ABOUT POWERSTRENGTH
PowerStrength is a family-owned and locally operated, private, members-only training facility. Founded in 2011 by Mark Ehnis, PowerStrength Training Systems is West Michigan’s longest-standing personal training and sports performance company. PowerStrength was built with a simple but powerful mission: build stronger people to build stronger communities. Rooted in the belief that strength training—done properly—creates confidence, resilience, and long-term health. Each decision, every program, and every coaching standard is built around long-term results. Every session takes place in a small-group environment, allowing for individualized guidance, accountability, and a supportive community—without the intimidation or guesswork. What started as a small, single location, PowerStrength has grown into 8 state-of-the-art training facilities across West Michigan.
15 YEARS OF POWERSTRENGTH
A THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY
A COLLECTION OF Feature ARTICLES FROM APRIL, MAY, and JUNE 2026
- ABOUT POWERSTRENGTH
- 15 YEARS OF POWERSTRENGTH
- A THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY
- GAVIN BOUMA & LUKE TUBERGEN
- AQUINAS VOLLEYBALL
- STEFANIE ACKERMANN
- KATELYN ALLEN
- NOEL DEAN
- JACQUI LEMON
- WINTER POST SEASON AWARDS
- ELISE VOGEL
- SARAH & DAMON WILCOX
- EMMA & OLIVA INGLES
- HUDSONVILLE LINEMEN
- THE BREDIN FAMILY
- JENNIFER VANGELDER
- COLE BERTKE
- TROY & DOTTIE TISSUE
- PARENT TALKS RECAP
- CHARLIE KING
- DAYNE ARNETT
- SHAINA ZIOLKOWSKI
- SPRING POST SEASON AWARDS
- COLE HAIST
- Melanie SALAMONE
- CLAIRE MAROSI
- MAGGIE SZLACHCIC
- CHRIS ASPLUND
- FAR OUT COACHES
GAVIN BOUMA & LUKE TUBERGEN
A GAME-CHANGER: HOW TWO WEST MICHIGAN ATHLETES TRANSFORMED AT POWERSTRENGTH
“After doing a whole Summer with PowerStrength, I had a lot more tackles and played better.”
Last summer, Gavin Bouma (South Christian Football & Track) and Luke Tubergen (Unity Christian Basketball, committed to Calvin University) entered the PowerStrength Athlete Transformation Giveaway. What happened next is exactly why so many West Michigan families trust PowerStrength with their athletes. Gavin had already earned varsity playing time as a sophomore, but he knew he needed more. Through consistent training, he added nearly 40 pounds, improved his strength and speed, and saw those gains translate directly to the football field. “After doing a whole Summer with PowerStrength, I had a lot more tackles and played better,” Gavin said. The transformation wasn't just physical. “Not even just as an athlete, walking down the hallways, I feel more confident.” Luke's path looked different. After being cut from his eighth-grade basketball team and seeing limited varsity minutes as a junior, he committed to getting stronger. He added 40 pounds of muscle, improved his explosiveness, became a varsity starter, earned All-Conference honors, helped Unity Christian reach the State Championship game, and committed to play at Calvin University. “The added strength and explosiveness helped me dominate,” Luke said. “Without that, I probably wouldn't have made All-Conference.” Luke's parents noticed more than physical progress. “Confidence was huge,” his dad, Josh, said. “You don't always see those kinds of measurable gains in a weight room.” His mom appreciated that every improvement was tracked—from muscle gained to speed and vertical jump—and that the positive coaching environment pushed athletes to improve. For both Gavin and Luke, individualized training, high-level coaching, and being surrounded by serious athletes changed their trajectory. The giveaway may have opened the door, but the results made them want to stay. As Gavin put it, “You're getting stronger, faster, more confident.”
AQUINAS VOLLEYBALL
The most dominant program in the WHAC trains at PowerStrength
“They’re getting stronger, getting faster, and getting more mentally tough — all while having a blast.” — Coach Ryan Campbell
When Ryan Campbell took over Aquinas College Women’s Volleyball seven years ago, he made one thing clear: his team would train at PowerStrength in the off-season. Since then, the Saints have won more than 76% of their WHAC games, gone two straight years without a regular season conference loss, and won back-to-back conference tournament championships. The training matches the demands of college volleyball: vertical jump, shoulder strength, lateral speed, injury prevention, and overall athleticism. This off-season, the results showed. On average, the team added 2.39 inches to their approach jumps, 2.28 inches to their block jumps, dropped shuttle times by .09 seconds, and added nearly 2 reps to their chin-up test. Several athletes made major jumps. Jayla Martin added 4.5 inches to her approach jump, 3.5 inches to her block jump, and 6 chin-ups. Michelle Domey added 3 inches to both jumps. PowerStrength has also helped athletes train through injuries with smart modifications, keeping them progressing without losing ground. But the impact goes beyond numbers. The Saints credit PowerStrength with building strength, confidence, mental toughness, and team connection. Coach Campbell summed it up best: “They’re getting stronger, getting faster, and getting more mentally tough — all while having a blast.”
STEFANIE ACKERMANN
Broken Down at 43. Stronger Than Ever at 53.
I thought, I could either be hurt and weak, or I could hurt and be strong.
At 43, Stefanie Ackermann faced a breast cancer diagnosis, multiple surgeries, autoimmune and joint disorders, two hip surgeries, a total hip replacement, and chronic back pain that could leave her unable to stand. For years, she believed that was simply her new reality. Everything changed when her son encouraged her to try PowerStrength. “I thought, I could either be hurt and weak, or I could hurt and be strong.” The coaches built a program around Stefanie's limitations, modifying exercises to keep her progressing safely. Since starting in late 2024, she hasn't had a single back episode. The improvements have transformed her everyday life. She can carry groceries, clean the house, travel internationally without debilitating pain, and even raise her arms overhead again—something she once thought was impossible. “I get up now, and I don't even notice my back. Night and day difference.” The biggest change, though, has been her confidence. After years of feeling defined by what her body couldn't do, she's rediscovered what it feels like to get stronger, challenge herself, and enjoy training alongside a supportive community. Today, Stefanie is 53, cancer-free for more than a decade, and living proof that your best years don't have to be behind you. Her message to anyone who feels too old, too broken, or too far gone? "It's never too late to start."
KATELYN ALLEN
Big Goals, Bigger Results
It’s the best thing I’ve chosen to do for myself as an athlete. It’s made me stronger and a better athlete.
When Katelyn Allen started training at PowerStrength before her freshman year at Northview High School, she had two goals: qualify for the State Finals in diving and make the varsity softball team as a freshman. She accomplished both. Now a junior, Katelyn has qualified for the State Diving Finals three straight years, finishing as the Division 2 State Runner-Up this past season. She's also been a varsity softball contributor since day one. “I've built so much height off the board, and I've gotten faster and stronger,” Katelyn said. “My throwing speeds have gone up, my bat speed has increased.” The gains haven't just been physical. Katelyn credits PowerStrength with helping her develop the confidence to compete at a higher level. “I used to look up to the high schoolers,” she said. “Now I'm at that point where I want people to look up to me.” She also values the coaching and environment, where small groups allow coaches to provide constant feedback while athletes push each other to improve. “When we're sprinting, I'm trying to beat the person next to me,” she said. “It's a really positive environment.” With college recruiting underway in both diving and softball, Katelyn continues to train with her next goal in mind.
NOEL DEAN
PowerStrength Welcomes Hall of Fame Coach Noel Dean
We owe it to the people we haven't met yet to be the best version of ourselves.
Hall of Fame football coach Noel Dean recently spent the day with the entire PowerStrength Team, sharing lessons from more than 30 years of building championship programs, developing leaders, and creating lasting culture. Coach Dean's relationship with PowerStrength Founder & CEO Mark Ehnis goes back years, built on a shared belief that developing people always comes before winning. The session reinforced one of PowerStrength's core values: "Live a Complacency Kills Lifestyle." Staff members walked away with lessons they could immediately apply as coaches, leaders, and parents. Common themes included avoiding complacency, understanding the people you serve, leading with humility, and continually striving to become a better version of yourself. "My biggest takeaway was that we owe it to the people we haven't met yet to be the best version of ourselves," said Athlete Coordinator Adam Sparks. Founder & CEO Mark Ehnis also reflected on Coach Dean's message. "Eventually, these kids that you work with will come of age. How do we want them to perceive us from the memories that they do have?" For PowerStrength, investing in speakers like Coach Dean is another way the team continues to grow, ensuring athletes and members receive the same high-level coaching, leadership, and experience across every location.
JACQUI LEMON
Mom Strong: Getting Energy, Confidence, and Yourself Back
I've never been consistent in anything. And now I don't recognize myself anymore—but in the best way
After years of putting everyone else first, Jacqui Lemon realized she had stopped taking care of herself. Between raising young kids, working 12-hour nursing shifts, and the challenges of the pandemic, exercise had become an afterthought. She had tried home workouts before, but nothing lasted. That changed when she joined PowerStrength. Nearly four years later, Jacqui is still training twice a week. With individualized coaching built around her knee and neck issues, she gradually got stronger, more confident, and more consistent than she'd ever been. The biggest difference isn't just the 40-plus pounds she's lost—it's how she lives. “I can keep up with my kids now,” she said. “Mom can come jump on the trampoline. My body's not putting the time limit on it anymore.” She also feels the difference during long nursing shifts, no longer ending the day exhausted from walking the hospital halls. What surprises Jacqui most is her consistency. “I've never been consistent in anything,” she said. “And now I don't recognize myself anymore—but in the best way.” She credits the accountability, supportive coaching, and welcoming community for helping her stick with it. For moms who feel intimidated or think a gym isn't for them, Jacqui has simple advice: “Just come as you are.” She came to PowerStrength hoping to lose weight. What she found was energy, confidence, strength, and a version of herself that her family gets to enjoy every day.
WINTER POST SEASON AWARDS
40 PowerStrength Athletes Shine This Winter
Be ready to work. It's going to be hard, but you'll have fun, and the results are going to show.
PowerStrength athletes made their mark across West Michigan this winter, earning 40 postseason honors in basketball, wrestling, swimming, gymnastics, and cheer.
The season featured state champions, All-State performers, undefeated seasons, and standout performances across the region. Basketball led the way with 28 athletes earning All-Conference honors.
Among the highlights, freshman wrestler Brody Compau finished a perfect 54-0 while winning a State Championship. Lillian Green captured a State Championship on vault, and Oliver Ottenwess followed up his All-State water polo season by winning a State Championship in the 100 butterfly. Wrestlers Easton Wright, Liam Fitzpatrick, and Murphy Lengkeek all earned All-State honors, while Frannie Keeley was recognized with All-Conference, All-District, and All-Region honors in cheer. The success extended well beyond individual champions. Athletes from schools across West Michigan earned All-Conference and All-State recognition, reflecting the consistency of PowerStrength athletes throughout the winter season. Many credited their success to years of consistent training. “Be ready to work,” said NorthPointe Christian's Kai VanderKodde. “It's going to be hard, but you'll have fun, and the results are going to show.” From state champions to first-time honorees, this year's winter season was another reminder that consistent effort, quality coaching, and long-term development continue to pay off.
ELISE VOGEL
“I Had To Fully Restart” — How Elise Vogel Came Back Stronger
Physically, I think I'm way ahead of where I was. But mentally, I'm double what I was before.
Coopersville soccer standout Elise Vogel was coming off a strong freshman season when a preseason injury changed everything. A knee subluxation forced her to miss nearly her entire sophomore year, turning months of physical therapy into the biggest challenge of her athletic career. “It was definitely more mentally hard than it was physically,” Elise said. When she returned to PowerStrength, she wasn't picking up where she left off. “I couldn't start where I left off. I had to fully restart.” Rebuilding wasn't just about strength—it was about trusting her body again. Through individualized coaching and training alongside other motivated athletes, Elise gradually regained both her physical ability and her confidence. “I absolutely think PowerStrength sped it up,” she said. “When you know what you're doing and how it's affecting you, it definitely speeds up the process.” By the fall, Elise was physically healthy again. Mentally, it took even longer, but the work paid off. Today, she says she's stronger than before the injury and is back leading Coopersville while pursuing her goal of playing college soccer. She has already received an offer from Heidelberg University, with interest from several other programs. Looking back, Elise believes the experience made her a better athlete and person. “PowerStrength is one of the best things I think an athlete can do for themselves,” she said. “You learn how to train as an actual athlete.”
SARAH & DAMON WILCOX
The Next Chapter: How Sarah and Damon Chose Each Other — and Themselves
If you're thinking about it, there's a reason why you're thinking about it. You just have to jump and try it.
When Sarah and Damon Wilcox sent their youngest daughter off to college, they found themselves entering a new stage of life. Instead of continuing to put everyone else first, they decided it was finally time to invest in their own health. “We needed something for each other,” Damon said. After trying other gyms, they found PowerStrength—and nine months later, both are feeling stronger than they have in years. For Sarah, who had undergone two ACL reconstructions and was living with a partial knee tear, the priority was building strength without risking another injury. Today, her knee pain is gone. “The things that I can do with my legs now are so much different from when I started,” she said. For Damon, consistent training has helped him keep up with Division I football players while officiating college games. “I feel more prepared going into my Saturdays,” he said. Beyond the physical improvements, they both noticed more energy, personalized coaching, and a supportive community. Training together has also made the journey more enjoyable and helped keep each other accountable. Looking ahead, their motivation is simple: stay healthy enough to enjoy the next chapter of life with future grandchildren. “If you're thinking about it, there's a reason why you're thinking about it,” Sarah said. “You just have to jump and try it.” Nine months later, they agree the decision has been worth it.
EMMA & OLIVA INGLES
All-Conference From Day One: The Remarkable Rise of the Ingles Twins
PowerStrength was one of the best things they've done.
Emma and Olivia Ingles didn't ease into varsity athletics—they made an immediate impact. As freshmen at Belding High School, both earned varsity spots in basketball and softball, then finished the year as All-Conference selections in both sports. Now sophomores, they've repeated the feat in basketball and helped lead Belding softball to its first conference championship since 2012. The twins have been training at PowerStrength since the summer before eighth grade. At first, the environment was intimidating. “We were smaller than everyone,” Olivia said. “But we just really worked hard.” That consistency paid off. Stronger, faster, and more explosive, the sisters were ready for varsity earlier than they ever expected. “Training here really did help prepare us to play,” Emma said. “We definitely got a lot stronger. We definitely could jump higher.” Their father, Zach—a former college and professional basketball player turned college coach—credits the sport-specific training and coaching for accelerating their development. “PowerStrength was one of the best things they've done,” he said. Beyond the physical gains, the twins say the biggest change has been confidence. They continue to train year-round with college basketball as their goal, knowing the work they put in now will prepare them for what's next. “It is okay to be scared and intimidated,” Emma said. “But once you walk in here, most of the time, in the first ten minutes, it'll go away.”
HUDSONVILLE LINEMEN
The Trenches Are Ready: How Three Hudsonville Linemen Are Training to Dominate Their Senior Season
Right now I'm feeling really ready. Ready to dominate.
After back-to-back OK Red Conference championships and a Division 1 State Finals appearance, Hudsonville football isn't standing still. This spring, seniors Luke Brodnicki, Hank VanderWal, and Nehemiah Collier trained in PowerStrength's Premier Advanced Training Program to prepare for their final high school season—and the results were significant. Hank VanderWal dropped 10% body fat while maintaining muscle, becoming leaner, faster, and more explosive heading into a summer of college camps. Luke Brodnicki has added 30 pounds of muscle since joining PowerStrength and another four pounds during Premier alone. Already holding multiple college offers, he says he's entering his senior season feeling stronger and more prepared than ever. “Right now I'm feeling really ready. Ready to dominate.” Nehemiah Collier, new to PowerStrength this spring, added 12 pounds of muscle in three months while improving his speed, agility, and strength despite recovering from shoulder injuries. More importantly, the experience solidified his goal of playing college football. “This is probably where I decided I want to play college football,” he said. For all three athletes, Premier provided more than physical development. It sharpened confidence, competitiveness, and preparation for the next level. As Hudsonville looks to build on its recent success, these three linemen enter their senior season bigger, stronger, and ready to lead from the trenches.
THE BREDIN FAMILY
Different Goals, Same Gym — The Bredin Family at PowerStrength
PowerStrength is family. It truly is a family here
What started with a recommendation has become a family commitment. Middle school athlete Owen Bredin was the first to join PowerStrength after attending a speed and agility camp. Soon after, his mom, Emily, signed up while waiting during his sessions, and later his dad, Mike, decided it was his turn too. Each came with different goals—but all three have seen results. For Owen, training has translated across basketball, swimming, and track. His endurance has improved, his explosiveness has increased, and his parents have noticed a more confident athlete. “His confidence has improved tenfold,” Emily said. Emily joined after more than 25 years away from a gym. With coaching tailored to her knee pain and busy travel schedule, she's lost weight, improved her endurance, and found a community that keeps her accountable. “One of my favorite things I saw the first day was, 'You did the hard part, we'll take it from here.'” Mike came in looking to address lingering back pain from military injuries. Today he's moving better, feeling stronger, and enjoying training alongside his wife and son. “Do what matters,” Mike said. “Doing what's right to take care of yourself.” For the Bredins, PowerStrength has become more than a place to work out. It's something they share as a family, supporting each other while pursuing different goals.
JENNIFER VANGELDER
Her Legs Are Rockin. And She’s Just Getting Started.
I 100% wish I would have started this sooner.
A year ago, Jennifer VanGelder mostly exercised by walking. She had tried classes, traditional gyms, and other workout programs, but nothing ever stuck. Today, strength training is a non-negotiable part of her week. After joining PowerStrength, Jennifer built muscle, gained energy, and found herself capable of things that once felt out of reach—including climbing Mount Pisgah multiple times in a single day. “I find my legs are rockin. They're not exhausted like they would have been.” She was initially drawn to PowerStrength because it was designed for adults over 40, but it was the community that kept her coming back. “I came in wanting to build strength. The community ended up being the reason I keep coming back.” The benefits extend well beyond the gym. As a hairdresser, Jennifer feels stronger during long workdays, sleeps better, has more energy, and schedules life around her Monday and Friday training sessions. She's also thinking long-term. “I want to be able to continue hiking into my 50s and 60s. Doing this kind of stuff now—that's how you get there.” Jennifer now encourages her daughters to begin strength training while they're young and hopes others won't wait as long as she did.
COLE BERTKE
From EGR to the Big Ten: How Cole Bertke Built a College Football Career
It pushed me over the edge and put me at an advantage compared to everybody else.
When Cole Bertke arrived at PowerStrength, he didn't have a Division I offer. What he did have was a strong work ethic and a commitment to improve. The East Grand Rapids lineman began training in 2025, and the results quickly translated to the field. During his senior season, he helped lead the Pioneers to a district championship while becoming stronger, faster, and more explosive. By the end of the recruiting process, he had earned a preferred walk-on opportunity at Michigan State. “It was night and day,” Cole said of his senior season. “I felt a lot more confident. I felt like I could move people better, and I moved better myself.” Cole credits PowerStrength's Premier Advanced Training Program with preparing him for the next level. Training alongside other serious athletes and receiving high-level coaching pushed him to improve physically and mentally. “You're lifting hard and lifting with intent,” he said. As his strength, speed, and agility improved, so did his confidence—something he believes played a major role in his development and recruiting. “It pushed me over the edge and put me at an advantage compared to everybody else.” Now preparing for the jump to Big Ten football, Cole feels ready for the challenge. “There will be some challenges, but this has prepared me well.”
TROY & DOTTIE TISSUE
Grandma Has Muscles Now — and the Rest of the Family Noticed Too
Without exaggerating, I feel probably 20 to 25 years younger than I did three months ago.
Not long ago, Dottie Tissue watched her grandchildren play from the side of the pool because she didn't have the energy to join them. Today, she's right in the middle of the action. “Now I'm up. I'm at it. I'm not tired. I'm excited, motivated, and I have a lot of energy.” After years away from the gym following multiple surgeries that ended her running days, Dottie joined PowerStrength with one simple goal: feel better. Within months, she had lost inches off her waist, gained energy, and inspired her husband, Troy, to join too. Troy's transformation was just as dramatic. Training two to three times per week while making healthier food choices, he went from obese to 7% body fat. “Without exaggerating, I feel probably 20 to 25 years younger than I did three months ago.” The biggest difference, though, is what their family sees. Their grandchildren notice stronger grandparents who are active, energetic, and fully engaged. One grandson even told Dottie, “Grandma, you got muscles now.” Both credit PowerStrength for giving them more than physical results. They've found community, accountability, and a healthier future together. As Dottie puts it, “PowerStrength is almost like my new family.”
PARENT TALKS RECAP
Raising Champion People with Coach Noel Dean
Your child gravitates toward what you celebrate.
PowerStrength recently welcomed Hall of Fame football coach Noel Dean for a Parent Talks event focused on one goal: helping families raise strong athletes by first raising strong people. Drawing from more than 30 years of coaching, Coach Dean challenged parents to think beyond wins and losses. His central question was simple: “What am I trying to accomplish in this particular moment?” Throughout the evening, he encouraged parents to celebrate effort, humility, and character—not just performance. He also reminded families that the way they talk about coaches, teachers, and teammates at home shapes how young athletes respond to leadership. One of the night's biggest takeaways was the “10-Year Test.” Will this moment matter in 10 years? If not, let it go. If it will, respond with intention. The message resonated with parents looking to navigate today's youth sports culture, where social media, rankings, and outside opinions can easily distract from what matters most. At PowerStrength, developing athletes has always meant developing people first. Hosting conversations like this is another way the organization supports not only athletes, but the families who help shape them every day.
CHARLIE KING
Next Level: How Charlie King Built The Foundation For His Biggest Season Yet
What we weren't expecting was how much his confidence would change.
Charlie King began training at PowerStrength as a middle school athlete, learning movement, building strength, and developing the habits that would prepare him for high school football. That foundation paid off. Charlie earned the starting varsity quarterback job at Grand Rapids Christian as a sophomore, went on to become an All-Region selection as a junior, and recently received his first college football offer from Calvin University. “It definitely gave me a step above the competition,” Charlie said. “I think coming to PowerStrength allowed me to get to the level of the juniors and seniors I was competing against.” His mom, Emily, expected the physical improvements. What surprised her was the confidence. “What we weren't expecting was how much his confidence would change.” Now entering his senior season, Charlie is training in PowerStrength's Premier Advanced Training Program alongside some of West Michigan's top football players while chasing an All-State season. “The biggest thing I've noticed is getting together with a group of guys who are really serious about their sport,” he said. With more size, improved speed, and growing college interest, Charlie believes years of consistent training have prepared him for what's next. His biggest goal now? “I want to get as many opportunities as I can and play at the highest level I can.”
DAYNE ARNETT
SEC Bound: Dayne Arnett’s Journey to the University of South Carolina
I give a lot of thanks to PowerStrength for helping make me who I am as an athlete.
When Dayne Arnett arrived at the University of South Carolina, the coaches immediately noticed the way he trained. “They asked me what I did and how I trained,” Dayne said. The answer started years earlier at PowerStrength. Before beginning his college career at Ferris State, Dayne joined PowerStrength's Summer College Training Program to prepare for the jump to college football. That first summer, he added nearly 20 pounds of muscle while becoming stronger, more athletic, and better prepared for fall camp. “Coming here helped me learn how to be more athletic and how to use my body at a higher level.” Dayne went on to earn a starting role at left tackle, help Ferris State win three Division II National Championships, and stay healthy by building the strength needed to manage a lingering back injury. Beyond the physical gains, he says the mental toughness developed through training became just as important. “I got bigger, faster, stronger, but mentally tougher was a big thing for me.” Now continuing his career in the SEC, Dayne believes years of consistent training prepared him to compete against the nation's best. Looking back, his advice to younger athletes is simple. “I would recommend it to everybody,” he said. “If you truly want to be successful, I think coming to PowerStrength is one of the best options you have.”
SHAINA ZIOLKOWSKI
How a Busy Mom Found Time, Lost the Back Pain, and Got Her Life Back
I came to prove to myself that I didn't have time for it.
When Shaina Ziolkowski first walked into PowerStrength, she wasn't convinced she'd stick with it. “I came to prove to myself that I didn't have time for it,” she said. A homeschooling mom of six (now seven), Shaina was juggling a full household while caring for a son with severe cerebral palsy. She also lived with chronic mid-back pain that required weekly chiropractic visits. After her chiropractor encouraged her to start strength training, she reluctantly gave it a try. Today, her back pain is gone, chiropractic visits have dropped from weekly to once every four weeks, and she has more energy to handle the physical demands of everyday life. “Life just seems easier,” she said. “I feel like my body is holding itself up better.” The biggest change has come at home. Lifting and transferring her son throughout the day used to leave her in pain. “That just doesn't happen anymore.” Shaina credits the coach-led structure and accountability for helping her stay consistent—something she had never found at a traditional gym. “Once the appointment is made, I'm committed.” Now in her 40s, she isn't just training for today. She's building strength for decades to come. “I am super confident that as long as I keep this up, I will be fine in my 50s, 60s, and 70s.”
COLE HAIST
One Dream: How Cole Haist Trained His Way to Playing College Basketball
Without PowerStrength, I wouldn't have been able to do it.
When Cole Haist came to PowerStrength as a sophomore, he had one goal: play college basketball. At the time, the three-sport athlete from Big Rapids knew he had the skill—but he also knew the older varsity players were bigger, stronger, and more physical. “So we decided we were going to come down here and really change my body,” Cole said. Making the 45-minute drive several times a week, Cole committed to getting stronger. The physical changes came quickly, but the biggest difference was confidence. “The confidence on the field and on the court... you know you put in the work and that you belong.” Over the next two years, Cole earned All-Conference honors in football and baseball while becoming an All-Conference and All-State basketball player. His individualized training helped him stay healthy and continue developing across all three sports. His mom, Jessica—a longtime high school basketball coach—believes the personalized coaching made the difference. “He became better at his craft when he became a better athlete.” Today, Cole has signed to play basketball at Davenport University, fulfilling the goal he set during his first athletic assessment. Looking back, he doesn't hesitate to credit the role PowerStrength played. “I've dreamed since I was a kid to be a Division I or Division II basketball player, and I got to reach that goal. Without PowerStrength, I wouldn't have been able to do it.”
Melanie SALAMONE
For the First Time in 30 Years, Melanie Chose Herself
Focusing on you now is more important than waiting until something happens.
For decades, Melanie balanced a full-time banking career while running a successful children's consignment business. Exercise was something she squeezed in when she could, and taking care of herself usually came last. After retiring from banking in 2025, she finally had time—and decided it was time to invest in herself. “It was my time to try this out and see how it works.” Although she'd exercised before, PowerStrength was the first place she worked with coaches who guided every workout, corrected her form, and helped her build strength safely. “I really like the attention that we get from the coaches,” she said. One year later, Melanie is stronger than she's ever been. She has added lean muscle, lifts more weight than ever before, and notices the difference while running her 70,000-square-foot consignment events that require days of lifting, carrying, and being on her feet. The biggest change, though, is confidence. “I just feel more confident in the things that I need to do when I need to go and lift heavy things.” As she looks ahead, Melanie isn't training for today—she's training for the years ahead. “Focusing on you now is more important than waiting until something happens.” After decades of putting everyone else first, she's discovered that investing in herself isn't selfish—it's necessary.
CLAIRE MAROSI
What Claire Marosi Would Tell Her Younger Self
PowerStrength is the edge that a lot of people wish they had.
After one of the most decorated high school lacrosse careers in Michigan history, Claire Marosi arrived at Northwestern and quickly realized there was another level to reach. “We have some of the best players in the country,” Claire said. “I feel like I really know what it takes to win now.” Following Northwestern's national championship season, Claire returned home determined to keep improving. During winter break, she began training at PowerStrength—and noticed results almost immediately. “Stronger and faster on the field. My first step is much better.” Even Northwestern's strength coach noticed. “My strength coach actually said that I got stronger and faster.” Now spending the full summer in PowerStrength's College Summer Training Program, Claire is training alongside other collegiate athletes in a competitive environment that pushes her every day. “It’s super beneficial. Having other athletes with you pushes you as well.” Her goal is to build on what she learned as a freshman and continue developing into one of the Big Ten's top players. Looking back, Claire has one regret. “I wish that I would have come in high school. I think it would have helped me even more.” Now she encourages younger athletes to start sooner. “PowerStrength is the edge that a lot of people wish they had.”
MAGGIE SZLACHCIC
Never Peaked: How Maggie Szlachcic Trained Her Way to Tusculum
I just felt like I never peaked. I was always progressing.
Maggie Szlachcic has been training at PowerStrength since seventh grade, long before becoming an All-State volleyball player at Hudsonville High School and committing to play at Tusculum University. She started with one goal: play college volleyball. “Our club was promoting it,” Maggie said. “I knew I wanted to play college volleyball.” The results came quickly. She became stronger, more confident, and people began noticing the difference on the court. “When you start feeling like it's noticeable, that's when you want to keep on coming.” What kept Maggie coming back for years wasn't just the training—it was the environment. “The coaches actually care about you as a person. You feel that energy.” Through school seasons, club volleyball, and busy schedules, PowerStrength adapted her training so she could continue improving. And unlike many athletes, Maggie never felt like her progress stalled. “I just felt like I never peaked. I was always progressing.” That steady growth helped her earn two All-Conference honors, All-State recognition, and a college opportunity. Now preparing for her freshman season, Maggie feels ready for the next level. “That’s exactly what PowerStrength is giving me—the confidence to go there and feel ready.” Her advice to younger athletes with big goals? “If you have bigger aspirations than just playing in high school, you'll definitely see it.”
CHRIS ASPLUND
Ready to Give Up To Living a Bigger Life
I'll be honest, I was broken.
Not long ago, Chris Asplund couldn't carry groceries into his apartment without grabbing the handrail to step inside. There was only one step—but after years of physical labor, even that had become difficult. “I'll be honest, I was broken,” Chris said. After 28 years as a custodian, chronic pain and limited mobility had become part of daily life. When he moved into an office role, he realized he needed to make a change. Unlike previous gyms, PowerStrength gave Chris something he'd never had before: coaching, accountability, and a plan. “Unless there's somebody there to push your buttons... you don't do it.” The first victory wasn't on a scale—it was walking into his apartment carrying groceries without needing the railing. Today, Chris climbs stairs more easily, walks across campus without pain, has more energy, and no longer relies on alcohol or pain relievers just to get through the day. “I feel 100% different than I did when I walked in the door the first time.” The biggest change wasn't just physical. “I was ready to give up,” he said. Now, he's excited about what's ahead. His advice for anyone trying to figure it out alone? “The knowledge and the motivation that the trainers bring are worth more than your membership at any other gym.”
FAR OUT COACHES
FaR Out Staff Leading from the Front at PowerStrength
Our growth on the court very much aligns with our partnership with PowerStrength.
The partnership between PowerStrength and FaR Out Volleyball extends beyond the athletes. This year, FaR Out coaches Cameron Rowland, Sidney Schiller, and Valerie Lurye began training at PowerStrength's Byron Center location—and quickly saw why so many of their athletes have embraced strength training. What started as a convenient opportunity inside the same building where FaR Out practices has become part of their routine. “I think I'm just in better general shape,” Cam said. “My energy level this season has definitely been back up.” Each coach came in with different goals. Cam wanted to rebuild his stamina after illness. Sidney wanted a healthier relationship with training. Valerie wanted to feel like an athlete again. All three found more strength, energy, and confidence. “I feel so much stronger every day,” Valerie said. “I have a lot more that I can give throughout my entire day.” Training has also strengthened their connection with the athletes they coach. Conversations about workouts, mobility, and progress now happen naturally because they're sharing the same experience. “Our growth on the court very much aligns with our partnership with PowerStrength,” Cam said. The coaches have also watched their athletes become stronger, move better, and carry themselves with greater confidence. When coaches and athletes commit to the same process, everyone benefits.