At Natural Wellness Physiotherapy, we love celebrating athletes who inspire others through resilience, strength, and determination. This month, we’re honored to spotlight Anna Huff—a wife, girl mom, nurse, personal trainer, nutrition coach, and the powerhouse behind @_holisti.co on Instagram.
Anna lives with a holistic approach to health—whether she’s baking sourdough from scratch, simmering homemade bone broth, or enjoying queso and margaritas with friends. For her, wellness is about balance and longevity, not perfection.
Anna’s favorite way to stay active is through lifting weights. She follows a structured progressive overload program that keeps things simple and effective. “In this season I’m not ‘training’ for anything other than life itself, so simple, effective lifts make me feel strong but not miserably sore,” she says. Her workouts usually combine full-body lifts, core work, and conditioning to support overall strength and cardiovascular health.
But if you’re wondering what she doesn’t love, the answer comes quickly: “Running.” (Although, as you’ll read below, she’s learning to embrace it anyway!)
Anna’s journey with fitness hasn’t been easy. Growing up as a multi-sport athlete, she often felt held back by injuries and illness. Later, working as a nurse during the pandemic left her physically and mentally drained. “I realized I was being treated by the same sick care system that I hated and was trying to work in,” she explained.
That wake-up call shifted her perspective. Today, Anna exercises not for aesthetics, but for a bigger reason:
“I exercise now to live the healthiest life I can live, not just the longest. I want to enjoy life with my kids, grandkids, and even great grandkids. I don’t want them to hear me say, ‘I can’t because it hurts.’”
When asked about her proudest fitness achievements, Anna pointed to two milestones:
Birthing and recovering from two healthy pregnancies. “Pregnancy and labor is definitely the longest, most intense workout I’ve endured!”
Running multiple 5Ks after being told she’d never run or lift heavy again. At 22, Anna was told she would “have” to have back surgery. “I remember how weak, broken, and scared I felt,” she recalled. “I hadn’t even started a family and was being told I was that broken.” Her comeback story is proof that persistence and proper care can truly change the narrative.
Anna’s next goals are both personal and challenging:
Squat 150 lbs pain and anxiety free. After her back injury, she’s been hesitant under the bar, but with Dr. Kiersten’s guidance, she’s regaining confidence.
Run a half marathon. Even though running isn’t her favorite, Anna is training weekly and has a family 5K on the calendar.
When she’s not training or coaching clients at G&G in Derby, Anna and her family are building a self-sufficient lifestyle. They maintain a garden, raise chickens, and hunt for much of their own meat. Her favorite season? “Deer archery season,” she says.
And while she’s achieved so much already, Anna still has a few fitness adventures on her bucket list—CrossFit and rock climbing. As a former gymnast, she’s excited about the challenge.
Anna’s story is one many moms can relate to—juggling family, career, and health while navigating setbacks. Her advice is simple but powerful:
“Never take ‘it’s just normal’ for an answer if YOU don’t feel normal. If you’re not happy, keep searching until you are happy with the results and how you feel. Never stop being your biggest advocate.”
Anna’s strength, perseverance, and holistic approach to health inspire us all at Natural Wellness Physiotherapy. Congratulations, Anna, on being our August Athlete of the Month!