I’M BACK! Thriving Through Chaos: My Journey with Madison Ave Strength Lab

How the Last Few Years Taught Me to Thrive (Not Just Survive)

Two years ago, if you’d told me that I’d be writing this post, I would have laughed. It seemed improbable while running a bustling gym. My reaction would have been a nervous chuckle. I am raising an eleven year old straight A student who is an incredible soccer goalie. I am still finding moments to breathe… I’d have double-booked myself into oblivion. But here we are. The past few years have been a wild, beautiful ride—a mix of **“How am I doing this?!”** and **“I wouldn’t trade this for the world.”** Let me pull back the curtain.  

When Passion Met Purpose 

In 2023, the world paused. For Mario + myself, it accelerated. After years of dreaming, we took the leap. We opened Madison Ave Strength Lab—a space where strength training meets luxury and soul-nourishing community. As someone who’s always believed fitness is about *feeling* powerful, not just looking it (shout-out to my #FitGreenGoddess ethos!), this was my love letter to wellness.  

But let’s be real: Opening a gym in a town we knew NO ONE, was well, … terrifying! There were days I questioned everything. I watched Mario tirelessly show up to town meetings and meet with the contractors. Both of us looked around the 7,000 square foot gym with boxes and crap everywhere. We wondered if we’d ever see the light at the end of the tunnel! Then, the day of our video shoot, we watched our closest friends come together for us. Strangers-turned-regulars bonded over sled pushes and post-workout chats. That’s when it hit me: **This isn’t just a gym. It’s a sanctuary.**  

The Beautiful Mess of Balance

Overwhelmed doesn’t start to cover it. I am building my team and managing founding memberships. I’m trying to be the perfect wife. I cook dinner every single night. I do the laundry, and I move furniture that weighs more than cars. On top of that, I am parenting my future UCLA Soccer Goalie Super Star. I’ve burned more midnight oil than I’d like to admit. But here’s the secret no one tells you: **Joy and chaos can coexist.**  

Some of my favorite moments?

Touring prospects around my gorgeous gym, and watching their faces in awe of the space.

Our daughter telling us that she wants to be goalie, she no longer wants to be striker or middie!

That time we were boarding our flight to Spain. The guys in the gym facetimed us. They told us that the rain couldn’t be stopped and it was pouring into the gym. It was not a fun moment. But, it created an amazing memory of the team of people who supported us and their love for their gym.  

It’s not perfect. But perfection was never the goal—**showing up** was.  

 Why Community Changes Everything

Our trainers, like rehab wizard Matteo and strength guru Zach, don’t just write programs—they build relationships. And then there’s Joanna, our powerhouse coach who leads **“Strength in Numbers”**—a transformative group class for women navigating midlife. You see these fierce humans lift weights. They lift each other up, too. They redefine what strength looks like at 40, 50, and beyond. *Chills.* Joanna’s classes are proof that fitness isn’t about age; it’s about owning your story, one rep at a time.  

Members aren’t just hitting PRs; they’re cheering each other on through life’s ups and downs. And me? I’m just the proud coach-mama in the corner, sipping creatine + eating my White Moustache Yogurt and marveling at how this tribe proves daily that **fitness is better shared.**  

The Art of Imperfect Progress

Running a business while staying true to my #FitGreenGoddess values has meant getting creative.

But the biggest lesson? **Growth isn’t linear.** Some days, I’m a productivity queen. On other days, I sit like a sloth on my cozy swivel chair. I munch on Three WIshes Cereal + Hum Gems. I’m just grateful the gym doors opened on time. And that’s okay.  

What’s Next?

 As we charge into 2025, I’m leaning into trust—in myself, in this community, and in the journey. We’re looking to launch some wellness workshops, collaborate with local experts in women’s midlife health and wellness, and as always working on ways to keep you FIT, STRONG, HAPPY + PRODUCTIVE

To anyone feeling stuck between dreams and doubt: **Start before you’re ready.** The messiness is where the magic happens.  

Final Thought  

Life lately? It’s a glorious, chaotic blend of heavy lifts and light moments. Madison Ave Strength Lab is my heart’s work. #FitGreenGoddess will always be my roots. It reminds me that true strength is about balance, joy, and showing up as *you*.  

*P.S. Want to train with one of my coaches? DM me @Madisonavestrengthlab on the GRAM!

Also, my WOMEN’S ONLY IG: @FITMAMATG + My universal IG @TinamarieGuaglianone

This post is dedicated to the incredible humans who’ve turned my gym into a home. Learn more about our journey at Madison Ave Strength Lab or visit us in person. Madison Ave Strength Lab in Larchmont, NY.