Ava Cowan is more than just a fitness influencer and coach—she's a powerhouse of determination and authenticity. Known for guiding her clients to victory in fitness competitions, Cowan recently shared an inspiring Instagram video where she showcased her strength and candidly discussed the tools and mindset that drive her success. In the post, she highlighted the benefits of lifting straps, saying, “Lifting Straps are game-changing! Maybe not for this particular lift, but in general, they are amazing to implement.” Here’s a closer look at how Cowan stays at the top of her game:
1. She Strength Trains
As you can see from her post, Cowan likes to strength train to keep herself in shape. The Mayo Clinic states that these exercises have a lot of benefits. “Strength training may enhance your quality of life and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Strength training can also protect your joints from injury. Building muscle also can contribute to better balance and may reduce your risk of falls. This can help you maintain independence as you age.”
2. She Isn’t Concerned With Perfection
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In her post’s caption, Cowan revealed that she isn’t concerned with perfection and posting things that are flawless anymore. “Could the lift have been better to post? Yes, a lot better, and a previous version of myself would have jammed up my entire workout trying to get a better recording. I’m not willing to do that anymore. So it’s not the best lift of my life.That previous version of myself would also only be able to see all that is wrong with this video.”
3. She’s Focused
In this Instagram post’s caption, Cowan revealed that she is focused on her wellness routine. “I suggest making conscious decisions and staying focused on solutions, not excuses. Wasting energy focused on what you don't want solves nothing. Your victory comes from your determination and resilience, not fancy fitness tools or training plans. Clarify what matters, be committed or recommit, and tap into your heart where the best part of you lives and find your inner strength.”
4. She Meal Plans
Cowan shared some of her diet secrets in this Instagram post. One thing she does is meal plan. “In the intricate dance of nutrition and fitness, mastering your energy is about more than the workouts you endure —it's also about the food you thoughtfully prepare and consume,” Cowan wrote in the caption. “With over two decades in the fitness industry, I've discovered that planning ahead—especially when it comes to meal prep and macro tracking—is an investment in efficiency and requires less total energy than you might think. This has been my experience, and if you find yourself consistently falling short due to resistance to the perceived effort involved, it's time to consider a new strategy. Why leave your nutrition to chance when you can have a game plan?”
5. She’s No Longer Afraid
Cowan talked about overcoming fears in this Instagram post. “The incessant undercurrent of fear was not serving me, and when I discovered how much my life was moved by fear, I began a journey to become aware of what that meant. I discovered many of my decisions were truly fear based and around 2014, I KNEW I had to work through that. Unfortunately, from my experience, the Way to work through it was my world as I knew it fell apart. I had to learn, on my own, how to heal my life and replace outdated ways of existing with new ways. If I couldn't find anything good, I found neutrality and anchored myself there, so I could truly face myself and the emotions I felt. I became willing to walk into my pain.”
