Women’s Fitness Specialist in Cincinnati, OH
Doctor-Led Strength Training for Pregnancy, Postpartum, Menopause, & More
At Her Functional Strength, we provide personalized, doctor-guided strength training for women in Cincinnati, Ohio and online across the U.S.
Led by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Women’s Fitness Specialist, we specialize in functional strength training for:
Pregnancy (prenatal fitness)
Postpartum recovery and rebuilding
Perimenopause and menopause strength training
All women who want to move well for life
Our approach combines clinical movement assessment with progressive strength programming so you can feel strong, supported, and confident in every stage of womanhood.
Why Women in Cincinnati Choose
Her Functional Strength
If you’re searching for a women’s personal trainer in Cincinnati who understands pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or perimenopause changes — you’re in the right place.
Unlike traditional gyms or bootcamps, our training is:
✔ Personalized to your body and life stage
✔ Rooted in occupational therapy and biomechanics
✔ Focused on core strength, pelvic stability, and posture
✔ Designed for long-term health — not quick fixes
✔ Available both in-person in Cincinnati, OH and through online coaching
We don’t just program workouts, we help you build strength that helps you:
Lift your baby without back pain
Return to running with confidence
Navigate pregnancy changes safely
Support hormonal shifts during perimenopause & menopause
Move through your day without feeling depleted
This is not about:
Aesthetic-only training
“Bounce back” culture
High-intensity burnout workouts
This is about:
Strength that supports real life
Movement quality and mechanics
Function through life transitions
Doctor-guided, evidence-based training
Specialized Women’s Fitness Services in Cincinnati, OH
Prenatal Fitness Training in Cincinnati
Preparing for pregnancy or currently expecting? Our prenatal strength training programs focus on core connection, pelvic stability, posture support, and safe functional strength so you can feel strong and prepared for delivery and postpartum recovery.
Postpartum Personal Training in Cincinnati
Whether you are 3 months or 6 years postpartum, we help women safely rebuild strength after pregnancy. Our postpartum fitness programs focus on:
Deep core rehabilitation
Diastasis recti-informed training
Pelvic floor coordination
Gradual return to strength and impact
Restoring confidence in your body
You don’t have to “bounce back.” You deserve to rebuild correctly.
Perimenopause & Menopause Strength Training
Hormonal shifts affect muscle mass, joint stability, metabolism, and energy levels.
Our menopause and perimenopause strength programs focus on:
Progressive resistance training
Bone density support
Joint-friendly mechanics
Sustainable programming that adapts to recovery needs
Functional strength for longevity
We help you build strength that supports aging confidently.
Online Coaching for Women
Not located in Cincinnati?
Our online coaching program provides the same personalized, doctor-led approach to women nationwide.
Unlike generic fitness apps, our online programs are:
Fully customized to your body and goals
Designed around your life stage
Supported with form review and direct communication
Adjusted based on progress and life changes
If you’re looking for online strength coaching for pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause — this is not a template program.
It’s personal.
Fitness solutions led by Women’s Fitness Specialist, Dr. Maria Banks, OTD
Her Functional Strength was founded by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy with over a decade of experience helping women move better.
With advanced training in body mechanics, movement assessment, and functional strength, we bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance.
You don’t need to choose between safe and strong.
You can have both.
Train On Your Terms
In Person & Online Coaching Available
Online Coaching: Train Anywhere
Expert coaching for busy women
The 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.
FAQs
What makes Her Functional Strength different from other personal trainers in Cincinnati?
1
Unlike traditional gyms or bootcamp-style programs, Her Functional Strength is led by a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Our coaching includes:
Movement assessment before intensity
Individualized programming (never cookie-cutter)
Posture and biomechanics education
Life-stage–specific strength planning
We rebuild functional strength.
How do I get started?
2
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
When can I start exercising postpartum?
3
Most women can begin gentle movement and breathing work within days after delivery, but structured strength training typically resumes around 6 weeks postpartum (or later, depending on medical clearance and delivery type).
At Her Functional Strength in Cincinnati, OH, we don’t follow a one-size-fits-all timeline. As a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and women’s fitness specialist, I assess core function, pelvic stability, posture, and movement patterns before progressing strength training.
Whether you’re 6 weeks or 6 years postpartum, it’s never too late to rebuild properly.
Do you offer personal training in Cincinnati for moms?
4
Yes. Led by a Pre & Post Natal Fitness Specialist, we provide personalized women’s strength training in Cincinnati, OH, specifically designed for moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and beyond. Our in-person sessions focus on:
Core and pelvic floor integration
Functional strength for motherhood
Proper body mechanics
Safe progression back to lifting and impact
We also offer online coaching for busy moms who need flexible support.
Do you work with women during pregnancy in Cincinnati?
5
Yes. We offer prenatal strength training in Cincinnati, OH focused on:
Core connection
Pelvic stability
Postural support
Safe resistance training
Preparing for labor and postpartum recovery
Training during pregnancy is about building a resilient foundation — not avoiding strength altogether.
Do you offer online coaching outside of Cincinnati?
6
Yes. Our online coaching program provides the same personalized, doctor-guided strength training to women nationwide.
Unlike fitness apps or downloadable programs, our online coaching is fully customized to your:
Life stage
Movement patterns
Goals
Recovery needs
You’ll receive structured programming, coaching feedback, and direct communication — all built around your body.
Can strength training help during menopause?
7
Absolutely. Strength training during menopause supports:
Muscle preservation
Bone density
Metabolic health
Joint integrity
Confidence and independence
Our menopause strength training programs in Cincinnati and online are designed to be progressive, sustainable, and aligned with hormonal changes.
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.