Everybody Lifting Club was founded in 2024 by Megan von Kolnitz (she/her), driven by her belief in the transformative power of exercise and her desire for creating inclusive spaces where athletes of all backgrounds and identities can feel safe, supported, and successful in the gym. In 2025, she secured non-profit status for Everybody Lifting to support the expansion of the group’s mission and engagement with the Phoenix community.

Originally, from Washington, D.C., Megan has been in the fitness world in some capacity since 2016. After receiving a BS in Psychology, her passion for fitness and people led her to become a certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, USAW Level 1 Weightlifting Coach, and Size Inclusive Fitness Specialist. She has experience working with groups and individuals of all ages, types of bodies, fitness levels, and capabilities, including those with acute and chronic injuries and illnesses.

Megan’s coaching philosophy centers on teaching humans to get stronger while preventing injury and implementing lifelong, sustainable practices around physical activity. Her training methods emphasize the importance of both mental and physical health and the balance they play in our lives. She has successfully coached clients in powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, strongman, and general strength training.

Personally, Megan has competed in bodybuilding, powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, and strongman. Most notably, she was nationally ranked in both olympic weightlifting and strongman. She enjoys versatile training and is always down for a challenge. Outside of the gym, Megan enjoys photography, hiking, outdoor activities, and collecting/tumbling rocks.