A Q&A with our Lower Pac Heights coach on holistic training, why walking is one of the most underrated tools for health, and her best advice for the July Challenge.
Brooke Harrison trains out of The Yard Lower Pac Heights, bringing a background as a Division I athlete and five-time marathon finisher to every pod session. As a Certified Holistic Health Coach with a specialization in hormonal health and a NASM-CPT, Brooke takes a whole-person approach to coaching — one that treats training as connected to mindset, life stress, and long-term sustainability, not just a workout plan.
In our latest sit-down, Brooke talks about why the individual pods at The Yard let her build a truly personalized experience, what trust has to do with strength training, and her go-to advice for anyone trying to build a daily walking habit this summer.
Remember, we’re still in the middle of our July Community Challenge! Every time you head out for an outdoor walk or run this month, snap a photo or video for your Instagram Story and tag @theyardstrengthtraining. Every tag enters you into a drawing for exclusive Yard summer swag. Get outside, explore your backyard, and log those miles!
In This Article: Key Takeaways
- Pod-based training removes the logistics — with your own rack, bench, and equipment reserved for your session, coaches like Brooke can focus entirely on the client instead of competing for space or working around a class schedule.
- Holistic coaching drives sustainable results. Brooke builds programs around the belief that training doesn’t happen in isolation — life stress and daily demands matter, so programs need to be challenging but livable for the long term.
- Walking is a seriously underrated health tool. Harvard research shows just 30 minutes of daily walking can lower heart disease risk by about 30%, while also supporting circadian rhythm and mood.
- Consistency beats intensity. Brooke walks 45 minutes every morning starting at 5:30am — a non-negotiable habit that anchors her day before it gets busy.
- The easiest way to build a walking habit: stack it onto something you already enjoy — your morning coffee, a podcast — so the habit sticks without relying on willpower alone.
Want to train with Brooke or a trainer like her? Check out our Trainer Profiles!
Q&A with Brooke
Why do you love training your clients at The Yard?
I love training clients at The Yard because the individual pods let me create a really personalized experience. I can book the exact time slot I need and know I’ll have my space and equipment ready! I love that there’s no fighting for a squat rack or working around a class schedule. This allows me to focus on my clients rather than logistics.
It’s such a nice setup for them too! It gives them their own space and access to everything they need to succeed.
How would you describe your overall coaching philosophy and training style?
My coaching philosophy centers on the belief that you have boundless potential and the inner agency to push past whatever limitations you’ve placed on yourself. I take a holistic approach to coaching, because your training doesn’t exist in isolation, it’s influenced by external stressors and the demands of life, so it’s important to understand the whole picture!
My training style reflects that. I build programs that are challenging but sustainable within your day to day life, so the habits we’re building are long term, not quick fixes.
At the core of it all is trust. I want you to feel supported, heard, and safe to be yourself as you grow, both as an athlete and as a person.
What are some of your favorite trails, beaches, or outdoor spots to explore?
I absolutely love Tennessee Valley over in Marin County! It’s always my go to for a trail run or a nice long hike. The views of the ocean and the cliff sides are incredible. Pair that with a burrito from Hook Fish and you really can’t go wrong.
If you’re looking for a nice run spot in the city I’d go run along Crissy Field all the way to Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge!
From a trainer’s perspective, why is walking such an underrated tool for physical and mental health? What are the biggest benefits?
Walking is so simple that people tend to overlook its amazing benefits! Research from Harvard shows that just 30 minutes of walking a day can cut your risk of heart disease by about 30%. It also gets you outside, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boost your mood. It’s low impact, accessible to almost everyone, and one of the easiest ways to reap real, lasting health benefits on a daily basis.
What does your personal walking or daily routine look like to keep yourself active outside the gym?
I walk 45 minutes every morning. I’m up at 5am and out the door by 5:30! It’s become non-negotiable for me, especially with how busy my days get. My morning walk ensures I’m hitting my step count and soaking up some fresh air before the demands of the day take over.
Heavy weights or high reps?
Heavy weights!!
What is your ultimate go-to summer post-workout meal or snack?
You can’t go wrong with Good Culture cottage cheese!
As part of the July Challenge… what is your best piece of advice for someone trying to build a consistent daily walking habit this summer?
My best advice is to stack your walk onto something you already love doing, whether that’s sipping your morning coffee or catching up on a podcast. When you pair your walk with something you’re already looking forward to, the habit sticks so much easier!
The Yard Strength Training was established in 2021. It is a reservation-based strength training gym with locations in San Francisco and Mill Valley that offers pod-based training, group classes, and space for independent personal trainers. Each of our workout pods includes your own rack, bench, barbell, and plates—plus access to nearby fan bikes, rowers, and a shared training space equipped with kettlebells, dumbbells, and functional training tools. Interested in joining the squad as an Independent Personal Trainer, Client, or Member? Contact us here.
Brooke Harrison is a Certified Personal Trainer at The Yard’s Lower Pac Heights location. A former Division I athlete and five-time marathon finisher, Brooke holds a B.S. in Applied Exercise Science from the University of Michigan, is an Institute of Integrative Nutrition Certified Holistic Health Coach with a specialization in hormonal health, and is NASM-CPT certified. She specializes in fat loss, functional fitness, injury prevention, nutrition planning, running mechanics, and women’s fitness (pre/post-natal and peri/menopause). You can book a session with Brooke here.