UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL WITH US
At StrengthByBarbell, we believe in empowering you to reach your full potential. Discover how our tailored programs can transform your fitness journey.
Our Athletes and Expertise
We work with everyone. Really. We have a full staff of coaches of all different backgrounds. Having expertise in knee/shoulder rehab, weight loss, strongman, powerlifting, general fitness, eating disorders, sport psychology, elite performance, hyrox, grid and much more.
That being said, there are 3 demographics we see most commonly.
First, we work with beginner to world stage athletes (most start as a beginner and just stick with us). This is in the sports of powerlifting, strongman, crossfit, and industrial/military prep. We work in all weight classes and support with pro athletes in those areas, including cycle suggestions, handling day of competition, and provide a complete experience not based on what we think it is like but from personal experience, all the way up to the NFL, Official Strongman Games, Pro Strongman League and more in other sports.
Second, we see a strong representation from women ages 35 - 55 years old, in the healthcare industry - like nurses - who work long hours and can find it hard to build structure on their own. We bring structure and worry about the things that people should not add onto their plate - like hydration levels, step counts, stress management systems, and of course nutrition and workouts.
Lastly, we work with a wide range of beginners. Most of our clients start with zero experience. Just looking for real progress this time and are tired of repetitive starting and stopping cycles or struggles in mentality or planning.
That long slew of certifications if you do care: Masters of Science: Athlete Development, Bachelor of Science: Athlete Development/Sport Business, PAADS Athlete Development Professional Certificate, Certified Nutrition Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Behavior Change Specialist, Weight Loss Specialist, Certified Life Coach; and probably some I am forgetting. Specialty: knee and shoulder rehab
Growing up in Kentucky I dealt with some really deep mental health struggles. Divorced parents young, financial troubles, biggest kid in school, all of the fun stuff. When I was 14, I lost the person that practically raised me to cancer - her name was Sandy. When she did I had made an attempt on my life and after failing I had a drastic realization and something just clicked for me. That person I mentioned was one of great character and she taught me a lot, and that my life was an opportunity to help others find positivity, strength, and elite level production without the cost of your sanity in their lives just as she did for me.
During that time I went on self loathing runs and dealt with a couple different eating disorders. Frankly, losing weight on the runs - 100 pounds actually - and the increase of dopamine from the added activity was actually helping me feel happier and full of life. That was the last time I had ever even thought about something along those lines. Even facing what feels like impossible challenges today.
That next January 1st was when I got my first gym membership and absolutely fell in love. 3 months after starting at the gym I got a message by my very first coach in Northern Kentucky - Lee Woody - inviting me out to train with him at a gym in the area known for conjugate training, crossfit, powerlifting, and strongman.
Fast forward a decade or so and I have now competed in strongman, powerlifting, rugby, crossfit, highland games, and spartan - coached in more; and have a Masters degree in Athlete Development from the University of Florida and a slew of certifications I won't bore you to list off but circle around personal training, nutrition, behavior change, and sport psychology. I was in my first Pro Strongman show in 2021, and also my first u90kg Worlds Strongest Man Appearance at that time. With over 50 state records in multiple states, pro show experience, and multiple athletes on those stages alongside me I have had a great opportunity to grow as a human.
and now - nearly a decade looking back on that young big kid being bullied, laughed at and made fun of everyday - I have the education, experience, and time needed to give the world what Sandy gave me - guiding others to find positivity, strength, and elite level production without the cost of your sanity in their lives.
“STRENGTH DOES NOT COME FROM PHYSICAL CAPACITY. IT COMES FROM AN INDOMITABLE WILL.”
— Mahatma Gandhi