GR Strength

March kicks off Women's History Month! And what better way to celebrate than honoring the Gal who paved the way for women’s strength sports. So here's a bit of a history lesson.

Abbye “Pudgy” Stockton (Aug 11, 1917 - June 26, 2006)
Born in California on August 11, 1917, Abbye was a professional strongwoman and leader in strength for women through her involvement in Muscle Beach in the 1940s. After graduating high school, Abbye took a job as a phone operator and was unhappy with how a sedentary job affected her body. This was her prompt to start lifting weights. Remember, this is the 40s when the idea of women lifting weights was thought to be unfeminine and that they’d begin to look masculine. Of course, Abbye laughed at this thought and continued with her dream. This dream led her to be known as “Queen of Muscle Beach."

In 1941, Abbye married Les Stockton, who was also athletic and competed in weightlifting, gymnastics, and wrestling. Soon, they, with their friend Bruce Connor, started touring Los Angeles with a hand balancing act. Abbye with a stature of 5’2 and weighing 115 # was known for routinely holding her 185 # husband straight over her head in an adjoining handstand. These are just some of her feats in bringing women into the strength world, which continued well into her retirement at the age of 66

The moral of this story is not only to honor and thank Abbye for going against the norm but also to remind us all that we do not need to be born into greatness. We create it. Abbye was just a phone operator from California who went against the norms and became the tipping point for women in strength. Thank you, Abbye, for paving the way! 💜

~Crystal

Photo credit: https://mennohenselmans.com/strength-standards-for-natural-lifters/abbye-pudgy-stockton/

The fridge is restocked, and a few new things were added.
I had requests for a plant-based protein option, so we got one! (or three). Some new flavors are loaded in for your enjoyment.
Looking ahead, I will be loading some plant based snacks in the coming weeks as well.

Any requests: message me

Let's start this week strong peeps!!!

~Crystal

Please excuse the dust as we add some new equipment and move things around.
If you see something new and don't know how to use it, please ask!!!

9 years ago (late 2015) I messaged a guy from craigslist about a leg press he had for sale. I was looking for high quality equipment for my gym (which was in my basement).

We ended up messaging about philosophy and training styles and turns out we both approached strength training the same way (I’ll save that for another post).

The leg press was out of my budget so I didn’t buy it and that was the end of that. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Several months later I get a random text “Hey, are you ready to get out of your basement yet?”. I answered …”uhh, who is this?”. “Stuart- the guy with the leg press. I’m opening a new gym - would you be interested in joining me?”.

You know the kind of heart nudge that feels like a mix of fear and excitement at the same time? Yeah, that feeling. It was a financial risk but also I knew it was the way towards expanding my business for real.

I started asking around to vet this “craigslist leg press guy” and see if he was legit or a serial killer 😅. Another trainer I know said “Oh yeah! That’s Stu- the 2nd best trainer in town (referring to himself as the 1st)!”.

I called him back that very day and asked to meet - He put me through a workout to make sure I wasn’t bullsh*tting about my training style and the rest is history. 💪🏻👏🏻

This was GR Strength March 15, 2016 before any equipment or clients touched the place. 🤍

Since then it’s been filled with so many amazing people, grit, tears, love, gym dogs, and a lot of fun and laughter…. and I basically raised my kiddos here in my 2nd home.

Stuart has taught me most everything I know, and has been the best business partner and friend. And, if you ask me…he’s is THE #1 trainer in town with a wealth of experience and knowledge (but he’d never say so himself). 🌟

There’s lots of exciting things and expansion happening at GR Strength as we’ve welcomed new partners this year and I’m so grateful to all of you amazing clients of ours for loving, supporting and being loyal throughout the years. ✨ 💜

Would love to hear what this place has meant to you in the comments 🙂

Much Love- Kristin

The guys had another successful night of lifting heavy circles.

We have two of these guys going to the east side next weekend (March 9) representing GR at the Michigan APF state meet.

The boys lift every Monday and Tuesday night at GR Strength. If you ever want to learn a few tricks on powerlifting or want info on a meet: these are the guys to ask!!! Over 40 years of lifting experience together in this photo.

More on push-ups…Ken has no problem knocking out a high number of push-ups. 💪🏻

In order for him to progress, we find ways to make them harder and add resistance while keeping good form so he can reach failure within a smaller rep range.

These bars allow him to get a very deep range of motion…and will absolutely humble you. 💀

The basics might seem boring… but human bodies have not changed over the years and they work. There’s always loads of variation within the basic foundational movements 👏🏻

I’m also a fan of using rings for push-ups, or doing weighted push-ups.

For regression… Hands elevated push-ups are better than push-ups on your knees because they actually use your whole body in the plank position. That will make it easier transition when you get your hands on the floor.

If you have been stuck on your knees for a while… Give that a try.

-Kristin

Nate has been working on his push-ups. He’s stalled at a certain number for a while- so I’ve got him using the push-up handles.

They not only intensify the effects of push-ups especially at the bottom with the deeper range of motion… but they are also a great way to train your muscles with minimum impact on the joints while adding stability work.

A few weeks of using these and he should be able to get past his plateau with regular form push-ups.

-Kristin

D-treign and our other lifters had MAD supporters today at the Reign of Power.
Shout out to the fan club!!! We appreciate you!

PS. Ms. Ann needs to strap back on her lifting shoes, matching socks, and bows here before 2024 is out!! Love you chica! -Crystal

We have a cute bin right inside the door. Drop off an animal to help!!!!

Thank you in advance!

We are launching a month long Teddy Bear / Toy Drive 🧸❤️

For the month of February and to celebrate Valentine's Day we are reaching out to local businesses and organizations to host a month long Teddy Bear / Toy Drive for the pets in our outreach programs.

Throughout the month of February you can drop off a new or gently used stuffed Teddy Bear, cat/dog toy or stuffed animal at the following local businesses:

GR Strength
6167 28th St SE #15, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Harmony Brewing Company
1551 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Duke's Doggie Services LLC
9379 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia, MI 49316

Lavender & Lace Boutique
204 W. Main St Lowell, MI 49331

Dery Physical Therapy Services, P.C.
901 West Main St, Lowell, MI 49331

Children's Village Cafe LLC
505 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331

🧸If your business or organization is interested in hosting a Teddy Bear drive for GRPBA, send a email to [email protected]

Hey people of the grindness!

This handle is a little janky currently. Maintenance should be here this week to fix it. But if you are inside working out and find yourself locked in, just exit out the other door near the belt squat and the leg press. It doesn't lock, but this is the only temporary option we can offer until the lock on the front door is repaired.

Message us or call 616-500-6288 if you have any other issues or concerns.

Happy Monday!

Crystal

Our massage therapist is doing a giveaway!!!!

It's super easy to enter.
Go to her FB page and share away!!!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554997321932&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Or just check it out and book an appointment to get those sore spots and knots worked out!

Good luck!!!

Kristin here...I lift on Sundays because it’s a day just for ME. No clients, no work, no distractions just me and the iron. Darnell Dtrain Wabdll was in the house today and it’s impossible to NOT be inspired when you’re in the presence of a national record holder.

This man is the definition of consistency and focus. He often trains all by himself without anyone in the gym and I’m telling’ ya that’s NOT easy to do. Pulls a 3rd shifter, sleeps in his car in the parking lot and then gets the work done no matter what.

As mean as he looks- he always has a smile to offer, fun banter and giant hugs to offer.

Notice the mental focus before his lifts. Training is as much mental as it is physical. Ask yourself- how are you mentally preparing for your training sessions? Are you mentally present before each exercise or are you sleepwalking through it focused on all the other crap going on in your life?

Commit to yourself that within these 4 walls here- you clear your mind and focus on what you came to do. You want to be great? Follow suit.

If you’re struggling with that- work with one of us trainers to help you realize what you've been leaving on the table.

Be observant of other people pushing past their mental barriers and doing incredible things in this place. Stick around long enough and it’ll wear off on you, too.

- Coach Kristin

P.S. I’m still waiting to see those Bulgarian split squats, D. 🙂

🏋️‍♂️ Welcome to GR Strength!

What’s our vibe? Think high-end meets old-school, where elite equipment sits next to well-loved rugged atlas stones and circus dumbbells. 💪✨ And of course, you’ll always see our people doing Random Acts of Grindness 👏🏻

It’s family vibes here: Powerlifters, Strongman, Professional Athletes and regular people of all ages, body types and levels. 🏋️‍♀️ Basically- we have you covered and you’ll fit right in.

You’ll be met with positive attitudes, hard work, the occasional gym dog…and Stuart will always remember your name no matter what. ⭐️. We have a lot of fun are serious about strength training and hard work 💪🏻.

If you want to get stronger - you belong here. Our vibe is come-as-you-are. Fun socks are optional 🙂

Got questions about joining or personal training? Simply DM us and we’ll take it from there.

-Kristin 🖤

Trap bar fun with Taylor and Eric.

-Stuart

An amazing human, great friend, and massage therapist now works out of our gym. Treat your body!! Workouts are great, but get some balance with stretching, massage, and relaxation!

https://www.medirootmassage.com/?fbclid=IwAR3sFiJNMoiKHtJfA0xaOkOrO660BHybiJ-G4UqPEhZzLHTG37ZA3SAPGfA

MediRoot Massage & Bodywork LLC LEAH MORAN, LMTMEDICAL & SPORTTHERAPEUTICTRIGGER POINT THERAPYGUASHAHEADACHE RELIEFPREGNANCYMYOFASCIAL CUPPING BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

The treats and refreshments have been restocked. We added a few new items and have more on the way.

Make sure you fuel before and after your workouts! It's important!

If there is something you would love to see, message us!

Because we are a hidden gem in SE Grand Rapids, in the back of an unknown shopping center, we never get that standard “New Year, New Me” rush of members and clients here at the gym.

We miss out on helping new people get strong, hitting their own personal fitness goals, and, of course, missing the opportunity to grow into a powerhouse of a gym.

Our members here at GR Strength aren't the gym-goers who pay for a membership and never show up. Our members are the ones that come in our doors and put in the work. They are cut from a different cloth. They work hard and never complain. Our members may all have a different backstory and are from different walks of life, but under the GR Strength roof: we are FAMILY!!

GR Strength wouldn't exist without our family, and we want to keep growing that family.
Let’s keep doing what we do in 2024!
•••••
With all that out there, it's time again to publish our rates and welcome some new people to our Strength family. These prices aren't a "New Years special." These are our rates year round, as fitness is EVERYDAY.

Open Gym Membership: $300/Annually
Open Gym Membership: $30/Billed Monthly
Open Gym Day Pass (Drop-in): $10
One-On-One Training: From $30/session (Packages & Plans available: reach out to trainers individually)

Look who made the list!
Our very own !!

Congratulations!
~Crystal

*t

We are happy to supply all of you with a new link for merchandise!!! Who doesn't want to represent GR Strength gear?
New things will be added in the next week, but we wanted to get this out to you all!!!
It's a drop ship, so it's shipped straight to your door or where ever you wish!!!

Any questions, shoot them to me directly.


Crystal

Link for Merch: https://catalystprintsolutions.com/collections/gr-strength

Hey members of the grindness!

I am asking kindly that you take the time to put your equipment and weights back when you are done. I have noticed this not happening more lately than before.

We have members of all fitness levels here at GR Strength.
Another member may not be at the same level of training and they shouldn't have to clean up after you.

We pride ourselves on the rates and the awesome space we are able to give you members, but that comes at a price. If we have to continue picking up after you, this means rates could increase. This isn't fair to the members that honor the space. It means more work for owners and trainers. This isn't something we want to do,so we ask you to clean up.

Treat GR Strength as you would your own home. We know we do.

~Crystal

Massage openings this Thursday 8/24! 2pm, 3pm, & 4pm
(616)566-1505 to schedule
-Mal

Here at GR Strength, we always push for teaching everyone that fitness is a lifestyle. We pride ourselves on our members to lead the way on being the example.

"Teach them while they are young" is the old saying that is posed everywhere: education, fitness, religion.. and the list goes on.

One of the prime examples of this is right here in the photo. One of our members brought his kiddo in with him today.

Ray is an amazing powerlifter that dedicates his spare time to not only lifting heavy and being a father/family man, but he spends his extra time at the gym mentoring some of our newer lifters. He is an amazing role model for his kiddos.

We flex it for the camera with pride today and everyday!!!

*disclaimer: we do allow kiddos at the gym, but are not responsible for them. That's on you. We do not offer day care services at GR Strength.

Keep chugging along towards your goals peeps!!! We see you!!
~Crystal

Massage, cupping, and stretching available, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays every week! text or call Mallory (616)566-1505 for availability and scheduling

We love being a dog and kid friendly facility, however we do not like cleaning up after your kids and your dogs! Please be mindful and clean up after yourself, children, and pets!
-Mal

Massage openings this Thursday July 20th
2Pm, 4pm, and 5pm
Text Mallory to schedule (616)566-1505

Due to lack of registration we have made the decision to cancel the carnival of strength, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!

Squatting with style

--Stuart

Massages available this week Wednesday 5pm and Thursday 11am, 2pm! Call or text mal to schedule
(616)566-1505

Super excited to say that will be the official photographer for our strength carnival on august 5th!
-mal

New member! Our dear friend, Kristin Rocheleau, has just started training at our facility. Happy to have her on board!

--Stuart