Blog
Bruce and Jamie: It’s Never Too Late to Change Your Life
“What we’re receiving is powerful. It’s changing our life.”
When Bruce and Jamie first set foot in PowerStrength Training Systems a year and a half ago, they weren’t entirely convinced it would make a difference in their lives.
After years of bouncing between big-box gyms where their routines consisted mostly of walking on treadmills or attending sporadic spin classes, the idea of structured, personalized training seemed unnecessary—especially to Bruce, who openly admitted he was skeptical.
“Truthfully, I was one of those guys who was against it,” Bruce said. “Why would you go and do that? What’s the sense of that? And boy, have I learned the sense of it now.”
A FAMILY-INSPIRED TRANSFORMATION
Their fitness journey took a turn when their children encouraged them to seek a more personalized approach.
Their son-in-law, already a dedicated PowerStrength member, was the catalyst. He raved about the gym’s structured approach and personalized training programs, urging Bruce and Jamie to give it a try.
PowerStrength offers a Specialized Personal Training program for people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. The sessions are individualized and fully coach-led, available in private 1-on-1 or small group personal training sessions.
At the time, Bruce was beginning to notice a decline in his muscle tone and overall strength—an all-too-common reality as people age. His children recognized that the unstructured workouts he was doing at traditional gyms weren’t cutting it.
“Our kids, they’re good athletes, and they said, ‘Dad, just going up to these other gyms and doing your own thing isn’t what you need. You need somebody who will work with you on what you need to help you out,’” Bruce recalled.
For Jamie, it was the realization that their workouts weren’t yielding the results they wanted.
“We would go for an hour and just walk on the treadmill, and that was about it. We weren’t getting any tone, except in our legs,” she said.
Now, Bruce and Jamie are committed PowerStrength members, attending three sessions per week—one personal training session and two additional group training sessions.
Their transformation has been remarkable.
Jamie has built muscle, reduced aches and pains to zero, and has dropped two clothing sizes! Bruce can now do things he hasn’t been able to in years is stronger than he has been in years; he has tripled his push ups and improved his balance.
Bruce stated, “And when I really think about how I did when I first came in, if I can really get back there to think about that, there’s no comparison. I’m definitely stronger, there’s no doubt about it, none.”
RESULTS THAT SPEAK VOLUMES
Beyond the physical improvements, what sets PowerStrength apart for Bruce and Jamie is the comprehensive approach to health and wellness.
“There’s so much to learn here because everyone’s really into top fitness, not just ‘what are you eating?’ but also ‘what is your mental state? How much sleep are you getting?’ It’s the whole package, which is what everybody needs nowadays,” Bruce explained.
Jamie agrees, emphasizing that the structure and accountability PowerStrength provides have been game-changers.
“Honestly, just to have that structure and to be told what to do—I need that. And I also need to be somewhere at a certain time. Otherwise, I won’t do it. I’ll just be like, ‘Oh, I’ll go tomorrow’ or ‘I don’t need that today.’ So this is awesome. When you’re scheduled, and you have to go, you go,” she said.
Bruce added, “It’s great being a husband and wife team. It really helps to go together. We love to spend time together, and it’s just something we like to do as a couple.”
MORE THAN JUST A WORKOUT—A COMMUNITY
One of the unexpected joys of PowerStrength has been the sense of community Bruce and Jamie have found. They’ve built connections with both the trainers and fellow members, which is something that they never did at their other gyms.
“We not only like the instructors here—they’re amazing, they’re taught right, and they treat us right—but there’s also a little bit of community,” Bruce said. “The people that come here and exercise don’t make you feel out of place. You just come as a group, do your thing, and it feels good.”
Jamie echoed that sentiment: “You support each other and encourage each other. The sessions are great.”
INVESTING IN THEIR HEALTH—AND THEIR FUTURE
For Bruce and Jamie, the financial investment in PowerStrength is worth every penny. Invest in your health now or pay- often reluctantly and heaven forbid, detrimentally- later.
Unlike the inexpensive memberships at big-box gyms that yielded little to no results, PowerStrength has provided them with real, measurable benefits—not just in their fitness levels but in their overall health and lifestyle.
“The results, quite honestly, we don’t go to the doctor hardly ever,” Bruce said. “People are spending money on a lot of different things, even for drugs and things sometimes to get them going. We don’t. We’re more into vitamins, nutrition, exercise, feeling good. To us, it’s a very worthwhile investment.”
“When you invest in your health, then you don’t have to go to the doctor really,” Jamie added. “It’s an investment that way. We’re not taking prescription drugs now, so it’s a balance.”
LOOKING AHEAD
With their first grandchild about to turn one, Bruce and Jamie are more motivated than ever to stay active.
Their goal is simple but profound: they don’t want to just sit and watch their grandchildren play—they want to actively engage with them.
“Our first grandchild is going to be a year old here this week. We just want to pick her up and be able to catch her,” Bruce said. “And when I throw her, I want to throw her higher than I’ve been able to before.”
Jamie acknowledges that, like many people, they once assumed they could still do the things they did at 40 without much effort.
“When you get older, you always assume you’re still 40. But then you start realizing, no, I’ve got to start working at this. It doesn’t come naturally anymore.”
Their advice to others approaching retirement age? Stay active and don’t let your body deteriorate.
“Do you want to feel better? That’s the question. Do you want to feel stronger? I promise you, if you do something, there’s no doubt in my mind that after you’re here a month or so, you will be glad you’re doing this because we all feel that way after being here,” Bruce said.
His words reflect the mindset that has driven their continued success in the program
“I don’t think God made our bodies so that they have to deteriorate like a lot of people’s do,” Bruce said. “This has been amazing. I can do things right now that I could not do when we came here a year and a half ago. There’s no doubt.”
For Bruce and Jamie, PowerStrength has been more than just a gym—it’s been a life-changing experience. And as they look ahead, they have no plans of stopping.
“We plan on being members here forever,” Jamie said. “We see no downside to this at all.”
“What we’re receiving is powerful,” Bruce said. “It’s changing our 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.
