Life & Work with Brianne Koff of Cary

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianne Koff

Hi Brianne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fitness and wellness have always been a huge part of my life, but I didn’t want to just follow the usual “one-size-fits-all” approach. I wanted to create something that felt truly personal, where people could feel supported, empowered, and understood—no matter where they were starting from. That’s how MentalSweat was born! What started as a passion project grew into a thriving coaching and training business, helping people build strength, confidence, a resilient mindset, and sustainable habits. I’ve been lucky enough to work with incredible clients, both in-person and remotely, and nothing makes me happier than seeing them achieve things they once thought were impossible. It’s been an amazing journey, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—but I wouldn’t change a thing. My journey started with a mindset built on restriction and self-doubt. I spent years believing I had to follow a rigid set of rules to be “healthy” or “fit,” and those rules didn’t leave much room for confidence, joy, or self-acceptance.

The turning point came when I stopped trying to shrink myself and started focusing on what my body could do. Competing in bodybuilding showed me that strength isn’t just about muscle—it’s about mindset, resilience, and trust in yourself. That realization led me to get certified in health coaching and personal training and not just to help people move better—but to think and feel differently about their own strength and lifestyle.

The biggest challenge was unlearning everything I thought I knew, and then building something better. That’s exactly why I started MentalSweat—to help others break free from the cycle of shame, perfectionism and doubt, and step into a way of living that actually feels good.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At MentalSweat, I specialize in personalized health and nutrition coaching, strength training, pre/postnatal coaching and restorative bodywork—but really, my job is to educate people about nutrition and exercise, helping them build lasting habits and feel empowered to make better choices for themselves! I’m all about meeting clients where they are, whether they’re just starting out or looking to level up their health and fitness. What sets me apart? I take a holistic, no-judgment approach that blends evidence-based training and nutrition with real-life flexibility. No crash diets, no unrealistic expectations—just sustainable, feel-good progress. My training method combines customized rehab exercises with strength training to address weaknesses, helping clients move and feel better in their daily functions and physical activities. What I’m most proud of is seeing my clients gain awareness, confidence, strength, and a whole new appreciation for what their bodies can do. Watching someone overcome self-doubt, transform both mentally and physically, and achieve what once seemed impossible is always inspiring!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love listening to podcasts about health, fitness and mindset. Some that come to mind are Level Up with Dani Antonellos and Sharelle Grant and The Mel Robbins Podcast.

Some social media accounts I follow are Dr Stacy Sims who is breaking the glass ceiling for research in Women’s Health, Dani Antonellos (who has been my coach and mentor for years) whose mottos are “movement is medicine” and “better living through strength”, Sheridan Skye for the latest research studies on health and fitness- especially pre/postnatal education, and Alan Aragon for evidence-based nutrition.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mental-sweat.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianne.koff