Q1 Feature collection

JUSTIN DALZIEL

How a 42-Year-Old Dad Lost Fat and Gained Muscle in Just 2 Months

I feel fantastic. I have more energy. I’m happier. I’m not in pain.

At 42 years old, Justin Dalziel joined PowerStrength with a clear goal: get back in shape, feel better, and regain control of his health. Like many busy adults, he had tried training on his own—but without structure, accountability, or results. After committing to PowerStrength’s fully coached adult training program, the difference was immediate. Through expert coaching, small-group sessions, and individualized attention to technique, Justin not only got stronger—but eliminated the aches and pains he previously assumed were “just part of getting older.” In his first month, Justin gained 5 pounds of muscle. Within 2 months, he dropped 30 pounds of fat. More importantly, he gained energy, confidence, and consistency. He feels better at work, moves pain-free, and is able to stay active with his kids—something that had become increasingly difficult before training. A key part of Justin’s success came from focusing on small, sustainable habits outside the gym, including better sleep, improved nutrition, and daily movement. Combined with coaching and a supportive training environment, those habits compounded into lasting change. Justin credits the PowerStrength community for pushing him forward—trainers who coach every rep and peers who encourage one another without judgment. His biggest shift has been mental: realizing that strength, progress, and growth are still possible well into his 40s and beyond. For Justin, this transformation isn’t an endpoint—it’s the foundation for decades of healthier, stronger living.

JACK PATTERSON

Building the Foundation Early: How Speed, Agility, and Confidence Come Together in the PowerStrength Youth Academy

We’ve seen a huge shift in his confidence. Before, he was kind of timid. Now you can see him out there thinking, "I can do this."

Amanda Patterson enrolled her 9-year-old son, Jack, not to lift heavy weights—but to build confidence, movement skills, and a strong foundation for the future. As a baseball and tennis athlete, Jack needed age-appropriate training focused on speed, coordination, technique, and enjoyment—not scaled-down Varsity workouts. Through small-group, individualized coaching, Jack has developed better movement patterns, improved speed and agility, and—most importantly—gained confidence. That confidence now shows up not only in sports, but at school and at home, where he is more willing to take chances and believe in himself. Amanda initially wondered if starting this young was too soon. After seeing the structure and intent of the Youth Academy, she now believes starting earlier is smarter, safer, and more effective. The program prioritizes movement first, strength later, and long-term development—creating healthy habits that carry into adolescence and adulthood. As PowerStrength expands with new Youth-only facilities, this story reinforces the mission: provide a supportive, focused environment where young athletes can grow independently, feel safe, and see measurable progress. The Youth Academy serves as the foundation for long-term athletic development, preparing athletes for the transition into Freshman, JV, and Varsity training with confidence, skill, and a love for movement already established. PowerStrength doesn’t rush development—it builds it intentionally, starting early.

MONICA STEGEMAN

Monica’s Story: Confidence, Strength, and Finding the Fun Again

MY best friend mentioned that i seem way more confident.

Monica Stegeman joined PowerStrength after decades of physical setbacks, including back surgery 22 years ago, a long-standing shoulder injury, and repeated cycles of physical therapy. While she stayed active through yoga, Pilates, and home workouts, ongoing pain and flare-ups prevented long-term progress and consistency. Initially hesitant about strength training, Monica was encouraged by both her husband (a PowerStrength member) and her physical therapist to try the program. Her first session, which emphasized movement quality, gradual progression, and individualized pacing, immediately changed her perception of training. Through small group personal training, Monica rebuilt strength safely while learning how to move with confidence and proper mechanics. Rather than pushing intensity, she progressed in controlled increments under expert coaching, which allowed her to train consistently without aggravating past injuries. Beyond physical improvements—such as increased strength, weight loss, and higher energy—Monica experienced significant gains in confidence, body awareness, and overall well-being. She credits the structured programming, trusted coaching, and supportive group environment for making training enjoyable and sustainable. Today, Monica feels better in daily life and work, understands how to move safely, and genuinely looks forward to training. Her experience highlights how progressive, well-coached strength training can help adults rebuild confidence, reduce pain, and find enjoyment in fitness again.

BRYCE BACKUS

How Bryce Backus has Gone From 4th Grade Foundations to Division I Dreams

I think just coming here for like, a year just made a huge difference. I actually learned how to run like an athlete and be an athlete.

Bryce Backus is a Junior quarterback at Caledonia High School with Division I offers from Toledo and Kent State—and his development is a clear example of the power of long-term training. Bryce began training at PowerStrength in the 4th grade, where he learned foundational movement skills, including how to run and move like an athlete. That early investment set the stage for his growth throughout middle school and high school. Now a member of PowerStrength’s most advanced training program, Premier, Bryce continues to level up both physically and mentally. Premier has helped him build structure around training, recovery, sleep, and nutrition while training alongside other high-level athletes who push the standard daily. Despite balancing Varsity basketball during the Winter, Bryce has remained consistent in the weight room. After a shortened Junior football season due to injury, Bryce is focused on adding lean muscle to his 6’3” frame to improve durability and prepare for his senior year and college football. As he approaches a college decision, Bryce is confident that PowerStrength has prepared—and will continue to prepare—him for whatever path he chooses next.

CINDY KELLEY

Zero Pain. Zero Doubt. Cindy'S Game-Changing Year

Not having pain, knowing that I can be me again without pain, is kind of a cool thing.

At 54 years old, Cindy Kelley made a proactive decision to take control of her health. After noticing weight gain and concerning bloodwork trends, she increased her training from 2–3 days per week to 4 and committed to improving her nutrition. Since May, Cindy has:

• Lost 47 pounds
• Dropped eight clothing sizes
• Maintained her muscle mass
• Eliminated chronic knee pain
• Returned to running and completed multiple 5Ks
• Regained the ability to perform full, pain-free squats
• Started playing basketball again

Her progress was steady and sustainable — averaging about two pounds every two weeks — with a strong emphasis on preserving muscle through progressive strength training and body composition tracking. Despite a history of five knee surgeries, Achilles surgery, a fractured ankle, and other setbacks, Cindy is now pain-free and says she feels stronger than she has in over 20 years. Equally important was the environment. After years of being self-conscious about her weight, Cindy opened up to coaches and workout partners about her goals and found unwavering support. Her words say it best: “Zero pain… I’m in shock.” “A lifesaver. Game changer. Absolute game changer.” Cindy’s transformation isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about reclaiming health, confidence, and the ability to live actively without limitations.

JACK & REESE PIROG

More Than Stronger Athletes: PowerStrength Youth Academy Is Helping Kids Grow in Confidence and Character

When people ask why our kids are doing well, there’s a strong reason why…the work they’re putting in here.

Brian and Katie Pirog enrolled their children, Jack (10) and Reese (8), in the PowerStrength Youth Training Program to give them a stronger athletic foundation beyond their sports of golf, lacrosse, and gymnastics.  Through structured coaching focused on movement, strength, and confidence, both athletes have seen significant improvements. Jack has nearly doubled his golf driving distance and plays with far more confidence on the lacrosse field, while Reese has complemented her intense gymnastics schedule and has already won two competitions at her level this season.  Beyond performance, the Pirogs say the biggest impact has been increased confidence, leadership, and life skills developed through the supportive coaching and community environment. They now actively recommend the program to other families because of the positive growth they’ve seen in both of their kids.

STEFANIE ACKERMANN

Broken Down at 43. Stronger Than Ever at 53.

"I just feel better. I just don't feel as washed up.

Stefanie Ackermann spent nearly a decade battling through breast cancer, multiple surgeries, joint disorders, and chronic back pain that at times left her unable to get off the floor. A former college cross-country and track athlete, she was forced to step away from the active lifestyle that once defined her. At 53 — and 10 years cancer-free — Stefanie made the decision to walk into PowerStrength in Fall 2024, despite believing she might be “too broken” to train. Since starting, Stefanie has transformed both physically and mentally. With individualized coaching built around her limitations, she has trained consistently for over a year without a single back setback — a major breakthrough after years of recurring pain. Her daily life has completely changed:

• Minimal to no back pain upon waking
• Strength to handle everyday tasks like carrying groceries and cleaning without fatigue
• Ability to travel long distances comfortably
• Even regaining overhead mobility — something she once thought was gone for good

Beyond the physical wins, Stefanie rediscovered something just as important — confidence, community, and the ability to push herself again. Her message is simple and powerful: No matter your age, injuries, or past — it’s never too late to start getting stronger.