Blog
Brian: Building Strength and a Healthier Life at PowerStrength in Holland
When Brian Schrotenboer drove past the new PowerStrength facility in Holland, something caught his eye: a sign with a QR code and a few simple questions. As a busy father of three, a foster parent, and the owner of a plumbing business, Brian hadn’t stepped foot into a gym in over a decade. Yet, the questions on the sign seemed to speak directly to him.
“Are you over 40? Yes. Are you overweight? Yes. Do you eat too much? Yes,” he recalled with a laugh. “I just thought, ‘Are you talking directly to me?’”
That night, Brian signed up and decided it was time to invest in himself. His journey began at PowerStrength’s Jenison facility in September while he waited for the Holland location to open in November.
BIG YEAR, BIG GOALS
This year is monumental for Brian and his family. His oldest daughter is getting married in August, his middle daughter is graduating high school, and he and his wife are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. On top of that, he has a 15-year-old son who inspires him to get back to the energy and vitality he once had.
“I look at him and think, ‘I used to be there. I want to be there,’” Brian shared. “Between losing weight and gaining energy, I want to go back to what I felt like in high school.”
Brian set an ambitious goal to lose 60 pounds and is already more than halfway there, having shed 31 pounds and more than 6% body fat since starting his training. He’s also noticing a transformation in his daily life.
“I’m a plumber, and it used to be that I would run up the stairs with something, stand there for three minutes, and catch my breath. Now, I can run up and down stairs and keep going all day,” he said. “Between that, flexibility, and just being able to do a lot of things that I probably couldn’t have done five months ago, it’s been a great improvement.”
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Starting a fitness routine after a 10-year hiatus was no easy feat for Brian, especially with his demanding schedule.
“The biggest challenge was getting in a rhythm and waking up at 5 a.m. to train,” he said. “But once I got used to it, it became enjoyable. Now, it’s like coming to see my friends every morning.”
At PowerStrength, Brian found not only expert trainers who tailor workouts to his needs but also a sense of community.
“The group I train with has been the same since day one. We’ve built friendships, and that’s part of the motivation. You’re more accountable because if you’re not here, somebody will ask you, ‘Hey, where were you Monday?’ It makes it easier to stay on a schedule and continue to work out because you have people that you’re with when you come at the same time. Between friends and trainers, it makes it much easier to get out of bed in the morning.”
PERSONALIZED TRAINING THAT WORKS
Brian credits the personalized approach at PowerStrength for keeping him on track.
“I’ve tried other gyms, but there’s no one-on-one attention, nothing catered to you, nothing to hold you accountable. It’s easy to fall off after a couple of months when no one knows if you’re there,” Brian said. “At PowerStrength, if you don’t show up for a couple of days, you’ll get a text. They’ll ask you where you’ve been and if everything’s okay. So the accountability is great, and it’s a lot more personal here.”
For Brian, this has made all the difference.
“The guidance, the personal attention, the leadership that’s here, the help that you get,” Brian said when asked what he was missing before coming to PowerStrength. “I’ve got a room full of weights at home, but that doesn’t mean I use them. I could go to another gym that’s got a room full of equipment, but if nobody tells you how to use it or what things you should be doing to achieve your goals, I don’t think I would stick with it. This is different. You’ll have somebody actually pay attention to you and help you achieve your goals. You’re not in it by yourself.”
A NEW PERSPECTIVE
In addition to the physical benefits, Brian says training has improved his overall quality of life.
“Am I a better person? I think so, I know I feel better. I know I’m happier. It increases productivity and makes for a better work environment. It’s been really good for me.”
People he sees at work have noticed a difference.
“Recently I’ve had a lot of people ask, ‘What have you been doing? You look different,’” Brian said. “That’s probably the best feeling in the world. I just keep it in the back of my mind all day and smile and think, it’s working.”
PowerStrength has helped guide Brian’s daily nutrition. He has made changes to his diet, which was a challenge for a self-described stress eater who loves to cook.
“Exercise is key, but diet is a big thing also,” Brian said. “I started paying more attention to it recently, and I’ve broken through a plateau in my weight loss.”
WORTH EVERY PENNY
Brian knows the value of investing in himself.
“I preach this at work: you get what you pay for. Sure, other gyms cost less, but you won’t get the same level of guidance and accountability. PowerStrength is worth every penny.”
As he reflects on his journey, Brian is grateful for the supportive environment at PowerStrength’s Holland location.
“The trainers are all great—very personable, they cater everything to your specific needs,” he said. “It’s a great team atmosphere.”
LOOKING AHEAD
With his oldest daughter’s wedding just months away and his 25th anniversary on the horizon, Brian is motivated to keep pushing forward.
“I don’t like being tired all the time. So we’re getting there. We have a ways to go, but we’re getting there.”
When asked what he’d tell others considering PowerStrength, Brian didn’t hesitate:
“Give it a try. It’ll change your life.”
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.
