Noah H.

Client

"Before working with Ken, I was inconsistent and I didn’t have good discipline outside the gym.

Ken has mentored me and really changed my life for the better. He’s done more for me than just strength training. He has helped me really understand what is truly important to me and has supported me the whole way.

Ken has always been there for me and works super hard to make sure I am understanding proper technique through various ranges of motion.

I am currently the strongest I have ever been in my life thanks to Ken and I am continuing to make great progress. Ken is without a doubt the greatest coach I have ever had."

Callistus S.

USAPL MR-M2 Powerlifter

“With Ken’s coaching, I have accomplished winning MN State Bench Press Championship 2020, MN State Bench Press Championship 2021, Nationals 2021, Arnold 2021, MN State Bench Press Championship 2022, and Nationals 2022. Setting many State and American Records, TWO World records for Bench Press M2

Ken is an amazing coach, and I'm blessed to have him in my corner. His constant motivation and encouragement pushed me to weights I never dreamed I'd reach.

His mentality -- “It never gets easier, you just get better.” there is always room for improvement.”

Gretchen M.

USAPL 82.5kg Powerlifter

“Ken is so great at explaining technique and the reason why he has you do the things you are doing. His approach is informative and hands-on.

My goal coming into powerlifting was to get stronger and lift heavy shit. With Ken’s coaching, I have exceeded all of my goals and expectations I originally came in with and continue to keep getting stronger and better in each lift.

I was very nervous and scared walking into a powerlifting gym. I originally only came when I was working with Ken. Slowly he would introduce me to people and now the gym is like my second home and I have made so many great friends.”

Jon G.

USAPL 105kg Master 3a Powerlifter

Ken adjusts to my individual needs, which can change day-to-day or even minute to minute. He doesn't use a cookie-cutter approach. He is encouraging, even on the days when it seems like I may be a little off. He encourages self-diagnosis, which oddly is difficult when just starting out, but pays big dividends when working on my own.

Whether he is "on the clock" as a coach or not, he is there to help. It is clear - he wants to see people succeed.

Ken works systematically and doesn't overwhelm you by throwing everything at you at once. He evaluates movement and develops training specific to my personal needs and goals. He gives specific direction but encourages self-diagnosis.

Before working with Ken: Poor posture. Looked at the gym as a chore that I should do.

Since working with Ken: Better overall well-being, specifically posture and endurance. Competing in powerlifting meets after starting powerlifting from scratch at age 60, to having the State record in squat.

I look at American Strength as a second family and miss it the days I can't make it.”

Tommy S.

USAPL 90kg - 100kg Powerlifter

“I've been working with Ken for 5 of the 6 years that I have been competing in powerlifting and I would not be the lifter that I am today without his guidance....and also his patience.

Ken has taught me how to approach powerlifting with a composed mindset that allows me to assess my technique rep to rep, allowing me to maximize my potential to the best of my ability on every set in the gym or every attempt on the platform. Aside from lifting Ken has taught me how to access my body's needs through mobility and soft tissue work allowing me to maximize my recovery, or mitigate any nagging aches/current injuries that I may be dealing with.

Ken's approach will differ from lifter to lifter, as every lifter/client will have different needs this allows Ken to have an individualized approach for all of his lifters/clients that when followed will allow individual goals to be reached. By working under Ken you will also learn about yourself, being able to assess yourself and apply his teachings to your daily routines for training/daily life.

Under Ken's guidance I have been able to compete at USAPL Nationals in 2019, as well as The Arnold Battle of The Regions in 2020. However the biggest accomplishment I've achieved under Ken was being able to compete again after roughly two years due to a back injury that derailed my training and capability to compete. Under Ken I was able to compete at the same level of strength I had previously had, while being at a lower bodyweight.”

Jordan D.

USAPL 75kg Powerlifter

“I’ve worked with Ken for 5 years, and he starts every session by asking how I’m doing and feeling. He then uses that information to coach me for the day. Ken’s coaching is completely client focused as he doesn’t just give feedback but leaves room for me to share what I thought and how I felt.

The biggest goal we’ve accomplished was competing period. Since then, we’ve set a number of PRs, competed at Nationals & recently hit my goal of pulling 400+ pounds at a meet. I love that Ken coaches ME. He coaches and programs not for any powerlifter, but for what I need based on my technique, injury history & lifestyle.

As a former athlete, I needed something to fill my love for competition. As a coach/personal trainer, I swore I could do it by myself. Ken has found ways to challenge me, educate me, keep me safe & make me a better coach.

Ken’s ability to work with and through injuries is unmatched by most of the PTs and ATs I’ve worked with. The time he takes to find the root of a problem and to recommend exercises to get me back to full strength is one of the biggest reasons I’m still able to keep up with my workouts and compete.”

JACOB P.

USAPL 100kg Powerlifter

“I've been working with Ken for around 3 years now, and have made huge improvements. When I first started lifting I didn't know much, and found I hit a wall pretty quick.

The first thing we did when working together was correcting technique, and getting me on a proper training program. Since then progress has continued, and I've gained an incredible amount of knowledge.

Ken is extremely knowledgeable, and cares about your success as a lifter, and I would absolutely recommend taking an opportunity to work with him.”

Airion B.

USAPL 110kg Powerlifter

“Ken and his approach on coaching tells me what I need to know to get better as a lifter, but also explains the why behind it. Ken has a way of giving me what I need to succeed in a way that I understand and get. Not to mention that he has become a brother in the years that we have been working together.

Ken wants his people to do well and improve almost more than they do themselves . He has a very good way of getting the best of you each and every time he works with you.

With Ken as my coach, I have qualified and competed at USAPL raw nationals both at 120kg and at 110kg. Next we break into the top 10.

I’ve always wanted to get better at both coaching and my own lifting but didn’t always know how to do it, so I did a lot of trial and error until I finally asked Ken for help. I know I have the ability, and Ken’s been helping me with the how.”

Angela N.

Bodybuilding IPE Bikini Pro

“I came across Ken for coaching after thinking I had already achieved my biggest goal, which was to become an IPE Bikini Pro in Body Building. Little did I know, I would meet a coach that could show me, and teach me that I am able to achieve so much more then a title and a trophy.

Ken brought me back three steps before moving me forward again. He taught me the mechanics of the main lifts, how to get the most out of my accessory work, to the understanding of programming and progressions. He coached me on what I should be feeling where, and the why behind it with each movement.

Two years now with Ken as my coach, he has helped me through previous injuries and how to prevent them in the future. He has coached me through any mental barriers, and has turned my "show" muscles into "go" muscles.

Of all the things he has taught me, patience has been the greatest lesson.”

Ernest D.

USAPL 82.5kg M1 Powerlifter

“I’ve been lifting weights for over 20 years. Little did I know that my technique needed drastic improvement. Ken helped me improve the movement patterns of my lifts which in turn helped me lift more weight. I’ve added more than 100 Kg to my total working with Ken over the past year.

I qualified to compete at the USAPL national meet because of the training and coaching I received from Ken. However, just two months prior to the meet date, a minor back injury hindered my ability to train heavy on squats. Ken ramped down the weight and repetitions and added specific mobility and flexibility exercises. The results helped me hit a personal best on squats at the meet.

Because of my work with Ken, I’m less concerned with results from each workout routine. I’m more concerned with long term progress and maintaining my strength level for as long as I can.

What I enjoy about Ken’s approach is his expertise and knowledge with a variety of athletes and that he wants you to move properly first and foremost.”

Joel S.

Client

“I have been working with Ken directly since 2014. Ken’s approach on helping you understanding movement and the mechanics to good movement has helped me tremendously with my overall posture, he has corrected back pain as well as my energy levels and well being.

Ken is an incredible coach for any beginner to the competitive athlete. His coaching is very individualized based on what you need for you.”