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
Matthew Davids
SFT has made me into a better athlete. I have gotten stronger and faster in the year and a half that I’ve been training here. Sam keep me disciplined with the workouts he provides. Samuel is a great coach that encourages and brings joy to everyone at SFT.
-Matt Davids, SFT Client
Alianna Madrigal
I moved out to the region a little over a year ago and struggled finding consistency after grad school and residency. I came across SFT and Sam’s semi-private training while looking for accountability, structure and a clean gym environment and it exceeded all of that for me. This is the most consistent I have been with training since graduating and retiring as an athlete, and I finally feel like myself again. Sam keeps things real and educational and is intentional with individualized programming. Not only have I seen physical gains, but also built consistency that carries outside the gym.
-Alianna Madrigal, SFT Client
Leo Rudolph
We were looking for a structured program that was going to push Leo to get stronger, faster, and grow in agility with a consistent, hands-on coach to build a relationship with. We also appreciate the flexibility during all the sports seasons. Sam is knowledgeable on how to do exercises with proper form - he’s stronger and more agile. SFT’s monthly workout program regularly adjusts, the progress reports have really helped push Leo to work harder to reach further with his strength and agility. Leo looks forward to his SFT sessions every time and really enjoys being coached and led by Sam. He has a lot of fun with Sam while also working hard, and he enjoys working out with peers he has met.
-Shaina Rudolph, SFT Parent
Kim Webb
After I retired, I realized that if I wanted to travel and enjoy life after work, I needed to make some lifestyle changes, some of which included healthier eating and regular exercise. I found SFT by chance. From the beginning, I shared my specific goals with Sam and he came up with a plan to help me achieve them. He has been encouraging, positive and realistic throughout my good days and my arm/shoulder issue days. He modifies my program when necessary and even offered to talk with my PT to assure that my workouts would not interfere with my healing. The workouts are interesting, challenging, and selected for my needs. Sam is always there, motivating, correcting or modifying to ensure everyone gets the most out of their workout. I highly recommend SFT to those of all ages who are looking for small group training with personalized attention in a supportive environment.
-Kim Webb, SFT Client
Mason Kuiper
Mason showed up to SFT with a few goals in mind—and he’s been working hard on them ever since. After sitting down with Sam, he set his sights on building upper-body strength and cranking up his speed.
Fast-forward a few months and the results are EVIDENT! Sam’s assessment tests keep proving it: Mason is leveling up every time he steps in the gym. Strength up. Speed up. Confidence WAY up.
This is what happens when dedication meets great coaching. Mason isn’t just making progress—he’s making a statement. And he’s only getting started!
-Tom Kuiper, SFT Parent
Teri Danner
I primarily joined SFT because I wanted to focus on increasing muscle mass; but didn’t feel like I had the time or knowledge to effectively create training plans. My favorite part has been the sense of support I feel. I feel supported by Sam in creating plans aligned with my goals. I also feel a huge sense of support from those I workout alongside of. Since joining SFT, I definitely feel stronger. It’s so worthwhile to me to not have to think about workouts - I literally just need to show up and put the work in.There are a lot of gyms, facilities, and at-home ways to help you get strong. Sam’s approach at SFT has given me the confidence that I will continue to make progress without wondering if I am wasting my time with yet another generic gym session.
Teri Danner, SFT Client
Noah Davids
SFT has given me a good schedule to keep. This help me stay disciplined which has caused tremendous growth. The year and a half I have been training here has brought me great job, all while bringing real results. Sam is a great coach.
-Noah Davids, SFT Client
Kevin Botma
I’m not a “gym guy”, but I’ve been fairly faithful at exercising for twenty years. I continue to perform exercises I’ve learned from a couple of stints with physical therapy over the years, and I’ve done a lot of walking and biking (outdoors and stationary), so I understand the need for exercise and the benefits. I signed up primarily to show support and to join with a special group of 55+ guys looking to improve their health, maybe lose a few pounds. I didn’t know the first thing about properly warming up or what exercises were appropriate for my needs, how challenging and vigorous the routines should be, etc. Sam, you taught me this very effectively with personal instructions, patience, encouragement, and good humor sprinkled in. I always highly recommend your gym and instruction to others, because I’ve found it to be effective, rewarding, and fun. I’ve lost weight and I feel like I’m more fit, less sluggish, and more resistant to the aging process that we all want to postpone. Keep up the good work.
- Kevin Botma, SFT Client
Emmitt Wondaal
We chose to send Emmitt to Strength for Today because of the detailed training he would receive specific to his goals to become quicker, stronger, faster. Emmitt has added muscle and his overall numbers continue to improve. He is quicker and more explosive. SFT communicates well with Emmitt to determine how his body is feeling/responding to the workouts, especially during in season training. We appreciate that the workouts are tailored to his needs at any given time while still continuing to help Emmitt reach his goals.
Emmitt enjoys going to his workouts! He looks forward to his time with Sam, Head Trainer, because Sam not only challenges and leads Emmitt well, but he also makes training fun through conversation and fun banter. The atmosphere at SFT is professional, clean, organized, fun and designed to challenge and grow every person who sets foot inside its walls.
- Nicole Wondaal, SFT Parent
Ryan Davids
I have been with SFT for six months. SFT and Sam added discipline, accountability, and a better progression to my work outs. The facility is well equipped with great equipment, and the app makes booking and billing seamless. Since joining I have reached new PRs in multiple exercises. If it wasn’t for Sam’s terrible sport takes and questionable music choices, I would give it five stars. I would encourage anyone who is serious about adding discipline and structure to their strength goals to join.
- Ryan Davids, SFT Client
Griffin Hooker
Strength For Today has been nothing but a positive experience for my son. The owner Sam is incredible with all of the kids he works with. Even though they’re working hard, it’s nothing but smiles and laughs each class. Sam really helps blend fun in with the work, and my son looks forward to every session with him. There is no question that the work is paying off either. My son has gotten noticeably stronger and quicker since he started at Strength For Today, but Sam also tests each client so they can see for themselves the progress they are making. I really cannot say enough good things about what Sam is building at Strength For Today. If you have an athlete that’s ready to take it to the next level, this is the place to go.
- Joshua Hooker, SFT Parent
Brittany Hausmann
I have strength trained intermittently throughout my adult life, but rarely with a real plan. I joined Strength for Today to have accountability and structure for my strength program that I could not do by myself at home or with a basic gym membership. Sam listened to my list of past injuries, goals, and current fitness level and designed a personalized program to meet those needs.
The small class sizes allow Sam to give everyone individual attention. He is able to correct my form or just make sure I’m doing the right exercise (ha!). When an exercise is too difficult for me, Sam offers alternatives so I am able to continue towards my goals. Classes have a nice mix of ages, fitness levels, and genders so I never feel uncomfortable. Everyone is doing their own program so there is not competition or comparison, just genuine encouragement to show up and do your best.
SFT is different than other group gyms or classes because it’s personalized while still allowing group camaraderie. Sam is a knowledgeable and encouraging trainer that cares about your journey. He gives ample opportunity for feedback before planning each 4-week program. Sam always has a smile and makes each session a positive experience.
- Brittany Hausmann, SFT Client
Sam Metros
Sam joined SFT for the extra edge needed to be the best he can be on the baseball diamond and football field. He has noticed improved speed and quickness, as well as greater confidence in his abilities. His training helped him see significant playing time on the football field this past fall, and he was one of the leaders in touchdowns on his team. He says he looks forward to his time at SFT because it is fun, and he enjoys the positive, encouraging coaching.
- Nick Metros, SFT Parent
