Keani Kidwell Client
To say training with Sam changed my life would be an understatement. He is the most dedicated person I have ever met. Sam educated me, which is what led me to make the strides that I have. My main struggle was nutrition. He helped me to understand macros and the importance of hydration. When it comes to training, he taught me proper form and what using your core truly means. I have never felt comfortable working out in a gym setting, but with Sam as my coach, I knew that he would always correct me without me feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed. I also have bad knees and he always knew what exercises I could do to modify if I could not do something. When I came to him, I was 176lb and could barely move my body with any coordination. Less than a year later I am 157lbs and I love exercising more than I ever thought I would. Sam truly is one of a kind and I am so lucky that I was able to learn from him. -Keani Kidwell, Age 28
Jake Cavellier Client
I met Sam at the old gym I used to workout at, and we really started training seriously after I tore my hamstring playing soccer and decided I wanted to shift my focus towards lifting. Sam has always been there to communicate during lifting sessions and always makes all the necessary adjustments to my program. From having to restart from just the bar, the progress I have made in the past 2 years is amazing. And it couldn’t have been possible without the programming and communication I’ve had from him. He has the knowledge and skill set to make adjustments and adapt to whatever goals you want to reach or obstacles you may need to overcome. -Jake Cavellier, Age 19
Larry Hasseler Client
I would like to give a strong reference for Samuel Benzing as a trainer. I worked with Sam for more than a year, and I would still be working with him but for the COVID problems forcing the closure of the gym In which I was a client. Sam was focused on ascertaining my needs and helping me do whatever I could to accomplish my goals. He made certain that I was doing exercises correctly, and he modified the exercises as needed when I had minor injuries or discomfort. Sam maintained a sense of humor and caring, such that I was motivated to do my very best. He is very knowledgeable and able to answer questions regarding nutrition, weight loss, strength gain, and fitness in general. He is very patient, as I might forget things from one week to the next. His caring reminders were beneficial. -Larry Hasseler
Connie Kim Client
I have been working with Sam one on one and within a group setting for 2+ years. My goals were to become stronger and to be able to lift heavy weights. One on one sessions began with focusing on the activation of targeted muscle groups and developing proper form while performing complex movements. Nutritional consults with Sam assisted me in understanding how we were going to approach my goals through adjusting macronutrients accordingly. Sam was very patient while explaining the science behind weight training and achieving my long term goals. While working with Sam, I suffered a severe pull in my piriformis muscle. This was devastating to me as I was beginning to see progress toward the goals we had set forth. Sam was a huge advocate of resting my injury and, after what felt like forever, allowed me to set foot back into the gym with the appropriate modifications to avoid further injury. Mentally I felt defeated, but with frequent contact with Sam, I understood that in hindsight, my injury was minor compared to injuries that could be sustained in other athletics. I realized we were going to get through this, and in no time at all, I was back on track toward crushing my goals. While in quarantine, Sam has been able to customize programs for me while “stuck” at home. I gave him a list of the equipment I had on hand, and even without the gym, I have been able to continue my journey, while keeping my spirits in check. Overall, Sam’s passion is weight-training and it shows. His knowledge and approach are above and beyond. Your goals become his goals, and that means there is no stopping until you get where you want to be! Strong by Sam is just what you get! -Connie Kim, Age 43
Claudia Bazaar Client
Sam is a great coach and mentor! He's very patient and has his clients success at the top of his mind. He makes sure you have the proper form and walks you through all the exercises and has patience until you get it. He has great tips and training for nutrition and holds you accountable to achieve your goals. I definitely recommend him as a trainer! -Claudia Bazaar, Age 34
Karen Verdegaal
I met Sam in February 2019 after joining Armor Up Fitness where he worked as a personal trainer. I didn't know Sam but heard good reviews from other members of the gym, so I asked for him to be my personal trainer twice a week. In my first training session with Sam, he asked why I joined the gym. I told him I had (2) goals in mind. I wanted to lose weight and start eating healthy. He also asked if I had any health issues. I have high blood pressure and at the time had terrible pain in my left hip. The orthopedic doctor told me I had Bursitis and needed to strengthen my core. Sam worked with me for over 1 year (then the gym closed due to COVID) during which I lost 31 Ibs, am eating healthy, and am just about pain-free. I also have been able to maintain my weight loss since the gym closed due to Sam's training. Within that year I had an issue with my sciatica and I almost didn't go to the gym that day for my session with Sam, but I did and Sam worked on it for 30 minutes and by the time I left I felt 75% better. He gave me exercises to do at home also and within 5 days the pain was gone. If my hip started to bother me, Sam would taper me down on the exercises I did at home and on my days I went to the gym on my own time. He has a creative style and refreshing professionalism for someone his age. Sam truly cared about his clients and it showed in the results they each achieved during their time at the gym.