While you may know me as a Scottish Highland Games athlete, stone lifter, or strength coach. I started out as a tall, skinny, awkward kid who always lacked confidence, especially in the gym. After begging my parents to get some home equipment, I got my first set of plastic-covered cement weights from Target when I was 12.
Somehow my fascination with improving my health, fitness, and athleticism turned into a persistent passion. Unfortunately, some misguided enthusiasm resulted in chronic back and shoulder injuries that sidelined my athletic career and limited my quality of life well into my 30s.
Somehow my fascination with improving my health, fitness, and athleticism turned into a persistent passion. Unfortunately, some misguided enthusiasm resulted in chronic back and shoulder injuries that sidelined my athletic career and limited my quality of life well into my 30s.
Services
Over 15 years ago many trainers were primarily using machines to build strength, focusing on individual muscle. Most clients working with these often misguided trainers, focused on building beach muscles or burning fat. Injury prevention, functional strength, and sports specific training were almost unheard of in those days.
It's a holistic support system of weekly in person or online video coaching sessions along with access to my personalized online coaching app, a home activity plan, lifestyle support, and weekly education topic to keep you engaged and progressing. My coaching goes much deeper than the sets and reps in the gym.
Are you a coach looking for business coaching or help with your own training program? Coaches need coaches! Whether you are starting your own business or simply want some help with programming or planning with your own training, I can help. With over 20 years of coaching and business development experience, I have the background to support you on your quest to become an elite coach.
They are absolutely excellent tools for general strength and fitness, but leave many gaps in your development that cannot be easily overcome. An 8-week course in Odden's masterful methods of stone lifting with sand bags will lead you by the hand, show you how to "move outside the lines", and point you down the bold and well-worn path of the most coveted form of strength of all.
Reviews (10)
Heather Rasmussen
Feb 17, 2021
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John has been working with me as an online coach for over a year now and has had to almost literally build me from the ground up. He has taken me from barely being able to get in and out of chairs without pain to throwing sandbags up and over my shoulders, squatting heavy kettlebells and improving my overall mobility. Other coaches I've worked with have all just told me that my shoulder and knee disfunction was because of weakness...so just "try harder/push harder/go harder". John was the first one to watch my movements and decide to take me way back to the basics of simple body mechanics and build
Devon Pfeiffer
Jan 24, 2021
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I've been training with John since July 2020 and have already noticed a big difference in my ability to move through life stronger and with less pain. Having been an athlete most of my life, my strength and fitness (even while having scoliosis) typically allowed me to do all of the things I love. I never experienced weakness or pain with things like mountain biking, yard work, moving furniture, etc. but as I approached my mid-40's these things started getting harder. This really motivated me to rebuild my foundation and core using strength training. John has knowledge beyond what I expected
Phil Reget
Jan 20, 2021
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I went to the facility feeling excited but a little intimidated about using kettlebells as a tool to build strength to help me with competitive swimming! After John’s keen eye for proper form instructing me, I felt very comfortable and I really look forward to seeing how truly strong I will be! In and out of the pool!
The facility is in such a beautiful location with tons of natural light and an extremely refreshing cross breeze of fresh air blowing through as I worked up a sweat!
Thanks John!
Phil Reget
The facility is in such a beautiful location with tons of natural light and an extremely refreshing cross breeze of fresh air blowing through as I worked up a sweat!
Thanks John!
Phil Reget
Ronan Arthur
Jan 16, 2021
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I've been training with John for two months, and he's already reshaped the way I think about fitness and strength. He's taken the time to really understand where I'm at and to address the things that make me unique to create a custom program. We're laying the foundation for strength, and I'm already seeing the results in how I feel and carry myself throughout the day. Thanks John!
Kathleen Gregory
Nov 13, 2020
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The Empowered Strength supports each facet of embodied wellness! They have a diverse and expert coaching staff, great small group classes ,customized one on one coaching, breathing and immune support advice, mindfulness and super awesome online coaching! Something fun and informative is always going on to support my fitness and wellness goals. Thank you
Tess Ball
Aug 06, 2020
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Empowered Strength classes have been a fantastic re-entry into lifting. They’re well-designed, supportive and interesting. I always feel safe while being kindly nudged out of my comfort zone. I really appreciate the progressions and the focus on moving well, rather than doing more for the sake of doing more. Would highly recommend!
Sue Parker
May 15, 2020
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You know you’ve had a great workout when you’re feeling the affects for a few days! Empowered Strength does that. Tanner does classes out in Pronghorn and they are working. My legs were strong for ski season, cardio is getting better and core strength- watch out golf season! Give their method a try...it’s worth it!
Michael South
Jun 27, 2019
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This is the best strength training joint in town. John and Aaron are unmatched in their ability to meet you at your level, and to help you get strong again! Aaron has been my trainer/coach for the last couple months, and he is encouraging, understanding, and skilled at building one's strength!! I have no previous experience in a gym setting, and he made me feel right at home in just the first week. I recommend Empowered Strength 100%!!!
Schuyler Malakoff
Jun 20, 2019
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Been a member for a little over a year now. As someone who's struggled with feeling self-conscious, I can say Empowered Strength enjoys the distinction of being the only gym I've ever felt comfortable standing inside of. The coaches are always super-friendly and professional, and the culture among the other members is supportive and non-judgmental. Thanks to John and Tash, I'm in better shape now than I've ever been in my life. I am truly thankful to have found this place. Easily recommended.
Heather Payne
May 10, 2019
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I had a wonderful experience at a clinic last night. It was my first time meeting John and some of the people from the gym and everyone was so welcoming and encouraging for a newcomer.
There was lots of detail in the demonstrations and making sure proper form was being used and my favorite was putting it all into action!
There was lots of detail in the demonstrations and making sure proper form was being used and my favorite was putting it all into action!
