Blog
Building the Strength to Show Up
Michelle Vlug isn’t new to PowerStrength. Nearly a decade ago, she trained at the original PowerStrength ‘Garage’— for about five years, right alongside her kids.
Life got busy, and she stepped away. This past February, she came back — not chasing a number on a scale or a personal record, but chasing something bigger: the strength to show up for the people she loves.
THE FIRST CHAPTER
Michelle’s history with PowerStrength goes back further than most. She first found the program through her daughter, a high school athlete who was working with a trainer to come back from a knee injury in time for her senior season. When that trainer relocated, the family went looking for something new — and landed at PowerStrength.
What started as a way to help her daughter turned into years of Michelle’s own routine.
“When they started back in the old garage over on Four Mile, I was here for like five years,” she said. “It was amazing — the community, the encouragement, everything. It’s why I continued for so long.”
THE RETURN
Life eventually pulled her away — but this February, Michelle came back, and the reason went far deeper than fitness.
“I didn’t like the way I was feeling. I knew I needed to get back into doing something,” she said. “You read so much about menopause, about getting older — and I just lost both my parents within the last couple of years. I don’t want that for me and my kids.”
It’s a reason a lot of adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s will recognize — the moment life reminds you that strength and health aren’t guaranteed, and that showing up for yourself is also about showing up for the people counting on you.
THE RESULTS
Just months back into the program, Michelle has already noticed a shift — physically and mentally.
“Just a lot more motivation. Not so much sitting around, looking for stuff to do that’s active,” she said. “I just feel better. I don’t feel like I’m as off-balance.”
She’s also become more intentional outside of the gym.
“I’m trying to fulfill that protein macro. It’s hard — but I’m being conscious of that kind of stuff,” she said. “The late-night snacking has pretty much stopped, so that helps too.”
THE ACCOUNTABILITY FACTOR
For Michelle, one of the biggest differences between training on her own and training at PowerStrength comes down to having eyes on her progress.
“I feel like it’s easy to follow. They see what you can do — they know when you can do a little bit more, or see if something’s off,” she said. “You just question yourself when you do stuff by yourself. Am I even doing this the way I should be?”
That guidance, paired with the small-group setting, keeps her pushing further than she would on her own.
“You need that encouragement to actually change your weights, or pick up something different, or try something different,” she said. “It’s great.”
She’s also built the habit into her schedule in the way she knows will actually stick.
“Early mornings — get it done,” she said. “Otherwise, if I wait till later in the day, at least for me personally, I won’t do it. Get up, get it going, do it. You feel better the rest of the day.”
THE DEEPER WHY
Ask Michelle why strength training matters as she gets older, and her answer isn’t about aesthetics — it’s about being ready for whatever life asks of her.
“I’m picking my dad up out of bed, and I’m like, this is hard,” she said. “You just need that strength. You never know what life is going to throw at you — so be prepared, be able to help where you can, and do what you need to do without hurting yourself in the process.”
It’s a perspective that reframes strength training entirely — not as a vanity project, but as preparation for real life: caregiving, independence, and simply being able to keep up with the people who need you.
THE COMMUNITY
For Michelle, the people at PowerStrength are as much a part of the results as the workouts themselves.
“We’re very encouraging to each other — great job, have a good day, got exciting plans for the weekend,” she said of the group she trains alongside.
And her advice for anyone considering the program is simple and direct: “Do it for yourself. You’ll feel so much better. It’s a great community — everybody is so kind and encouraging. Give it a try.”
Asked to sum up what PowerStrength means to her, Michelle didn’t have to think long.
“A healthy community,” she said.
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 — 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, Holland, or Byron Center.
Click powerstrengthpro.com/adult/contact-adult to learn more and schedule your risk-free consultation.