Seattle Strength & Performance - West Seattle

There’s a few things we do differently at SSP😉

But they’re all for the same mission: to bring inclusive and safe strength training to as many people as possible!

Every one of these decisions was made with intention and to make sure that all feel welcome in our gyms!

MAY MEMBER APPRECIATION: Penny L

Penny lights up the gym every time she comes in 🌟🌟🌟 Her hard work and dedication in both semiprivate personal training and group strength classes have resulted in major progress in the gym and out!

We asked Penny about her experience at SSP so far and her answer warmed our hearts 🥹

“Walking into SSP ‘everyone knows your name’ - a reference that dates me for sure! If you did not grow up watching Cheers in the 80’s I am sure you can find it streaming somewhere. Although walking into SSP is definitely not walking into the famous bar in Boston, it is similar in the sense of community. The coaches always greet you as if they were waiting for you and I love that!

I appreciate the value they see in each person’s goals and their ability to meet each of us where we are on our fitness journey. I don’t believe many places are able to successfully embrace and support such a varied group both in age as well as ability levels. I leave every session feeling successful even though I didn’t lift the heaviest or complete the most reps. I always feel recognized for the progress I am making on a personal level.

I’m lucky that my husband found SSP and over many months encouraged me to give it a try. He kept telling me he really thought I would enjoy the people and do well in the program. And he is really happy that I freely admit he was right! We were on a hike recently and both recognized that I am more confident navigating uneven terrain. I have better balance and can more easily climb over rocks and logs without needing his support. My time at SSP has already resulted in an increased enjoyment in being more active in my everyday life and this fuels my determination to continue on this fitness journey.”

🍻Cheers to you, Penny! We’re so grateful to have you as a part of our community!

P.S. Huge shoutout to Mike for introducing us to his lovely wife ❤️

APRIL MEMBER APPRECIATION: Gio G!💪🏼

There’s nothing like a friendly and engaged member with a fantastic sense of humor. And we’re so lucky to have found that in Gio!

Gio has been a member at SSP West Seattle for almost 2 years and consistently attends semiprivate personal training and group strength classes. He also consistently attends our community events! From movie night, to happy hours, to roller skating! 🛼

When we asked him about how he feels about SSP he said”At SSP, I get a continuously updated program personalized to my abilities and goals, and every coach there has been super helpful in guiding me through it. And it’s working. For the first time in a very long time, I can play sports and not regret it the next day!”

Gio is reaping the benefit of consistent strength training. We love hearing that we get to keep people active outside of the gym too!

Thank you for being such a fantastic part of our community, Gio! Keep crushing it!! ⚽⚽⚽

MARCH MEMBER APPRECIATION: the ray of sunshine herself - Lauren A! ☀️

Lauren A. works hard AF. Her can-do attitude and willingness to try movements that are new to her are inspiring to everyone around her. We’ve been lucky to have Lauren as a member at SSP West Seattle for about a year and a half!

Lauren, in addition to being a rockstar yard bowling player, having a full time job, crushing it in the gym, and dog mom to the cutest little golden doodle named Walter, she also co-owns with her amazing life partner Chris and their business partners!

Having other small business owners in our gym means the absolute WORLD to us and if you haven’t checked out Walter’s for a delicious latte or one of their wine tasting classes - what’re you waiting for??

We asked her about her experience at SSP and she said:

“SSP helped me really change my ideas around strength. I’ve always been active and have done a lot of yoga, but I never thought of myself as strong until now. In the last year I got my first ever pull ups, and have lately been working on my single leg squats! It’s been a lot of fun to learn how to push my brain and my body in this context.

I also deeply appreciate how much care SSP puts into building a welcoming and engaged gym culture. The coaches all know your name and remember both your interests and your concerns, and the members are supportive and build great connections. It’s a place where people really listen and support one another.”

Wow that means so much to us! 🥰🥰🥰 We love having you as a part of our community, Lauren! Keep up the amazing work!

MEET COACH COLE🔥💪🏼

Cole (aka our friendly neighborhood giant) has spent almost his entire life in Washington but has only lived in Seattle since last summer. He is coming up on 3 years of experience as a trainer and has spent time in a wide variety of gyms and training environments.

Cole grew up involved in a lot of sports, most notably basketball (shocker, I know) but fell out of fitness in his late teens. He rediscovered a love for fitness in his early 20s after falling into a lot of unhealthy habits end ending up severely underweight. He has fallen in love with bodybuilding and is now 60 lbs heavier than when he started.

Outside of the gym Cole enjoys collecting records (mostly hip-hop and r&b), gaming, and spending time with his lovely girlfriend!!

Q&A time!
Favorite exercise:
Any kind of chest supported row or tricep pushdown!

Fun fact:
My legal first name is Jefferson, and I was born in Jefferson City which is in Cole County in Missouri. Neither of these are why I was named this, just a weird coincidence. 😂

Why he loves SSP:
“Strength training is for everybody”

A sentiment Ive expressed to people in my own life time and time again. SSP’s emphasis on getting everyone regardless of experience and background into the gym to build some strength is amazing! People with higher skeletal muscle mass live longer, get jacked and stay alive! :)

Help us welcome Coach Cole to the community at West Seattle! 📝