"Move your body, shape your life"
Welcome to Meaningful Movement
Personal Training with Purpose in Surprise, AZ
If you've ever felt overlooked in a gym, struggled with chronic pain or autoimmune conditions, or just want a sustainable, judgment-free path to better health—you’re in the right place.
At Meaningful Movement, we specialize in personal training that respects your body, your journey, and your goals. Whether you're starting over or starting fresh, I’m here to guide you with personalized fitness programs designed for real life—not unrealistic standards.
I'm Helana Richason, a certified personal trainer who’s walked the walk. I’ve lost 120 pounds, manage autoimmune illness, and believe in fitness that empowers rather than punishes. My approach is holistic, adaptive, and built around movement that feels good—because that’s the kind that lasts.
What I Offer:
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In-home personal training in Surprise, AZ
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Virtual coaching anywhere you are
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Support for autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and limited mobility
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Real accountability with real empathy
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Start Where You Are
You don’t have to be in shape to begin—you just have to be ready for change that sticks.
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Book your free consultation!
Simply call or text me directy at 602-481-1215​​​​
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Credentials & Coaching Philosophy
What Makes Meaningful Movement Different
I’m not your average personal trainer—and that’s a good thing. I combine evidence-based education with lived experience to help people build strength, reduce pain, and feel empowered in their bodies again.
Certifications
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Certified Personal Trainer – NCEP (National College of Exercise Professionals)
Grounded in biomechanics, functional fitness, and client-centered training. -
TRX Certified Trainer
Specializing in suspension training for stability, strength, and low-impact versatility. -
Background in Massage Therapy (Former LMT)
Hands-on experience with anatomy, recovery, and chronic pain management adds depth to every session.
Real-Life Experience
​I’ve been where many of my clients start—from chronic pain and autoimmune struggles to losing over 120 pounds naturally. That journey didn’t just change my body—it shaped my approach to training. I understand setbacks, fatigue, and how to move forward in a way that actually lasts.
My Training Philosophy
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Start where you are—fitness should meet your body, not fight it.
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Sustainable over extreme—real change takes time, and that’s okay.
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Empathy-driven coaching—you deserve support from someone who truly gets it.
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A Little Bit About Me
Welcome to Meaningful Movement! My name is Helana M. Richason, and my story started almost 5 years ago on October 27th, 2016. That is the day I lost my older sister, Havala, to Lupus.
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At a young age, I always wanted to help people holistically, so chose to start a career as a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2002. Eventually, I came to a point when I hurt after every massage that I gave. I could no longer keep up with the 9 hours of massages that I performed daily. As time went on, I thought that arthritis pain was keeping me from giving my clients the therapeutic massage they deserved. After almost 10 amazing years in practice, I decided that it was time to give up my license and focus on my health.
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In the meantime, my sister was struggling every day with pain from complications of Lupus and eventually lost her life on that terrible day at the young age of 41. This event changed the whole trajectory of my future.
After losing my sister and much thought about my health, I decided to see a doctor for a check-up and to diagnose what I thought was arthritis. Many tests later, I learned I was wrong. I was subsequently diagnosed with both Lupus and Hashimoto’s Disease. At the time I discovered this, I was hurting from inflammation, limping around, and was close to 300 pounds. I was told by my Rheumatoid arthritis doctor, (by the way the same doctor who treated my sister) that I needed to be on pain medication to manage all my pain. I told him I wouldn’t take the medication and that I’d find a way to heal without them. His advice to me also included to not work out too much or my body would become too inflamed. I needed to do something. I needed to take my health back!
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After going to the mortuary to visit my sister’s grave on her birthday, I committed to starting, what I knew would be, a long but fulling journey! I chose to start my journey on January 7th, 2019. I knew I needed to pick this special day to keep myself accountable and I wanted to keep my sister close to me. My sister’s predicament became my reason to want to get better, NOT my excuse to just give up!
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Now, almost 2 full years later, on Christmas Eve 2020, I met my goal of 120 pounds down. I have NO inflammation and two autoimmune diseases under control. This was done through clean eating practices and movement! My mission now is to help others like me through education in movement and diet. Most of us are told regularly by doctors that there is NO hope. They say, “Take these drugs and live a sedentary lifestyle.”. This is not the case! You can take your health back! Let me help you discover being the best YOU! Let me help YOU take your life back, too!
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FAQ
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Do I need to be fit to start?
Not at all. Many of my clients are just beginning—or beginning again. I meet you where you are.
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What if I have chronic pain or health conditions?
That’s my specialty. I create safe, low-impact movement strategies tailored to your needs.​​
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How quickly will I see results?
Results vary, but most clients notice better energy, mobility, and mood within a few weeks. Sustainable change takes time—and it’s worth it.
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What’s the first step?
Book a free 20-minute consult. We’ll talk about your goals, history, and what’s realistic for you.
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