JENA LAGRANGE

What was happening in your life when you started lifting (or taking yourself seriously)?

I didn’t start with lifting, I started with Muay Thai in 2015, and honestly, my life was in survival mode. I was being stalked by my ex, working as a correctional officer, and I needed real self‑defense, not some cute class where you punch the air.

 I walked into a Muay Thai gym because I needed to protect myself… and ended up finding the thing that saved me. Muay Thai took over my whole world. It helped me get sober, become a recovering alcoholic, and rebuild my life from the ground up. It gave me discipline, confidence, and a version of myself I didn’t even know existed. I didn’t just fall in love with fighting, I fell in love with who I became because of it.

How has Pseudo Force shown up in your life during a hard or challenging season?

I made my first Pseudo Force order in March 2023. I was one year postpartum with my second baby, training harder than I ever had, getting ready to fight in the world tournament in Des Moines for a belt.

 I was exhausted, doubting myself, and trying to convince my body and mind that I still belonged in the ring. That “You did not wake up to be a weak ass bitch” shirt became my daily reminder. I’d put it on and instantly feel like, “Yeah, I’m supposed to be here. I’m tougher than I’m giving myself credit for.” It wasn’t just a shirt, it was a mindset shift I needed every single day.

 Another season was when I got selected for a higher position at work. I struggled hard with feeling unworthy. Imposter syndrome was loud. The “Why not you” message hit me right in the chest. Seeing that every day had helped me step into that role with confidence. It reminded me that I do deserve to be here, I earned this, and I’m allowed to go after the things I want without apologizing for it.

 When you feel like giving up, what do you say to yourself?

Your saying “No one gives a fuck about your insecurities like you do” is the one that always snaps me out of it. Nine times out of ten, when I want to quit, it’s because I’m in my head, convinced everyone is staring at the things I’m insecure about. But the truth is, no one cares the way I think they do. That reminder pulls me out of my spiral and gets me back to work.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working on myself — mentally, physically, and spiritually. My health has been up and down, and I’ve been fighting my way through the medical system trying to advocate for myself.

 I’m also proving to myself that I deserve this new position at work and building the confidence to stand in it fully.

And honestly, I’m trying to reconnect with the earth and ground myself again. I’ve been through a lot, and I’m learning how to slow down, breathe, and take care of myself in ways I never used to. It’s a whole journey, but it’s mine.

Fire questions:

Your favorite lift: Punching people in the face
Gym song on repeat: Fear by NF
Instagram: Jjlagrange21