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15 Years of PowerStrength: A Thank You to Our Community
June 2, 2026, marked 15 years since PowerStrength Training Systems opened its doors in West Michigan. We celebrated that milestone with a video we shared across our community — and we want to take a moment to tell the full story and say thank you.
WHERE IT ALL STARTED: “THE GARAGE”
In June 2011, a 24-year-old Mark Ehnis signed a lease on a small, abandoned auto glass building. It wasn’t much to look at — affectionately nicknamed “The Garage” by those who trained there — but it was the beginning of something real.
The vision was simple: create a place where hard work mattered.
Where accountability and high standards were the norm, and there was no room for self-entitlement or complacency.
Back then, the personal training and sports performance options were extremely limited in West Michigan. None of the places you see today existed then. Mark saw a void and wanted to fix it.
With deep rooted values and a strong foundation – the PowerStrength mission was to build stronger people to build stronger communities.
That belief fueled PowerStrength to pioneer the local industry forward – and this mission still drives everything we do today.
GROWING ROOTS ACROSS WEST MICHIGAN
What started in The Garage took off. Athletes and parents spread the word about the unique environment, expert training, and a system that produced freakish results.
After four-and-a-half years, the Garage was bursting and it was time to expand. A transition that wasn’t taken lightly.
In 2016, PowerStrength moved into Alpine, a brand new facility, a purpose-built home that reflected how far the vision had come.
From there, the organic growth continued:
- 2017 — Kentwood
- 2021 — Jenison
- 2023 — Plainfield
- 2024 — Holland
- 2025 — Byron Center
- 2026 — Two Youth Academies at Jenison and Plainfield
Bringing the total to eight facilities.
Eight facilities. One mission.
Thousands of athletes, adults, and families positively impacted across West Michigan served every single day.
THE TEAM THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE
None of this happens without the people.
Today, PowerStrength has a team of over 45 members — coaches, trainers, business staff — who show up every day hungry to provide the best experience for the people of PowerStrength,
The team is the reason this place is different. Not just in what they do, but in how they do it.
And it shows in how they interact with each member on an individualized level.
As Mark said back in 2015, the team makes it all possible.
“We treat our clients like family. They’re completely dedicated to us, and we’re completely dedicated to them.”
That’s not something you can manufacture. It’s something you build — over 15 years – one relationship at a time.
THANK YOU
To every client, parent, athlete, and family who has walked through our doors — THANK YOU!
To everyone who believed in us when we were a new concept, just a tiny gym in a garage — thank you.
To the community of West Michigan that continues to trust us to be part of your story — thank you.
It is an honor to serve our hometown. We do not take that lightly, and we never will.
Better Never Stops.
— The PowerStrength Family
GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH
3rd–12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can sign up at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain.
Men and Women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who want to get stronger and have more energy can join the Personal Training Program at PowerStrength at any time. No previous workout experience is required as each program is customized to the fitness and ability level of each individual.
Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, or Byron Center.
Free Athlete Assessment HERE
Risk-Free Adult Consultation HERE