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From Newbie to Endurance Machine: How Matt Found Strength for the Ride of His Life
Matt Graham is an avid road cyclist. Competing on the weekends and always trying to be better.
About a year and a half ago, when taking his bike to get professionally fit, something happened that took Matt in a new direction.
“The fitter basically told me, ‘If you want to go faster, if you want to go farther, have less pain — your core sucks, and you need some strength,’” Matt recalled.
Despite owning a home gym, Matt admitted he was never motivated to use it. He could ride for hours, but when it came to resistance training, he avoided it.
He knew he needed something different.
That is when he found PowerStrength Training Systems.
“This is not my happy place,” he laughed, referencing the gym, “but it makes the other places happier. So I started looking for a gym that would hold me accountable — and PowerStrength was right across the street.”
A COMPLETE NEWCOMER TO STRENGTH TRAINING
Before joining PowerStrength, Matt had almost no background in strength or resistance training. The thought of lifting weights alone at home came with uncertainty — and even a little fear.
“Just because you have the equipment doesn’t mean you know what you’re doing,” Matt said.
That all changed at PowerStrength.
The certified coaches not only guided him but tailored his workouts to his cycling goals. They helped him understand how strength training would directly support his endurance and power on the bike.
“I was a complete newbie when I got here,” he said. “Now I’m way more proficient, and I see how resistance training works with the cardio, the running, and the biking. It’s been super helpful.”
STRENGTH THAT SHOWS UP ON THE BIKE
The results have been undeniable. Matt has noticed significant gains in speed, climbing power, and stamina.
“I do see the results, I have more muscle mass now,” he said. “I am in better shape, I have more energy.”
His cycling performance metric, FTP (Functional Threshold Power), has skyrocketed.
“I am getting faster, I am getting stronger, I can climb hills better. We measure cycling performance in something called FTP, that metric’s gone crazy high.”
And his endurance speaks for itself.
In his most recent event — the grueling Coast to Coast race across Michigan — Matt rode 204 miles on gravel in a single day. He’s also completed the Michigan Mountain Mayhem, a notoriously tough ride through the climbs of Traverse City.
“Before, I’d feel like I had to end my day at 60 miles,” he said. “Now I can go 120, even 180, without issues. I’m stronger, I recover better, and I just keep going.”
A COMMUNITY THAT PUSHES AND SUPPORTS
While the physical results are clear, Matt says it’s the people who make PowerStrength special.
“The 7 a.m. group — boy, they know how to push others in a great way. It’s very supportive. Of course, the coaches are always looking out for you, tailoring workouts to fit your goals and even helping with recovery after a race.”
That balance of encouragement and accountability has kept Matt consistent, even when the workouts are tough.
“It became a no-brainer after the first three months,” he said. “It’s still meeting my goals, and it fits into my life without taking more time away from my family.”
MORE ENERGY FOR LIFE
The benefits haven’t stopped with cycling.
Matt has noticed more energy at work, especially during those sluggish afternoon hours.
At home, he’s stronger, healthier, and able to keep up with his two kids.
Even his family notices the difference.
“Mood improves,” he said. “They probably notice when I don’t come to the gym more than when I do.”
WHY HE KEEPS COMING BACK
For Matt, the individualized approach makes all the difference—his training isn’t a one-size-fits-all program, but one tailored to his needs as a cyclist and an adult.
“I like the focus on training that’s in my age group,” Matt said. “It definitely has enough focus on what my goals are and what I’m trying to do that would be different from most other places.”
PowerStrength has become more than a gym to him.
“The word that came to mind is ‘community’,” he said. “It’s led by the trainers, but it’s also the people who are here. If I’m struggling with a set, I can look to the guy to the left or the gal to the right — we’ve all been there, and we’re all getting better together.”
From a cyclist just looking for an edge to a stronger, faster, more confident athlete, Matt’s journey shows what happens when you step outside your comfort zone and commit to the process.
“This is a long-term plan to keep healthy,” Matt said. “Use it or lose it. That’s what this is for me — a plan for the long haul.”
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.
