My son’s experience at SFT has been nothing short of transformative. From the very first session, Sam has been an incredible source of motivation, encouragement, and expertise. It’s been amazing to watch our son grow—not just physically, but in confidence and discipline as well. The workouts are tailored to challenge him in the best ways, and Sam’s ability to connect and inspire has made all the difference, especially in helping Jake qualify for the state meet. We’re so grateful to have found a place that truly invests in its athletes and helps them thrive.
-Martha Metzger, SFT Parent
Jake Metzger - Crown Point XC, T&F
Sam does a great job of talking over my goals and developing my individual plan each month. It's much more quick and efficient for me to walk into SFT and know exactly what I'm doing and that what I'm doing is going to be effective. I used to just show up at Planet Fitness and wander around trying to figure out what I'm going to do that day. Sam has corrected my form on many different exercises and has given me tips and tricks along the way. Sam is exactly what you are looking for in a trainer.
-Steve Mitchuson, SFT Client
Steve Mitchuson
My 9-year-old needed speed training and strength workouts, and Sam delivered exactly what we were looking for! He created a personalized schedule that focused on building the right skills to help my son get stronger and perform better. I couldn’t be more grateful for this amazing program! What I appreciate most is how Sam identified and targeted the areas where my son needed the most support. Thanks to those specific sessions, my son has become noticeably stronger, and his speed has improved so much. I highly encourage any parent to give this program a try—it’s been such a positive experience for us!
-Wildalys Vazquez, SFT Parent
Dylan Vazquez - McArthur Elementary Wrestling
Working out with Sam at Strength for Today has been just what I needed to gain confidence and strength. He is incredibly encouraging, takes the time to explain new exercises clearly, and always knows how to tweak things when I’m experiencing any discomfort. Sam seems to know exactly what I need at just the right time. Thanks to his expertise and dedication, I’ve gotten stronger with weights and bands and achieved results I never thought possible.
-Kim VanRoekel, SFT Client
Kim VanRoekel
My daughter Abigail is a competitive swimmer. She is a two time State Champion and her next goal was to qualify to compete at a National level. Her commitment to training and technique were solid, but based on what we knew other athletes were doing in terms of training we knew the area that she needed additional support in was conditioning. This began our search for a program in our area. I found Strength for Today in a Google search. I had not heard of them, but was pleasantly surprised as I read about the program on Sam’s website. It seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. I reached out and we set up an appointment to meet with Sam and discuss Abigail’s goals. Abby began training with Sam in January and in March, she qualified for Junior Nationals! Within a few weeks we began noticing small changes. Abigail’s goal was to increase upper body strength and that definitely has happened. Sam tailors workouts to each athlete's needs, based on their sport and individual goals. He is encouraging, outgoing and supportive. He definitely works at building positive relationships with his athletes. Sam is willing to work around the crazy schedules of elite athletes and their parents which is amazing! Abigail loves going to SFT, she has seen the results from the work she has done. She appreciates Sam’s positivity and support. I would highly recommend Sam and Strength for Today if your athlete is seeking to take their performance to the next level. It certainly has been a contributing factor in Abigail’s swimming success!
-Kelly Campbell, SFT Parent
Abigail Campbell - Lake Central Swimming
Bob Guiden
I recently retired and was tired of the way I looked and felt.I saw too many people my age that retired, sat all day, and were miserable.I made a promise to myself that this was not going to be me.I had never really worked out before, but found out about Sam and decided to give it a try.That was the hardest part...making the commitment to start. Sam has developed a strength training program for me that pushes me just enough. He carefully listens to my feedback and makes adjustments when necessary.In three months I am down over 15 pounds, love the way I'm feeling and actually look forward to going every week. Oh and the music is awesome!!
-Bob Guiden, SFT Client
The thing that prompted me to join SFT is my desire to increase strength, muscle mass and energy. My favorite part about the program is the personalized attention and tailored work-outs that keeps me challenged. I would recommend this gym to anyone who prefers a small setting and personalized attention…a true gem right here in Northwest Indiana, unlike any other I am aware of. Don't hesitate, Join today, you won't be sorry!
-Kelly Arndt, SFT Client
SFT has held me accountable to my lifting and has gotten me in the best basketball shape I’ve ever been in. The thing I appreciate the most about SFt is the feedback it gives me and the motivation it gives me to do better every time I go in.
-Noah Sons, SFT Athlete
Noah Sons - Illiana Christian Basketball
Kelly Arndt
Reagan Pienias - Homeschool Pre-Professional Dance
We're so glad we found Coach Sam and SFT. We were looking for a gym and a trainer who would be willing to work with our daughter as a young athlete. It has been very clear from the beginning of Reagan's training that Coach Sam is a master at his craft. He's fun, compassionate, and motivational which is the perfect combination to allow a coach to really push his athletes to get to the next level. You can tell that he really cares about helping his athletes succeed, and Reagan has enjoyed her time at the gym. We have seen a huge increase in Reagan's strength and control while tackling new and difficult steps and choreography in her pre-professional dance program. In the 6 months since she has been training with Coach Sam, Reagan has secured a solo role in a big production, passed her exams with merit, earned a scholarship for next year, and even skipped a level in her program. We're certain that these accomplishments were achieved with the help of her training here at SFT. Thanks for your support, Coach Sam!
-Reagan Pienias, SFT Parent
Working out with Sam at Strength For Today has significantly improved my strength in long runs for marathon training - so much so that I would rather lift weights than run. I really like having a personal program while working out with others and having Sam’s patience and expertise all at the same time!
-Rachel Davids, SFT Client
Rachel Davids
The reason why I joined Strength For Today is that my old gym closed, due to the other owner getting a full time teaching job. No other gym would take me due to my age. I’m enjoying my time here, especially the improvement I’ve gotten since I’ve been here. I’m going into my first season at Pop Warner football and it shows out on the field with the conditioning I’ve received.
-Michael Kacmar, SFT Athlete
Michael Kacmar
Bill Vree
I joined Strength For Today because I wanted an effective training program that I could stick with. I had been going to a local gym where you just show up and do your own thing. That wasn’t working for me. Because I was on my own, I didn’t go faithfully on a regular schedule. When I did go, I had to wait for others to finish with the equipment I wanted to use. And as it turns out I wasn’t getting a good all around workout because I just did what I felt like doing that day.
At Strength for Today, I show up faithfully because my trainer is expecting me. He designed a program that works every part of my body and makes sure I am doing everything correctly. I enjoy attending with only a few others so the gym environment is friendly and uncrowded. He also plays some pretty good music! It’s just a far better experience than I have had anywhere else. -Bill Vree, SFT Client