Rhizo Strength & Conditioning

Let’s talk about the role your mindset can play in your training and your competition. Because it’s not just about how strong you are or how well you move…it’s about what happens between your ears when things get hard. The difference between an athlete who bounces back after a missed lift and one who crumbles often comes down to mindset. And one of the most underrated tools in that space is optimism.

Optimism isn’t some arbitrary personality trait; it’s a performance tool.

It’s easy to write off positive thinking as fluff, but optimism has tangible effects on recovery, performance, and resilience. Believing that your body will recover, that a missed lift isn’t final, or that a plateau is temporary, doesn’t just change your attitude; it changes your physiology.

Optimistic athletes tend to experience lower cortisol levels, better immune function, and quicker recovery after injury or hard training. They’re also more likely to stick with the process, problem-solve during setbacks, and maintain higher training consistency—all key drivers of progress.

In competition or training, an optimistic mindset keeps you from spiraling after a mistake. It gives you space to reset, regroup, and move forward instead of getting stuck in what went wrong.

It’s not blind positivity, it’s a real and valuable skill. One that pays dividends in the gym, on the platform, and in life.

So go out and spread some optimism today. Your body will thank you.

One of the hardest parts of getting into the gym isn’t the actual workouts, it’s walking through the door.

The intimidation factor is real. Maybe it’s the fear of not knowing what to do, worrying about being judged, or feeling like you won’t or don’t fit in. That first step? It’s often the hardest rep of all.

I get it. Over the last 10 years here at PGSK, we’ve built more than a gym…we’ve built a community. A culture of lifting each other up in strength, effort, mindset and competition. No egos. No cliques. Just people showing up for themselves and for each other.

We don’t just measure strength in the number on the bar, it’s measured in how we support one another. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned competitor, there’s a place for you here.

You don’t have to be strong to start. But you do have to start to get strong.

Ready to take that first step?
Send me a message or come try a class. I’ll walk through the door with you. 💪💪💪
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Gym: Proving Grounds Strength and Konditioning
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Not Every Great Athlete Is a Great Coach — And That’s Okay.

I respect elite athletes for what they’ve accomplished. But being a top-level performer doesn’t automatically make someone a great coach.

Likewise, not every great coach was once at the top of their sport — and that doesn’t make them any less effective.

Being a great athlete and being a great coach are not the same skill set.

An athlete’s job is to perform. A coach’s job is to teach, guide, and get the best out of you.

What should you look for in a coach?
Here’s what actually matters:
• Communication — Can they explain clearly, and adapt to how you learn?

• Empathy — Do they understand where you’re at, physically and mentally?

• Programming skill — Can they build a plan that fits your goals, not theirs?

• Accountability — Will they hold the standard while also supporting you through setbacks?

• Curiosity & growth — Are they still learning, refining, and staying sharp?

• Experience coaching real people — Not just themselves, but athletes and everyday folks alike.

At Rhizo, I believe in grounded, no-ego coaching. Whether you’re chasing a PR, trying strongman for the first time, or just building a healthier life, I’m here to coach you — not impress you.

Now Is The Perfect Time to Start Your Fitness Journey with Rhizo Strength & Conditioning! 💪🔥
The best time to begin working toward your goals is right now. The longer you wait, the longer it takes to reach where you want to be. Don’t fall into the trap of waiting for some perfect moment…that moment is today.
And let me be clear: I don’t do gimmicky bu****it. No quick fixes, no magic pills, just real, hard work, proven progress, and sustainable results. That’s what my training is all about. It’s not about just grinding you into the dirt for the sake of being tired—it’s about smart, intentional work that actually drives progress. We train for results, not just exhaustion.
One of the best parts? Group training creates a positive feedback loop. The energy, motivation, and accountability from working with others will push you further than you ever thought possible. We celebrate each small victory together, keep each other accountable, and build genuine progress that lasts.
Stop waiting for a sign….this is it. Let’s get started now and crush your goals, straight up, honestly, and without the BS. 🚀💥

🌟 Congratulations Lacie and Country! 🌟

I couldn't be prouder of these two incredible athletes who both competed at Motown's Strongest and absolutely killed it, each taking home second place in their weight classes! 🥈

Lacie signed up just four weeks ago after trying the finglas finger for the first time, and with only a few real log sessions under her belt before the comp, she showed immense determination and grit! 💪

Country, on the other hand, has been a dedicated client of mine since I started my personal training journey back in October. Once he realized he had the strength to compete, he put his head down, committed to the training, and made it happen! His hard work truly paid off. 🔥

With athletes like Lacie and Country, being a coach is not just a job—it's a joy!

If you're interested in taking your strength training to the next level, whether through online strongman coaching, 1-1 personal training, or participating in small group classes, don’t hesitate to reach out! Together, we can achieve your fitness goals. 💪🚀

Let’s be real—we all want to handle things ourselves. Self-reliance is something society pushes on us, making us feel like we should figure everything out solo. But when it comes to training, having a coach is a game-changer.

I have a coach. My coach has a coach. Because no matter how experienced you are, you’ll never have the best set of eyes on your own technique, weaknesses, or blind spots. A good coach sees what you can’t and helps you improve faster.

If you’re serious about progress, reach out. Small group training might be exactly what you need. If not, I also offer online coaching and 1-on-1 personal training.

DM me, and let’s get to work. Don’t wait to invest in yourself. Progress starts when you do.

Forget the Food Pyramid. Focus on What Matters.

The food pyramid was built on outdated science and influenced by industry interests, not your health. It overemphasized grains, downplayed healthy fats, and ignored the impact of processed foods—all of which contributed to the very health issues it claimed to prevent.

Instead of chasing perfection or trying to fit your meals into a flawed model, aim for consistency. You don’t need a pyramid to tell you that real, whole foods—those with single ingredients you can actually pronounce—are the foundation of good nutrition.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making good choices day after day that support your health. Prioritize whole foods, keep it simple, and stay consistent. That’s the real key to lasting progress.

If you’re ready to work with someone who won’t squeeze you into a box you don’t fit in—and who understands that real health comes from personalized strategies, not one-size-fits-all plans—let’s talk.

Still riding the high from last Saturday at War of the North, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on why I compete. It might be a little wordy, but I promise it’s worth the read.

The first time I was introduced to strongman was in a friend’s garage. The raw, gritty nature of it immediately pulled me in. There was a group of 10–15 people, all at different strength levels and weight classes, but none of that mattered—everyone was cheering each other on through their respective lifts. It felt tribal, and I knew right then that I wanted to be a part of it.

What I didn’t realize at the time was just how much I’d fall in love with competing. Getting out in front of people and pushing myself to perform at my absolute best is something I’ve always gravitated toward—whether it was playing in bands, skateboarding, or now, strongman. There’s a certain high that comes with it, and I’ve learned to chase that feeling.

But as I’ve thought about it more, I’ve realized that the real spark isn’t just the competition itself—it’s the nerves before the competition that make it special. That feeling used to hit me before my hockey games as a kid. It’s the uncertainty of how you’ll perform under pressure, the question of whether your skill and strength will be enough to hang with the competition. It’s that knot in your stomach, the doubt creeping in, the fear of losing, underperforming, or straight-up failing.

But the more time you spend with those nerves, the more you learn to harness them. They become fuel. A coach friend of mine put it perfectly: “If you’re not getting nervous before a competition, you’re not invested enough.” And I couldn’t agree more.

And this doesn’t even begin to cover the community I’ve found in strongman. I’ve made lifelong friends—people I genuinely couldn’t imagine my life without—all because of this sport.

I’m saying all this to tell you: find your tribe. Find something you care about deeply enough that the thought of failing at it makes you nervous. Find something you’re proud to put out into the world, even if you’re not the best at it. And then do it. Over and over again.

I saw something in one of the community groups I’m in today that really bothered me. The person who posted it specifically asked for no additional advice, so I didn’t respond there, but I wanted to touch on it here. They were asking for recommendations for a new primary care doctor because their current one brings up their weight at every visit and she doesn’t “have any medical conditions because of it”.

Why Your Doctor Should Talk About Weight Loss

Here’s the reality: excess adipose tissue (body fat) is not good for anyone. While you may not have noticeable “medical conditions” now, the science is clear—carrying extra weight increases your risk for countless issues down the road. And no, this isn’t about appearance or fitting into a certain size; it’s about improving your health, your quality of life, and your longevity.

✅ Reducing Adipose Tissue Reduces All-Cause Mortality
Decades of research show that losing even a modest amount of weight can significantly decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, certain cancers, and more. It’s not just about the number on the scale—it’s about your body operating in its healthiest state.

✅ Your Quality of Life Will Improve
You might feel fine now, but your body will thank you for making changes. Less joint pain, more energy, better sleep, improved mental health, and enhanced mobility are just some of the benefits you’ll notice.

✅ An Unhealthy Relationship with Food Is a Separate Issue
Let’s be clear: an unhealthy relationship with food is harmful regardless of your weight. But using that as an excuse to avoid addressing excess body fat ignores the broader benefits of pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Both challenges can be tackled together, with compassion and strategy.

⚠️ Avoiding weight loss just because you don’t currently have medical problems is a short-sighted approach. The evidence is undeniable—your doctor isn’t being cruel by addressing this; they’re doing their job. Reducing excess weight is one of the most impactful ways to protect your health long-term, and if that makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth exploring why.

As a coach, I’m here to help people improve their quality of life, not shame them. But sometimes, the hard truth is necessary: extra body fat carries risks, no matter who you are. Let’s tackle this together, with evidence, empathy, and action.

Let’s build a healthier, stronger you. One step at a time.