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I've had Mike DeStefano as my powerlifting coach for about three years, and the progress that I've made under his mentorship has been incredible. I can't help but think back on how much I've grown since I first started with him, both physically and emotionally, as I prepare for my sixth meet. Mike took the time to learn about the goals I had, challenges and vision straight away. His coaching emphasizes developing a foundation of strength, discipline, and confidence rather than merely helping clients lift more weights. Mike's attention to detail guarantees that I'm always improving without getting hurt, and every training session has been tailored to meet my goals.  

I have accomplished physical progress I never would have thought possible, and I'm tougher, more focused, and motivated than ever before. I learned how to push myself beyond my comfort zone, attack every obstacle with clarity, and have faith in the process. Mike's optimism for helping us attain is clear in everything he does, and his commitment to his athletes is strong. Mike is there with me every step of the way, providing support, motivation, and knowledgeable guidance whether I'm training for a competition or hitting new personal records in the gym. I'm thrilled with the growth I've undergone under Mike's guidance as I get ready for my sixth competition.  

Mike DeStefano is the coach you want by your side if you are looking for someone who truly cares about your development and will assist you in becoming the strongest possible version of yourself. Here's, to strength, progress, and the continued journey of becoming he lifter I've always wanted to be.  

In 2018 I weighed over 340lbs and struggled to get out of bed, up off the couch or even tie my shoes without becoming short of breath.  I made the decision to get in shape for my family and myself.  I spent a couple years working out on my own (and doing everything wrong), tried CrossFit for about a year and none of it really fit me.  Then in early 2021 a friend invited me to a local, informal powerlifting competition he was hosting.  I fell in love with powerlifting.  From there I was informed of a powerlifting bench press clinic Mike DeStefano was putting on at Recruit Strength.

Walking in to Recruit Strength felt like coming home.  It is an old school garage/dungeon style power gym.  It felt comfortable, familiar, and right.  Mike was amazing in the clinic.  Even in a group setting, he provided individual instruction and cues that improved my bench form almost immediately.  When I found out Mike coached powerlifting as well, I signed up as quickly as I could.

I still remember what Mike said to me at our first in person training session as we went through the ‘power 3’.  “Kevin, your squat is pretty good.  Your deadlift isn’t too bad.  Your benchpress… we’ll work on your benchpress”.  We got right to work.  Mike instructed me how to film my lifts and I send them to him or post them and tag him in them several times a week.  Mike offers constructive criticism and great critique and tweaks to get the most out of me.  He motivates, encourages, empathizes, and kicks my butt when it is needed.  He has programmed me through several surgeries and recoveries as well as more typical training blocks.  He tailors the programming to me, my body. and my goals.  

Fast forward 3 years.  Mike has taken me from a potato who struggled to get off the couch to a Masters athlete who has multiple State Powerlifting records with an eye on a couple national and several world records as well!  As a coach Mike believes in his athletes.  Often more than they believe in themselves!  As a person, Mike cares.  It sounds simple, but it is powerful.  I am proud to call him not only my coach, but my friend.