Hi there!

I’m Natasshja, and I’m thrilled you’ve found your way to my space on the internet!

For years, I operated under Potenza Fitness (my baby), helping clients achieve their nutrition and strength goals. But as my practice evolved, I realized that the heart of my work isn’t just about strength and nutrition—it’s about the connection, trust, and personalized care that I provide.

That’s why I’ve decided to put my name front and center. This isn’t just a business to me; it’s a deeply personal journey, and I want you to feel that too.

My Journey

Oh boy, this is going to be a long one, but I guess if you’re here, it’s because you want to know your coach (me) better?
Fair!

Over 12 years ago, I was diagnosed with a condition that changed my life completely. As some of you may know, dealing with a health condition can feel very lonely, especially during treatment. But my doctor told me to allow myself time to grieve for my condition, but only for a limited period. She explained that it was crucial to make lifestyle changes and overhaul my life if possible. She said, “You know what muscle is? Build it! Work on it like your life depends on it, and let’s see what happens.”

I had many questions. My knowledge was basic, and I blame school for not teaching us more about the human body. My doctor, an Endocrine Oncologist, gave my mom and me a masterclass that we still remember dearly—she truly changed my life.

I didn’t know where to start. Coming from a very traditional Italo-Venezuelan family, lifting weights wasn’t seen as something women did—it was for men. But I had gone to the gym on and off since I was 12 and had become my mom’s spin buddy during her fitness journey in her 40s. I desperately wanted to get better, and my first-child syndrome was eating me alive: I didn’t want to disappoint my doctor.

It was a tough time. I had been living in London for a year, but I had to return home for a diagnosis because I couldn’t cope with my symptoms any longer. The thought of not returning to England haunted me. After a week of hard thinking, I talked to my mom, booked my return flight, and decided to handle things on my own. If it didn’t work out, I could always come back. My mom was, of course, opposed, but we gave it a go.

The day after I landed at Gatwick, I went online, bought a bunch of books about lifting, walked to the nearest gym, and signed up for three months. That first gym gave me everything I have today.

Before coming back to London, I had seen a dietitian who put me on a 1200-calorie-a-day plan. Spoiler alert: It didn’t work.

I’ve always been good at forming habits. If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’ve read all the books on habits. Sean Covey was my Julia Donaldson. My mom gifted me The 7 Habits of Happy Kids when I was 7, and I read every other habits book under the sun afterward—I hope that paints a picture.

So, I made a habit of going to the gym every day for an hour. I had the time since I had to reduce my working hours due to treatment, which also allowed me to learn more about physiology.

I started my treatment. (I won’t go into detail here because it’s still a difficult topic to discuss), but as you might expect, it was tough.

Three months into lifting weights and making better food choices, I already noticed a huge shift in my mindset, energy levels, and recovery between treatments. My doctor was right—this was really helping.

The stronger I got physically, the better my treatment recovery became. But I wasn’t eating enough. 1200 calories a day wasn’t sufficient. So what did I do? I bought more books—this time on human nutrition and biochemistry.

Around this time, I started hanging out with a group of people at the gym. They convinced me to try powerlifting. This was November 2012, and back then, there wasn’t much information about powerlifting online—basically none. They invited me to a small gym in Putney, and that’s where my passion for what I do today truly began.

A month later, I enrolled in a Sports Nutrition program and created a plan to change my career completely. Every year after that, I continued my professional development. I earned my Level 3 in Personal Training and Level 4 in Strength and Conditioning.

The more clients I trained and helped with nutrition, the more I realised that it wasn’t just about the weights or the food. It was about the people. That’s when I began studying human behaviour.

Change happens all the time, but lasting change only comes from a deep understanding of our behaviours, habits, and identity.

My Philosophy

On Nutrition

Nutrition is deeply personal and goes far beyond what you eat and how you eat it. It's interconnected with many aspects of our lives, each influencing the other. To truly understand your nutritional needs, we must consider the bigger picture—your lifestyle, habits, and overall well-being. By taking this comprehensive approach, we can gain a clearer understanding of where you are now and how to move forward on your journey.

We are all unique, and our approach to health should reflect that. My goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed choices that fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. Together, we’ll create a plan that’s not only effective but also deeply aligned with your values and goals.

On Strength

Strength training is a life-altering experience with lasting benefits. It helps reframe how you think about yourself and your body, showing you what you're truly capable of. With each passing day, you’ll feel stronger, more capable, and more in tune with your body.

What You Can Expect

I’m here to listen to your story, understand your challenges, help you filter out the noise, and celebrate your victories. Whether you’re aiming to achieve a specific goal, compete, get stronger, build muscle, improve your energy levels, or simply feel more confident in your skin, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Let’s Connect

I’m here to make a difference, one person at a time—starting with you.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your health journey, I’d love to chat.

Feel free to reach out anytime.

Thank you for being here. I can’t wait to be a part of your journey!

—Natasshja