We aim to be transparent about everything we do at Strong for Sport so you have confidence our programs are the right fit to help you reach your sport and fitness goals. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about our services and training. If you have additional questions, please reach out via our contact page.

What ages do you train?

When it comes to youth athletes, Ashley generally works with 14 to 18 year olds. This age group has the maturity to commit to a program and the body mechanics to execute it. That said, Ashley is open to chatting with younger athletes to see if it’s a good fit. There are always exceptions to every rule.

For adult clients who want to train with Ashley for general health and fitness goals and to get strong for life, she works with anyone aged 18 and up.

Do you specialize in certain sports or demographics?

No. Ashley can work with all kinds of youth athletes from hoopers to lacrosse players to track and field athletes and more. She does, however, have a special interest in working with female athletes because she knows they may be intimidated or have concerns about weight training (like fears of getting too bulky or big). She loves helping girls overcome those mental blocks and discover how empowering and beneficial strength and conditioning work can be, both for their sport and as a foundation for healthy living post-sports.

Do your clients have to have prior experience with strength training?

No. Ashley has lots of experience working with beginners in the weight room and knows how to help a novice weight lifter feel comfortable and confident with their program. That said, if a client does have prior experience, she will build a more advanced program so they feel challenged immediately and see great results. Really, it’s about meeting clients where they’re at and creating personalized programs to match their experience and goals.

Where do you train?

Ashley sees 1:1 clients and host teammate sessions in a sports-focused clinic in Southwest Portland called Village Movement Health. She can also work with clients in a home gym, depending on the location and set up.

What’s Ashley’s training style?

Warm, encouraging and approachable - but you can bet that Ashley will hold you accountable to your goals and call you out when you’re falling short of your potential. You’ll work hard in your sessions, and feel supported every step of the way.

What kind of equipment will we be using?

Ashley focuses on functional fitness that supports the way you move in your sport and through life, which means we use free weights, resistance bands, barbells and kettlebells to help you build strength, speed and resilience. We don’t do work on machines but Ashley can suggest machine-based exercises for you to do on your own if you want to supplement with machine exercises outside of our sessions.

How quickly do clients see results?

Clients often tell Ashley that they feel stronger and more dynamic in our first few weeks of working together. But you’ll see an even more noticeable difference after two to three months of training. That’s when clients start seeing their performance, strength and fitness improve and when they start noticing real changes in their body as well - changes that translate to more speed, agility and strength in their sport and more energy and confidence in life.

What should I do if I want to get started or have additional questions?

Relationships and client-trainer fit are important to Ashley so if you’re ready to get started, please reach out by email at ashleymgartland@gmail.com and we’ll set up a time to connect before booking any training sessions. (That initial consult is free.) You an also email Ashley additional questions or use our contact page to send an inquiry.