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.

Why create a women-focused gym?

Though times are changing, weight rooms and gyms have traditionally been male-dominated spaces and can still feel that way, especially for young female athletes who are trying to get comfortable doing something new or unfamiliar. Creating a women-focused gym removes some of the barriers young female athletes face when getting started. And, it provides them with a safe environment where they can take up space, sweat out reps, lift heavy things and push themselves outside their comfort zone without worrying about how they look or how they’re performing. Our adult clientele also tell us it’s nice to train in a private female-focused gym that feels less like a meat market and more like a comfortable space for self expression and personal growth.

What ages do you train?

When it comes to youth athletes, Ashley generally works with 12 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 (and non-athletes who just want to move!) to see if it’s a good fit. There are always exceptions, and she can adapt programs to be a better fit for kids ages 12 and under as well.

Adult clients can be anyone aged 18 and up who is interested in building strength, moving better, getting in shape and aging well.

Do you specialize in certain sports or demographics?

No. Ashley can work with all kinds of youth athletes from basketball and lacrosse players to runners and swimmers. She will tailor the program to their sport-specific needs and to any gaps in their game or performance they want to address.

Do you ever train male athletes?

On occasion, Ashley will work with a male client and is open to taking them on if it feels like the right fit. Because most of the sessions at Strong for Sport are 1:1 sessions, Ashley can work with male athletes without her female clients feeling different in the space.

Do clients have to have prior experience with strength training and conditioning?

No. Ashley has lots of experience working with beginners in the weight room and knows how to help youth athletes and adult clients progress safely and confidently from foundational exercises to more advanced programing. 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 is the Strong for Sport gym located?

Ashley sees 1:1 clients and hosts teammate training sessions in her home gym in the Wilson Park neighborhood, near Ida B. Wells High School. She can also work with clients in their home gym, depending on the location and set up.

What’s Ashley’s training style?

Warm and encouraging, and firm. Ashley will be your biggest supporter but you can bet she’ll also hold you accountable to your goals, push you outside your comfort zone and gently call you out when you’re doing less than she knows you’re capable of. You’ll work hard in your sessions, and feel supported every step of the way.

What’s Ashley’s background?

Ashley is a certified personal trainer through ACE (the American Council on Exercise) and also has 5+ years of experience working with youth athletes as a middle school basketball coach. Her expertise and her unique ability to connect with teen athletes gives her the ideal skillset to help them reach their health and performance goals.

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, cables and kettlebells to help you build strength, speed and resilience. We don’t do a lot of 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.