Blog
Friends Finding Strength: How Eric and Brad Are Living Stronger
For friends Eric Sooy and Brad Lampe, mountain biking started as a shared passion — but it’s their training at PowerStrength in Holland that has helped them ride stronger, live healthier, and enjoy life more.
A FRESH START FOR ERIC
Eric began training at PowerStrength back in February 2025, joining the Personal Training Program that specializes working with adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. He was looking for something structured — something more than being lost in a typical gym.
“I like the idea that there’s a coach, someone to guide you,” Eric said. “Instead of going to another gym and just sort of wandering around, here I know I’m doing the right things that actually help me.”
That personal coaching approach — and the PowerStrength culture — clicked with Eric immediately. From the very first phone call, he knew it was a fit.
“Kyle was going to call me between 12:45 and 1:30 for our first phone conversation. At 12:45, my phone rings, and I’m like, yeah, that’s a good start. It just set the right tone for the whole thing.”
TRAINING WITH PURPOSE
For Eric, his motivation runs deeper than just fitness — it’s about family.
“Staying healthy for my family. My kids need me, I have a responsibility to be there for my kids and be healthy for my kids.”
Since February, Eric has lost around 13 pounds, feels noticeably stronger, and has seen those results carry over to his time on the mountain bike.
“Brad and I mountain bike. Strength-wise, it’s easier to get up hills. If you can lower your weight a little bit and increase your strength, it just helps you ride longer rather than get out there and be miserable.”
SHARING THE POWERSTRENGTH EXPERIENCE
It didn’t take long before Eric encouraged his good friend Brad to check it out for himself.
“Eric said that I had to try this PowerStrength thing out, and it’s pretty cool,” Brad recalled. “So now we partner up, we work out together, and we have fun.”
Brad started in April 2025, and his results have been remarkable. He’s lost 50 pounds, hitting a major goal he set when he started at PowerStrength.
“Since April, I’ve lost 50 pounds. My goal was 50 by 60, and I hit it,” Brad said. “Carrying 50 less pounds around — I mean, I have a grandson who’s about 50 pounds. I pick him up, and I’m like, I used to carry that around me.”
MORE ENERGY, MORE LIFE
Brad says his training has completely changed his energy levels and how he feels each day.
“I have more energy. I’m a photographer, and I’m on my feet all day. If I do a full-day photo shoot or two days in a row, I used to be wiped out. Now, I have to check in with myself — I’m not just beat anymore.”
He’s also enjoying that newfound energy with his grandchildren.
“I have six grandkids, and I’m in the pool with them, throwing them around, and I’m 60 years old. I feel like I can participate more in their lives now that I have a renewed amount of strength.”
FINDING THEIR PEOPLE
Beyond the physical results, Brad and Eric both credit the environment and community at PowerStrength for helping them stay consistent and motivated.
“You kind of look around and size everybody up and ask yourself, how do I fit into this group of people?” Brad said. “I just felt like I was amongst my people. I feel at home here.”
Eric agrees.
“There are just normal people here,” he said. “Whatever you are, there’s going to be someone else here that’s like that.”
A BETTER GYM EXPERIENCE
For Brad, the personal attention and structure at PowerStrength has been a refreshing change from other gyms.
“My wife and I joined a fitness place years ago. I wanted to do a spinning class, but every bike had a towel on it — people were ‘saving’ them. The one thing I wanted to do there, I couldn’t. Here, you reserve your spot, come in, and the coaches have a plan made exactly for you. They know what you’re good at and what you need to improve.”
STRENGTH FOR THE FUTURE
Brad has also found purpose in preparing for the future — staying strong and self-sufficient as he ages.
“I’ve had parents who were aging and required more of my help. I promised myself that I’ll require less from my own kids,” he said. “I want to be stronger and healthier as I age, not in a spot where my kids have to care for me in a way that’s a burden to them.”
DEFINED GOALS, REAL RESULTS
Eric believes the reason both he and Brad have seen so much progress comes down to PowerStrength’s coaching approach.
“When you have goals that are achievable and defined,” Eric said, “that’s when you make progress.”
For these two friends, that progress continues — one workout, one ride, and one strong day at a time.
READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT 10 YEARS YOUR STRONGEST EVER?
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, or Holland – with a NEW location opening in Byron Center later this Fall.
Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.
