Strong. Healthy. Unstoppable.
Personal training and nutrition coaching designed for real women, real bodies, and real life.
Prevent, not Repair!
Welcome to Haven Garage Athletics — a private, personalized fitness space designed specifically for women who want to take charge of their health and stay strong for life. Whether you’re just beginning your fitness journey or looking to build on years of experience, this is your place.
I’m Susan McClelland.
I’m a retired cardiac surgical nurse who has spent a lifetime immersed in fitness — from marathons and CrossFit to martial arts, weightlifting and strength training. After years working in the operating room, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we wait too long to prioritize our health. That’s why I created Haven Garage Athletics: to help women prevent, not repair.
Here, you’ll get one-on-one attention in a fully equipped private gym — no intimidation, no crowds, no judgment — just focused, evidence-based training and nutrition guidance that meets you exactly where you are.
Every training session includes:
- Full warm-up and movement prep
- Targeted strength training (rotating weekly focus: upper body, lower body, posterior chain, core)
- HIIT-style cardio and conditioning to maximize strength and heart health
- Ongoing nutrition coaching designed to fuel your progress
I believe women of all ages and body types can build strength, confidence, and resilience. My goal is simple: help you stay off the surgical table and fully live the life you love.
Tour the Haven
Training at Haven Garage Athletics has truly been life-changing for me. In just six months, I’ve seen an incredible difference not only physically, but mentally. I’m less stressed, less depressed, and feel better about myself than I have in years. I’ve surprised myself with how strong I’ve become — lifting weights I never imagined I could — and I’ve even discovered a love for racewalking, completing two 5Ks with more on the horizon. This experience has improved so many areas of my life, and I’m excited for what’s still to come.
Margaret Pickard
The Haven Journal
Explore my practical tips on strength training, heart health, nutrition, cooking and mindset.
The Real Habits Behind Sustainable Weight Loss (No Gimmicks Required)
So many women know how to lose weight — the real challenge is keeping it off. In this post, I break down the 6 essential habits that helped me maintain my 40+ pound loss for decades, and how to build a lifestyle that sticks. Plus, a few favorite high-protein recipes to support your journey.
Nutrition vs. Diet: Why One Leads to Lasting Change
“Diet” often focuses on short-term goals like weight loss, while “nutrition” is about fueling your body for long-term health. Learn the key differences—and why shifting your mindset from dieting to nourishing can lead to more sustainable, lifelong results.