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Strength in the Climb: How Longtime Friends Reached New Heights Together
When longtime friends Dave Ames and Mark Stegeman reached the summit of their most recent Colorado mountain, the view felt familiar—but the experience was completely different.
The two have been climbing together for years, summiting 7 of the highest 14,000-foot peaks in the continental United States. But for the first time, they had something new on their side: PowerStrength’s Personal Training Program for adults in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
A 30-YEAR FRIENDSHIP BUILT ON ADVENTURE
Dave and Mark’s friendship goes way back, starting when their wives were on a precision ice skating team.
“We had to videotape our wives on the skating team,” Mark said.
“We met over 30 years ago,” Dave recalled. “The rest is history.”
Over the years, the pair developed a shared passion for the outdoors—especially mountain climbing.
They train and plan months in advance of each trip, building endurance and strength for the physical challenge that comes with hiking thousands of vertical feet at high altitude.
But this time, the preparation looked different.
THE POWERSTRENGTH CONNECTION
Dave was the first to join PowerStrength. His daughter had trained as a high school and college athlete, and his wife had been part of the Adult Personal Training Program.
When she received PowerStrength’s annual member’s gift at Christmas, she handed it to Dave – paving the way for him to give PSTS a try risk-free.
“I had shoulder surgery and lost most of my functional strength,” Dave said. “When I came to PowerStrength, I had three goals: get fit, regain strength, and climb Crestone—which would complete the top 10 tallest 14,000-foot mountains in Colorado.”
It didn’t take long for Dave to realize how much he was gaining from training—and he wanted his climbing partner to experience the same.
“Dave gave me a free pass,” Mark said. “And he got me to come in.”
Mark laughs, admitting it took some convincing.
“We’ve been hiking together for a long time, but our training was always kind of random,” he said. “We’d do what we could, when we could. It started with just wanting to be able to get up the mountain as fast as I could. And, it’s turned into just being really happy with being stronger, leaner, having more energy, and a better lifestyle overall.”
CLIMBING STRONGER, RECOVERING FASTER
Both friends agree that PowerStrength made a noticeable difference on their most recent climb.
“We always trained hard before trips—lots of hiking, walking up and down ski hills, lifting in my basement,” Dave said. “But after PowerStrength, I immediately felt stronger. When I came here, I couldn’t hold a plank or do a push-up. Now I can do planks, push-ups, shoulder taps—whatever’s asked of me.”
That strength translated directly to the mountains.
“My legs didn’t burn out this time,” Dave said. “I felt like I had legs of steel. And when we came back home, I wasn’t broken down. I went to work on Monday and trained at PowerStrength again on Tuesday. That’s never happened before.”
Mark echoes the difference: “Physically, we were both just more capable. You’re hauling your body weight over boulders and steep climbs—using your whole body for thousands of feet. This time, it felt easier. A week after the climb, I felt great.”
MORE THAN JUST MOUNTAIN STRENGTH
The impact of PowerStrength training goes beyond climbing.
“Everything from sleep to energy to general quality of life has improved,” Dave said. “My shoulder will never have full range of motion, but it’s stronger. Even small things—lifting, reaching overhead, sleeping comfortably—are better.”
“I sit a lot during the day, and lower back pain used to be constant. That’s pretty much gone now,” Mark added. “I just feel stronger in everyday life. Even carrying my daughter’s stuff up to her college dorm—I wasn’t worried about it at all.”
WHY POWERSTRENGTH WORKS
For both men, the difference comes down to the personalized training and coaching.
“The knowledge here is incredible,” Dave said. “Before, I was consistent, but I didn’t have structure. At PowerStrength, when I told them I needed more leg work for climbing, the next session we were doing pistol squats and box step-ups. That’s the difference—they know how to get you where you want to go.”
“It’s very different from a regular gym. Here, they pay attention to the things that come with being 40-plus,” Mark agreed. “Most of us don’t get out of our 20s and 30s without something hurting, and they know how to work around that while still pushing you forward.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Their next goal could be the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states—Mount Whitney in California. Dave’s already scouting options.
But no matter where the next climb takes them, they know they’ll be ready.
“PowerStrength is life-changing,” Dave said.
“PowerStrength is ready for you when you’re ready for it,” Mark added.
For 2 longtime friends, training at PowerStrength has become another summit to share—one that’s made every climb since feel stronger, faster, and better than ever.
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 Soon in Byron Center.
Click HERE to learn more program details and schedule your risk-free consultation.
