Holly Brooks has garnered a hefty following of nearly 1.5 million across her YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok platforms, where she inspires her audience with a refreshing approach to fitness. Rather than fixating on personal records or the latest weight loss fads, Holly emphasizes the importance of strength training and self-acceptance. In this article, we explore her journey and why she considers fitness to be a transformative experience.
Growing up, Holly was an active child, enjoying a range of sports including tennis, swimming, and figure skating. However, as she transitioned into her teenage years, her priorities shifted away from fitness. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns exacerbated this, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. Yet, for many, including Holly, this difficult time served as a wake-up call.
“During the first lockdown in 2020, I really let my health slide,” Holly shares. Struggling with her body image and lack of a consistent workout routine, she eventually decided to make a change. “I wanted to feel healthier and more confident,” she said, which prompted her to hire an online personal trainer. Initially, her focus was primarily on weight loss, as she frequently weighed herself and tracked her progress by the numbers on the scale.
Holly Brooks: Embracing Strength Over Scales
Although Holly initially achieved some weight loss, she soon realized that her obsession with the scale was unhealthy. “Even at my smallest, I was never satisfied,” she admits. This led her to make a pivotal decision: she retired the scales and redirected her focus towards becoming stronger. “I started to train to build strength, not to get smaller,” she recalled.
At first, lifting weights felt awkward, and her form was a work in progress. However, by 2022, Holly had become confident with barbell exercises. She remembered a defining moment before a vacation in Barcelona: “While deadlifting at my local gym, I realized this was the first vacation where I hadn’t followed a restrictive diet since my teenage years. I was more focused on becoming stronger than I ever was about dieting!”
The Birth of the Strong Girl Society
Having liberated herself from the limitations of the scale, Holly now advocates for a stronger body and mind. “I experienced such a rush of freedom that I wanted everyone to feel it too,” she stated. This passion led her to establish a Facebook group where she set fun fitness challenges tailored to her community’s aspirations. “The challenges focused on strength and moving away from toxic dieting narratives,” she explained, marking the inception of the Strong Girl Society.
Fast forward to 2026, the Strong Girl Society has blossomed into a thriving community dedicated to empowerment and fitness. It offers a dedicated training platform and hosts live events like community runs and instructional workshops. Holly’s perspective remains rooted in the belief that the only competition is against oneself, a philosophy that also propelled her into the world of endurance sports. In 2023, she completed her first marathon in Paris alongside her father, who is more experienced in distance running. “I wasn’t nervous; I trained hard, and having my dad by my side boosted my confidence,” she recalled.
Finding a Safe Space Through Fitness
Holly’s core advice is straightforward: instead of fixating on numbers—whether from the scale or a stopwatch—focus on the journey and the experiences. “The time is simply a bonus,” she notes, speaking about her passion for marathons. “What really matters is the ability to put one foot in front of the other for 42.2 kilometers!”
By prioritizing personal growth, Holly emphasizes being present rather than consumed by metrics. “If I focused too much on my running time, I’d lose sight of why I enjoy it,” she explains. To her, running is a mental oasis that allows her to navigate challenges and thoughts. “It’s rare to find such a space in today’s fast-paced world,” she adds.
Along with physical benefits, Holly points out the significant improvements in her mental health. “Your mindset can make or break your performance,” she explains, acknowledging the challenges posed by negative thoughts during tough runs. To combat this, she comes up with three positive affirmations before each run. “When negativity creeps in, I chant my affirmations to shift my mindset,” she shares. With the upcoming LA Marathon in March on her agenda, Holly is motivated to keep advancing. The self-confidence she gained by letting go of her obsession with body weight has only enhanced her overall health. Further down the line, she plans to take on a HYROX event in Miami. “I cannot wait!” she exclaimed.
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In conclusion, Holly Brooks embodies a refreshing take on fitness that emphasizes strength, mental well-being, and personal growth. By stepping away from the scales and focusing on experiences, Holly encourages all of us to reframe our fitness journeys in a more positive and sustainable way. As we pursue our own fitness paths, let’s remember that the journey itself can be as rewarding as the destination.
