training Options Available
Women’s bodies are different than men’s, so our fitness training should reflect that!
It’s time to stop guessing and start training the way your body needs!
Train With Me On Your Terms
In Person & Online Coaching Available
Online Coaching: Train Anywhere
Expert coaching for busy women
My Online Coaching plan is perfect for busy women who want expert guidance without the time commitment of 1:1 sessions. Click below to see all options.
In-Person Coaching:
Personal, focused strength training conveniently located in Downtown, Cincinnati, OH
Train in downtown Cincinnati, OH in a private gym where you will receive expert guidance on your form, posture, and progress.
Fitness solutions led by Dr. Maria Banks, OTD
Dr. Maria Banks is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Women’s Fitness Specialist and a passionate advocate for women's health and fitness.
As an Occupational Therapist for over 13 years and a Women’s Fitness Specialist, she possesses a unique set of skills and knowledge that enable her to help women meet their unique health and fitness goals at every stage of their lives.
Client Testimonials
“Dr. Maria has been a God send since my first pregnancy and through a second pregnancy. I’ve worked with her the last two years and it has been the best for my pregnant and post pregnancy body. The exercises and breathe work that I did with her helped prepare me for two unmedicated vaginal births of two healthy girls. I was able to workout up to the week of delivery and felt strong throughout. Her physical therapy expertise and strength training is the best combination to help build strong bodies. I can’t imagine pregnancy without Maria and am so grateful for her. She always asks how I’m feeling before beginning our workout. That’s so important because she’s always flexible and willing to change course if needed. I look forward to working with her postpartum so that the pelvic floor can not only heal but be strong in the future.” - Adreanne S.
“I had the opportunity to train with Maria during my early postpartum months and it really helped with my recovery, weight loss, and just overall wellbeing. She has a way of pushing you without being too much. I love that she offers private, semi private, and now group mom classes. She reminds us that postpartum is not just a phase, it is forever after having a baby which I had never heard but love that philosophy! I can't recommend her enough!” - Kyle F.
“I started working out with Maria early in my second pregnancy and am still working out with her once a week now four weeks postpartum. After having a c-section with my first (and knowing I’d be having a repeat c-section with my second) I really wanted to focus on strengthening the “right” muscles during pregnancy for a smoother recovery postpartum. I also really enjoy working out and wanted to learn how to modify my regular workout routine to make it better/safer for pregnancy. Maria is hands down THE BEST! She not only helped me stay “in shape” during my pregnancy, but she taught me a lot, and I credit her to the very smooth recovery I had (and am still having) postpartum. If you’re looking for a pre/postnatal trainer, look no further than Maria Banks!” - Danielle C.
“Where to start? It’s been a hard fought and rewarding journey with Maria. I started working with her a few months after I found out I was pregnant. Being a first time older mom, I had concerns about my body and doing my best to have a healthy, strong pregnancy. She is so incredibly knowledgeable and took a great deal of care in working with my specific needs and concerns. After giving birth, I hopped right back in the saddle after about three months. My body had totally changed and somehow Maria just knew how to help me navigate my new normal.”- Nyla M.