Redefining Strength: A Veteran's Experience at American Strength
In the world of strength training, every lifter carries their own story—of resilience, dedication, and sometimes, overcoming obstacles that might seem insurmountable. For one Veteran member at American Strength, lifting isn’t just a workout; it’s a testament to the power of refusing to settle, of pushing beyond limits with grit and heart.
This Veteran, who lifts with a prosthetic leg, is not looking for attention or special treatment. He's been to many gyms before, and while he's familiar with being the “exception,” what he found at American Strength was something much more meaningful: he’s treated as an equal. “People here leave me alone; they treat me like everyone else. I’m just another person working hard to get better,” he shared, adding how this respectful, low-key support is exactly what he’s needed.
At American Strength, he’s not alone in his experience as a Veteran. The gym, known for being Veteran-owned and welcoming to military members, has created an unspoken bond among those who’ve served. The familiarity and camaraderie among fellow military members here builds an unbreakable connection—there’s no fanfare, no forced attention, just a sense of understanding. It’s a place where Veterans can train hard, push their limits, and even feel comfortable bringing their kids into a safe, encouraging environment.
Training Through Adversity: The Physical and Mental Journey
Our Veteran lifter’s challenges go beyond typical aches and pains. He’s faced the all-too-common experience of providers telling him, “It is what it is,” before sending him on his way. Settling. But at American Strength, it’s different. With a prosthetic leg, he’s faced gait and balance issues, chronic back pain, and shoulder limitations—obstacles he now feels more in control of. This transformation didn’t happen overnight; it took dedication, adaptive training, and a strong focus on proper mechanics and corrective strategies. “Most trainers don’t understand the mechanics needed to train with a prosthetic, but here, they’re constantly learning and adapting to help me keep pushing forward,” he explained. The trainers at American Strength have invested time in understanding his unique biomechanics, developing personalized plans that address his specific needs and goals.
Beyond workouts, the gym’s approach to nutrition has played a vital role in his journey. Nutrition advice from American Strength’s team helped him understand his body’s needs and manage issues he once thought were simply unavoidable. Instead of settling for “good enough,” he learned there’s always room for improvement and progress. The gym’s philosophy of “not settling” goes beyond the barbell—it’s a mentality that applies to every aspect of health and wellness.
In collaboration with Tillges Orthotics & Prosthetics, a nearby provider in Maplewood, MN, he’s adapted and updated his prosthetic to optimize mobility and balance during workouts. The team at Tillges even came into American Strength to observe his needs under load, helping him fine-tune his setup for long-term health rather than just short-term convenience. This partnership has allowed him to experiment with adaptive equipment, continuously improving his ability to lift safely and effectively.
Reclaiming Control, Refusing to Settle
For years, he managed his conditions with medications, ER visits, and a mindset of simply “getting by.” But through his training journey at American Strength, he has reclaimed control over his body, realizing that his limitations don’t have to define him. He now views his prosthetic and physical challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to push his limits and exceed expectations.
“It’s about more than just lifting weights. It’s a mindset of not settling for less than you deserve,” he shared. This ethos is something he now instills in his own kids, teaching them resilience and perseverance by example. At American Strength, he has found a place where he’s encouraged to grow without barriers—proof that there’s no limit to what’s possible when you set high expectations and have a team committed to helping you reach them.
Supporting Veterans and Building Community
American Strength isn’t just a gym; it’s a community that values and supports Veterans. From hosting past raffles with proceeds dedicated to supporting Veteran lifters to donating training sessions and gym memberships for the upcoming USA 4 Veterans Foundation fundraiser event, American Strength gives back to those who have given so much. With a unique understanding of military service and the needs of Veteran clients, American Strength creates a welcoming space where progress is celebrated, and setbacks are met with determination.
For our Veteran lifter, American Strength represents more than a place to work out. It’s a sanctuary where he can train, grow, and feel accepted—a place where he’s constantly reminded that even when things seem “good enough,” there’s always room to become stronger and better. He embodies the spirit of the gym: there are no limits, only opportunities to keep moving forward.