it's a philosophy: STRENGTH GUILD

?We laugh together, we lift together, we learn together,
and at times we party together.?

The history of physical training is a long and colorful story. Ancient Greeks built gymnasiums as not only a place for physical training, but as a social arena in which members engaged in athletic, intellectual, educational, spiritual, and philosophical pursuits. Hercules, son of Zeus, the Greek champion of Olympians, held amongst his attributes courage, strength, ingenuity, and supreme sexual skills. In fact, the word ?gymnasium? is a tribute to the gods, entomologically stemming from the word gymnos, meaning ?naked,? as a tribute to the beauty of the human body and physical and mental health. True to the spirit of the origins and the idealism of theword, Strength Guild inspires its members to pursue not only physical prowess, but provides a learning environment as well. What makes this gym special? ?Nudity, Ha! That?s an inside joke but it does happen at times. Competent coaches with a real joy in seeing you learn and succeed at your own chosen goals, the ability not only to tell you what to do but the wisdom and education to tell you why and how so you are growing mentally as well as physically. That and a core group of like minded people that are there to support you as well,? says Phillip Stevens, co-owner with his wife Sarah.

Phillip and Sarah opened Strength Guild last September with the intent to help others transform their bodies and their lives in ways that have helped them transform their own. ?The day I was able to love me in my own skin I had the desire to pass that on to at least one more person,? says Sarah. Originally from Topeka, Phil has spent the last decade working in the fitness industry as a student and coach all over the world. Record holding athletes in Washington D.C., Thailand, Phoenix, and Montana all contributed to his education. Sarah has over a decade of experience coaching and training as an athlete herself. An accomplished endurance athlete who runs 100 mile Ultra Marathons, her latest venture is competing as an Olympic lifter.

Strength Guild is anything but generic. It holds itself to a stylish and honest philosophical core. ?Strength Guild [the website www.strengthguild.com] came about two years ago as a backlash against all that is wrong with the fitness industry as a whole. An industry full of misinformation and snake oil salesman. A world full of fly by night so-called coaches who on Friday are regular Joes and by Sunday evening after a weekend course and paying their financial dues have purchased the right to put the name ?trainer? or ?coach? by their name though they have little to no education, time under a bar or credibility. We have seen a huge decline in such in the meaning of the word coach and for those who are real coaches its sad and frankly an insult to the profession,? says Phil. ?You wouldn?t let your local tree trimmer cut your hair would you??
For these two, it is a lifestyle that they are passionate about, about their profession and their people. ?We always love when we see one of our new people come in and go from couch potato to two months later they are smiling and competing next to us and the others in an Olympic meet. We don?t want or need everyone to come here. We want those with a passion and joy for it. People that add to the group, not drag it down. Other than that we of course are working on full teams in varied strength sports for those interested and the ability to keep bringing monthly contests and more awareness of strength and fitness to a town in need of it. That and all the while sticking to our guns and not changing to fit the status quo? What you will never see is a treadmill, mirrors, carpet, and pink dumbbells.?

This gym boasts efficiency and simplicity. Free weights comprise a large amount of their tools, along with four platforms, squat racks, cage, Strongman equipment, ropes, cars, kegs, and tires. There is a half mile running trail and five acres that is ever evolving to help people reach their goals. ?Most importantly, a strong core group to help progress and support you headed by two very accomplished and competent fun loving coaches.?

?Strong competent women is really where it?s at! But the downside to it, is my hubby now knows I can lift and move weight without a problem?I can?t pawn off the moving of furniture on him,? says Sarah.

What kind of students gravitate to Strength Guild? High school kids, SWAT team members, firefighters, amateur and professional athletes and grandpas. ?Anyone can be a great fit if they have a desire to progress, learn and find joy in getting stronger and perfecting a craft. If you are serious about making a positive change in your life or have aspiration to be the best you can be at something or just need a few instructional sessions give us a ring if you feel you can fit in to our group. If you are a good fit you and we will know it real fast and the other facility members will support you full on day and night. If you are not into learning, into earning your stripes before you are let loose a bit or if your are into paying your penance on a treadmill, this isn?t your place. We would gladly point you elsewhere. If, however you have a real passion for fun, progress, learning, then come join us.?

Strength Guild
3532 SE 2nd St.
Phil@Lift4hope.org
707.373.7566
General classes: monthly unlimited $75
Personal training (call)
Drop-in: 1 day $10 / First class FREE

[Story by Amber Bonnett | Photography by Gary Krohe | Originally printed in January 15 2012 issue]

Source: http://www.seveneightfive.com/events/it%E2%80%99s-a-philosophy-strength-guild/

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