Wayne’s Journey at Strength Warehouse
At Strength Warehouse, we pride ourselves on helping individuals reach their full potential. Our facility is dedicated to providing personalized programs and expert guidance, making us the perfect fit for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring journey of Wayne, an amateur cyclist who has experienced significant progress with us.
Wayne’s story began in late 2023 when he attended a presentation at Strength Warehouse. “The presentation was put on jointly by Velocity Depot owner and cycling coach Matt Allen, and Strength Warehouse owner Nate Boley,” Wayne recalls. As an avid cyclist participating in local gravel races, XC and endurance mountain bike races, and cyclocross, Wayne was looking for ways to improve his performance. “I’d been thinking about adding both coaching and strength work to my training to try to move myself up the placings in my age category, so this presentation came along at the perfect time,” he says.
Just before Christmas 2023, Wayne started the on-ramp process at Strength Warehouse. Despite having no real background in lifting, Wayne discovered that a powerlifting gym could indeed align with his cycling goals. “The one-on-one sessions in the on-ramp gave me a great introduction to the technique of the main lifts, as well as an idea of how the classes would be structured,” he explains. After completing the on-ramp, Wayne began attending two classes a week, focusing on squats and deadlifts.
In the first four months of the year, Wayne saw significant improvements. “I’ve seen good improvements in the weights I’m able to move,” he reports. This progress was due in part to mastering technique and experiencing early gains from starting weight training. “Combining the strength improvements from the gym with the structured training I’ve been doing with Matt has already made a big improvement to my riding. Power numbers are up at least 10% with only a small increase in weight,” Wayne shares. He feels stronger and more balanced on the bike, especially off-road, thanks to the upper body and core strength gains.
A key revelation for Wayne was understanding that strength training wouldn’t necessarily lead to excessive muscle bulk. “The focus of the powerlifting training is on developing strength; exactly what I need to improve my cycling,” he explains. The squat, bench, and deadlift exercises complement his cycling training perfectly by strengthening both the major muscle groups and the stabilizing and support muscles.
The class approach at Strength Warehouse has also been a great fit for Wayne. “We have a regular crew showing up for the 7:00am class, the instructors are very professional and supportive, and having the program pre-planned lets me know exactly what I’m going to be doing before I arrive at the gym,” he says. The supportive atmosphere in the class ensures that everyone focuses on their personal goals, whether they’re competitive powerlifters, endurance athletes, or individuals seeking general health and fitness.
Wayne acknowledges that he is just at the beginning of his journey combining strength work and structured cycling training. “I have seen early gains already, but for me, this is a long-term process, and I expect to keep improving,” he says. An added benefit of his strength training is the general health and fitness improvements, including injury prevention, bone strength, joint strength, and enhanced functional movement capabilities.
Wayne’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of combining strength training with endurance sports. At Strength Warehouse, we are committed to helping every member achieve their personal best, no matter their age or athletic background.
Are you ready to unlock your potential? Join us at Strength Warehouse and see what personalized training can do for you. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking to enhance your performance or someone aiming to improve overall fitness, our expert trainers and customized programs are here to help you succeed.
Schedule a free intro today and start your journey.