Beyond Strength

Most Recent Comments

• May 2023 by jonathan goldsmith
  Before joining Beyond Strength I was just "training" on my own, and mostly injured, frustrated, and aimless. I'm a fairly accomplished distance runner having run competitively in high school, college, and in marathons, so I always tend to gravitate towards endurance training. After several injuries, I attempted to mix in strength training on my own to get healthy and find more balance, but admittedly I had no idea how to strength train. I had no coaching or plan other than just throwing myself into it full blast, and I ended up getting injured. I tried various gyms in the area but would ultimately leave because they offered no long-term plan or goals, so it felt like I was just showing up to be there without any purpose. I tried a personal trainer but didn't get much out of it except a lot of expense and little progress. I aimlessly teetered between trying to run and trying to lift depending on which injury was worse, but with no plan or consistency, I really just didn't feel healthy or happy.I needed somewhere to work out that offered balance and instruction so that I could get stronger without getting hurt. I also had a 2-year-old son, so it was critical that I get and stay healthy so I could get up and down and pick him up and generally play on the floor a ton. After 16 months here, I am no longer dealing with any injuries, I'm stronger than I have ever been in my life at age 40, I've been able to maintain my endurance, and I'm so much more knowledgeable now than when I started. I am able to train consistently every day, which makes me happier in all aspects of my life, and most importantly I can keep up with my now 4-year-old son without fear of getting up and down off the floor 100 times a day. I enjoy the way BS mixes up the training so that I am constantly forced to adapt, but also keep the right intensity so that I can train every day without risk of injury or overuse. I really do feel balanced and healthy, which energizes me and motivates me to keep showing up and getting better.I wasn’t used to doing heavy lifting, so training to gain strength was new to me and something that I'm really enjoying. I had also never tried erg rowing before coming to Beyond Strength, but since joining I have learned to enjoy the erg and I've been able to log some decent times that I'm proud of. I've also achieved the Black level during testing, which is really all about seeing my progress on exercises that I never tried before and knowing my hard work is paying off with real, tangible results. I'm most happy about all the new training techniques and exercises that I've learned and become proficient with since joining which has enabled me to become well-rounded, balanced, and healthier. Get-ups, kettlebell swings, all the carries, sled pushes/drags, split squats, med balls, battle ropes, rowing, ski erg, all the movement skills that help my mobility and flexibility....the list goes on and on. Those are now my favorite exercises and I had never tried them before coming here.If you’re thinking about joining Beyond Strength, come for the coaching, stay for the programming, and you will see results. You'll get the one-on-one coaching that you need to become proficient with all these skills. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and will give you the dedicated instruction you need, and that is just the beginning. You realize as you progress through a training block that Chris and Todd put a lot of thought and science into the programming so that you are working out purposefully and not just crushing yourself for no reason. You will see how knowledgeable they are about developing a program so that you can train every day, make progress, feel good doing it, and enjoy the benefits in your everyday life. You will be challenged to do things that you ordinarily wouldn't do, and you will succeed because of the coaching and programming. And the gym has a great atmosphere with awesome people, so you will enjoy showing up rather than it being a chore.
• April 2023 by Brad Pearson
  This is the place to train! Programming is science backed and planned methodically to get the most from your effort on a year round basis. Great coaches help each member move better and feel better and we all have a ton of fun during each session. You’ll see the smiles while scanning around the floor!Since joining Beyond Strength several years ago I have noticed many improvements in strength and mobility where previously I was getting less results and more pain/strain trying to follow cookie cutter bodybuilding type workouts. Everything here has a functional purpose from the warm-up, to the strength training and mobility work, all followed by a cool down to get your recovery started. I genuinely enjoy every workout here and I’ll schedule everything else around the time I have signed up to train because I know I’ll feel better afterwards.
• April 2023 by Brian Colan
  I was formerly part of another semi-private training gym that closed during the pandemic. As a result, I was away from a gym for a few months and definitely noticed a loss of physical strength along with a mental change. With basically only being dedicated to going to and from work, and not dedicating time to my health and fitness, I wanted to get back.Since joining Beyond Strength in May of 2021, I’ve seen huge improvements in mobility and strength. When I started at my old gym, in 2016, I was pressing 25lb dumbbells, and never would have thought I would be on to the 80’s now. I’ve seen big improvement in my squats, which the trainers and the safety bar squat racks have significantly helped with.I am very proud of staying consistent at the gym, making sure I hit my four days a week. This has encouraged me and changed my mentality on the weekends to—instead of being lazy or going to a brewery at 12pm—going out for a hike or a walk, a bike ride on the W&OD trail, or doing something to keep up with exercise… and then maybe hitting up a brewery... :-)If you are on the fence about joining Beyond Strength, I would say two things:- It is a completely judgment-free zone. Folks from all types of walks of life and all shapes and sizes. Folks in nearly perfect shape who you will be inspired to be like someday, folks who are looking to get back into shape, and folks who are just starting out on their fitness journey train here.- View this as an investment in your health. Think about all of the money we spend on clothes, going out to eat, trips, subscriptions, shoes and just stuff in general. But how much investment do we put into our physical health? Probably not enough. Consider this a true investment to improve yourself and meet some cool folks along the way.
• March 2023 by Joe Dupelle
  Here’s what I like. It’s small group so it feels like one-on-one attention, but not that abnoxious screaming in your ear nonsense. There’s a plan- you see improvements over a four week period which keeps you from going for broke in one session and screwing up the next six weeks. There’s data and insights so your health IQ sky rockets which means you’re learning to listen to your body. And there’s a Podcast which I find super helpful to connect all the dots. This gym is outcomes, not activity based. Give it a try.
• March 2023 by Karol Eller
  I started running in my mid-forties after years of not doing much physical exercise at all. As I increased my miles and entered my fifties, I recognized the need to do some sort of cross-training. A running acquaintance suggested Beyond Strength. I’m so glad I took the initiative to check it out. I’ve been a regular for several years now. I really appreciate the guidance from the coaches (who are sticklers for form), the varied programs that challenge but don’t overwhelm me, and the supportive community. My main goal is to build and maintain strength to slow the aging process and avoid running injuries. It’s worked so far! I also value the confidence of knowing I can tackle some of the strength standards—like the flexed arm hang, deadlift rack pull, and farmer carry. Beyond Strength helps me stay focused on my health and remain active.
• March 2023 by Greg Garber
  I worked out consistently for a long time, doing basically the same workouts every week with only slight variations, and I wasn't achieving the results I desired. Doing the same repetitive exercises was also causing some strains and nagging discomfort in certain joints, but I was apprehensive to alter my workout as I didn't really have the knowledge about what alternative exercises to do. So, I realized I needed a change.I started some team training/group classes at another gym, and really enjoyed the group atmosphere and coaching offered through those classes. However, that program fizzled out and I came across Beyond Strength in searching for a replacement. Beyond Strength offered the group dynamic that I enjoyed, along with a much higher level of organization and well-thought-out training.After 14 months (and counting) at Beyond Strength, I'm in much better shape, happy with my results, and the variety of exercises has allowed me to work out pain-free. There are so many exercises that I have done here that I never would have tried on my own and, after working out for a while, I have greatly improved my strength and conditioning, having progressed from the "starter" exercises to the more advanced movements and I am very close to achieving the Black Level Strength and Endurance standards.Get in here! You will experience the professionalism of the trainers and the relaxed, group dynamic. I think there's definitely some intimidation when trying out something new, especially a gym, but once you start the classes, you realize that everyone is focused on their own performance, and no one is judging or critiquing you—except the trainers. They will pay close attention to insure you are performing safely with the best form possible.
• March 2023 by Tiffany Durkin
  Before Beyond Strength, I was very much into “skinny culture” and would chase any/all new trend to get there via the “all or nothing” mentality. The scale dictated my every move. I was inconsistent - the “so-and-so” workout + diet promised to get me to lose x pound in 4 weeks…but I didn’t see results so I would completely stop. I was battling old injuries and surgeries that kept flaring up and I was prone to new injuries. I was in a rough place mentally- life had thrown some unexpected curve balls and I was having a hard time compartmentalizing and I allowed those circumstances to take over every portion of my life.Some major things have changed over the last few years since joining Beyond Strength:- I’m no longer trying to be the slimmest or chasing my high school physique. The scale holds no real value anymore.- I am CONSISTENT—not trapped in “perfection” with my workouts and nutrition. If I miss a workout or have a “bad” meal or day of eating, I’ve learned to enjoy the break and that the day is not a wash and I need to simply get back on track.- I’m now more interested in seeing what my body is able to accomplish, always seeking to improve myself. I’ve started to be kinder to my body and have learned to take care of it.- I’ve learned to compartmentalize better; to focus only on what is in front of me and stop worrying about the person next to me or what’s happening next.- I CAN DO PUSH UPS AND CHIN UPS!! For my entire life, I always thought those movements were always reserved for men.- I have self-confidence. I genuinely like the person I’ve become. I’m stronger mentally and physically to handle the day-to-day stress of being a wife, mom, boss, coworker, friend, mentor, etc.The lessons learned in the gym are directly transferable to your day-to-day life. There is a real sense of community here. The coaches and members are welcoming and supportive of each other; often holding each other accountable and encouraging one another to remain consistent. When life gets busy/tough, members and coaches alike are reaching out to check- in, lend an ear or hand, and provide encouragement.
• March 2023 by Megan Galata
  Before joining Beyond Strength, I wasn't actively working out like I did pre-pandemic. Back then, I would regularly go into the office and take daily exercise classes at the onsite gym and played in an indoor soccer league weekly. That all changed when I started working remotely and stopped playing soccer. I wasn't as physically active anymore because I had to adjust to not having a regular routine. Naturally, over time I felt my endurance, stamina, and strength weaken.Since joining, and sticking to my scheduled workouts, I have seen a vast improvement in my overall strength and endurance. I've achieved many personal records in strength training and have accomplished workouts I didn't think I could ever do.I am most proud of achieving the strength standard for women of being able to do a single pull-up and a set of 3 chin-ups in a row. Now I can actually do 4 chin-ups and soon I'll work my way up to 10! This is something that I have physically never been able to do in my life, not even growing up in school during PE classes. Other notable accomplishments for me include surpassing the strength standard for MEN in push-ups, clocking 32 during testing, as well as the endurance and power standards for women in both the 2,000 and 500-meter row tests. These right here are a testament to the strength and endurance improvements I’ve made with Beyond Strength.If you set personal goals for yourself, stay committed, and put in the time, you will see the results. It may not be instant, but over time you'll start to feel yourself getting stronger and it will keep you motivated. Also, it's a huge benefit to have a variety of detailed workouts each month that help improve different areas of your body as well as access to a strength coach during each workout session. This type of structure in a smaller setting is great for providing guidance for a more personalized experience.
• February 2023 by Patty Williams
  Before I joined Beyond Strength I was struggling with a knee injury that prevented me from doing things that I normally did, and loved, like tennis, soccer, hiking and lifting weights. This affected me mentally because sports were always huge in my life. Trusting the process of Beyond Strength's program was one of the best things I have done for myself--I feel great, have lost body fat, gained muscle, and improved my form. Since joining, I am mentally and physically stronger, healthier, and happier, recovered mobility in my joints, got more endurance and as a bonus, I have met such nice people that share the same passion as me. I also gained an appreciation for being more open-minded about my training techniques. The Beyond Strength program won't make you work out "harder", but rather smarter, and more efficiently, and I promise you the training will never feel stale. Dive in! You will be impressed to see all that your body can do.
• May 2022 by Chloe White
  Training at Beyond Strength really brought back my love of strength work and my confidence in myself. I joined Beyond after losing a lot of physical strength over the past couple of years, hoping the team and classes would be able to help me gain some of it back. After consistently training for a couple of months, I went through my first "testing week" and saw hard evidence of the progress I had made - the weights I was using for reps had gone up, I was faster on the rowing erg, and my maximum bar hang time had DOUBLED. Even though I'm moving out of the state of Virginia, I know the lessons I learned at Beyond will stick with me throughout my strength training for the rest of my life. If you're looking for a gym to join where you'll actually see long-term results, and you'll have the best possible team of people at you're back, definitely check Beyond Strength out - they're the real deal!
• March 2022 by Faith Pierce
  Before I started at Beyond Strength I pretty much only did cardio workouts. But I really wanted to add in strength/weight training. As someone who loves group fitness, I had tried some of the bootcamp and strength style boutique workouts before but always struggled. The classes were large and high energy & the coaches good cheerleaders - but they didn’t actually teach proper form or technique. Half the time I didn’t even know what move they had called out and what I should be doing. (I even ended up pulling a muscle in my neck during one workout!)Enter Beyond Strength! The perfect combination of group fitness and personal training. The small class sizes allow for the awesome coaches to really pay attention to what you’re doing & help with form/technique. The fact that you’re with a group and not in a solo session creates a fun and motivating environment. The community is so welcoming and the coaches have a wealth of knowledge. As someone who never had a ton of upper body strength, seeing myself do rounds of push ups, lift heavier weights, and push myself mentally + physically has been extremely exciting and rewarding.
• February 2022 by Audrey Merrill
  How amazing is it to win something, and even better when you win something that continues to surprise you? I won a year of Beyond Strength membership for myself and my husband and perhaps I should be writing this review about myself and my physical and emotional journey the last year. But I’m not.Instead, I’ll ask you to imagine a 45-year-old man who:Has Lyme’s arthritis, with the same painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritisHas Spinal StenosisHas Degenerative Disc DiseaseHas had a Laminectomy involving 3 discsHas had 4 meniscectomies, 2 on EACH knee (1 caused by just doing A squat)Who has a love of good ole’ fashioned “bad-for-you” food (who doesn’t!?), which has helped him be on an on and off rollercoaster with his weightWould you imagine that he could do box jumps, Copenhagen planks, deadlift 405 lbs. or squat 295 lbs.? Before we started this, he could not RUN, do a sit up, SIT on a row machine, could not do a body weight squat without fear of causing another meniscectomy.Beyond Strength has not just gotten my husband and I back in shape, it has given my kids an energetic dad that can play soccer with them, that can fall down without getting hurt, that can live an active life with his family again. It has changed the things that we do together as a family and I will forever be grateful for that gift from this gym and the personalized approach they take for each person.THANK YOU BSP FROM OUR WHOLE FAMILY!
• March 2021 by Tania Joseph
  Feb 2021They have to challenge me though...I'm afraid my diagnosis precedes me...well organized, clean, considerate staff though...March 2021Challenge accepted! They have upped the ante! Especially today, I felt the burn (sweating bullets- or what I call bullets)! So appreciate BSP! They won't let me settle, but keep "upping the ante!" I like it! Always up for the challenge!
• December 2020 by Joe Delgado
  Very good 1-1 training. Easy scheduling system, cares about coronavirus exposure. Staff is genuinely interested in your success.
• August 2020 by Trishla Maru
  BSP has been a game changer for me. It's been a journey with ups and downs. Day one, spoke to Chris about my goals, I was doing Orangetheory 4 times a week and still saw no difference in my weight or how I looked. And now with BSP for about 11 months, lost weight (not all ;)) and am happy with how I look. I also want to be honest that I doubted BSP for a while, because it did NOT kill me! Such a wrong perspective. I was going to OTF, which made me work like a dog and still no results. And then BSP, was an easy going (well not always...hehe) workout routine. And lastly, the vibe! This place is like you go see some fun/positive people and work out. If I can lose weight with BSP (which is almost impossible..hehe) then ANYONE can!Thank you BSP and the team!!