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Chris Brown’s Journey: Finding Strength, Balance, and Community at PowerStrength
When Chris Brown first stepped into PowerStrength Training Systems in 2018, it wasn’t for himself—it was for his son, Luke. A busy attorney running his own law firm, Chris wanted to set an example for Luke, who was training as part of the high school athlete program.
However, what started as a bonding opportunity evolved into a transformative journey for Chris, one that has shaped his physical health, mental resilience, and personal relationships.
After Luke graduated and Chris faced the challenges of career stress and personal upheaval, he found himself needing a fresh start.
“I had turned 47, and I had a lot going on in my personal life and business,” Chris recalled. “I had always trained on my own, but I felt like I needed something to push me to the next level and hold me accountable because it’s one thing to hold yourself accountable is another to have a group there to push you.”
Chris worked out on his own but he felt like something was missing.
“I was running and I had a rowing machine at home, but I felt like I was kind of plateauing and that’s what really brought me back in.”
That decision to return to PowerStrength marked the beginning of a new chapter for Chris.
The Early Days: Overcoming Anxieties
Walking back into the gym wasn’t easy.
“At first, I was a little anxious because I wasn’t in great shape and was concerned I wouldn’t be able to keep up,” he admitted. “I think everybody that I talk to has that same anxiety.”
But with time, he found his place among a group of like-minded individuals who shared his drive for improvement.
“With PowerStrength you can find the group that you want to fit into, the guys that are in my small group are pretty intense, and we may get pushed harder than other groups that are here at the same time, but it’s something that we like and something that we ask for,” Chris explained. “It gives me accountability. If somebody misses, they’ll ask, ‘Where the heck were you?’ It’s all in good fun, but you don’t want to be that guy who misses.”
Outside the gym, running a practice brings its own set of challenges. Starting his day at PowerStrength sets Chris up for success when he heads into the office.
“This is kind of a highlight of my day because I start out doing stuff that pushes me beyond what I might initially think I’m capable of.” Chris said. “The rest of the day is a cakewalk compared to pushing sleds up and down when you have absolutely zero strength left in your legs. I was mentally tough going into PowerStrength. This place has definitely made me even stronger, more disciplined. It helps me deal with stress a heck of a lot better than if I was just trying to do this on my own.”
Finding Strength Beyond Fitness
Now 51, Chris feels better than he has in decades. Through consistent effort, he’s amassed over 525 training sessions and has developed habits that extend beyond the gym.
“I never used to count how much protein I ate or paid attention to hydration. Now, it’s second nature,” he said.
His improved health isn’t just about hitting the weights—Chris is back to playing basketball and feels energized on the court.
“I feel like I’m at my best health that I’ve been in a long time. I play basketball on Sunday nights and I can run up and down the court for two hours and not get gassed.”
More Than a Gym: A Community of Support
One of the most surprising aspects of his journey has been the relationships he’s built.
“I really like the people I work out with,” Chris shared. “The trainers are great, I’ve not met one that doesn’t really care about the people that they’re training. And even though it’s in a group setting, it feels like one-on-one. They’ve helped me adjust for injuries and still push me to improve. It’s been a really good thing for me in my life to come here and has done a lot for my health and a lot for my mental health and my strength and discipline that I bring into other areas of my life.”
Chris has even found that PowerStrength has positively impacted his legal practice.
“I’ve picked up half a dozen clients just from being here. People know I’m trustworthy because they see the commitment I bring to the gym.”
Why He Keeps Coming Back
For Chris, PowerStrength is more than a gym; it’s an investment in his future.
“I want to live my life, be healthy and not have debilitating injuries,” Chris explained. “This place has been great, it’s an investment in me that I like to make and it’s a better investment than anything else I could do for my health. I’d rather be spending that money now coming here, than have health related issues later on.”
Reflecting on the progress he’s made, Chris is quick to point out how his perspective has changed.
“I couldn’t tell you what I weighed when I came in here. I couldn’t tell you what body fat percentage I was, all I know is that I feel better. I feel like I look better. When I first started I remember having a struggle with weights that I don’t have any problem with these days. I pick up weights now that are twice as heavy as what I started with four years ago. I know that I made gains. I’m rarely sick, and I feel pretty strong. Truly, it’s made me able to handle other stress in life more easily than if I had not been here. That’s been well worth the investment.”
Looking Ahead
As he continues to set goals and push himself, Chris also looks forward to the challenges PowerStrength offers.
“When I have success it tends to make me think I’m doing great and think I can take my foot off the gas, so even though I may not win them, each one helps me refocus and fine-tune what I’m doing.”
Chris Brown’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the drive to be better every day. Through his journey at PowerStrength, he’s not only regained his health but also found a source of strength and support that enriches every aspect of his life.
“Overall, my life’s a lot better off having been here,” Chris says. “It’s an investment I’ll never regret.”
READY TO TAKE CONTROL?
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.
Multiple personal training sessions are offered in the early morning, mid-morning, late afternoon, and evening. Find your nearest PowerStrength location – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.
Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.
