Client Testimonials
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"In August I started taking Sarah's class once a week and three months later I am up to three times a week because I love her classes so much! Sarah is motivating and fun while she gets the most out of you. You work hard and it's tough but when you are done, you feel amazing because you were challenged and you met that challenge! Not only have I noticed positive changes in my overall body tone, training with Sarah has made me make better food choices because of my new desire to work on my body as a whole. I don't want to undo all of my hard work! The availability of Sarah's classes also keeps me at Max Effort--if I have to miss one day because of my schedule, I know I have other options throughout the week to get my workout in. At 41, I am the strongest I have ever been in my life!"
Jill M.
“Steve Welch has been my trainer for over 5 years. He is an understated, high-quality individual who has earned my respect and admiration. Steve’s fine character and great integrity are key to people with whom I wish to be associated. Certain words come to mind when I think of Steve Welch: patriotic, honorable, professional, hard-working, passionate, knowledgeable, caring. Additionally, Steve is very educated in his field (much more than any trainer I’ve had in 3 different gyms in 2 states). He is dedicated to his craft. I am a female in her 60’s, and Steve is always careful to see that I am safe. He watches every movement. It’s very important to me to have a trainer who knows how much to push, and when to back off. I live in Connecticut half of the year, and IF you can find a trainer of Steve’s quality and experience, the cost is $90 per hour or more. I don’t even train with other trainers when I’m not with Steve anymore. I follow his programming and advice all year round now. A trainer like Steve is an uncommon commodity. I am glad to call Steve Welch a friend.”
Marti Lanese
"The training at Max Effort Strength and Conditioning is unlike anything you can experience anywhere in the St. Louis area. Steve Welch has combined the knowledge of the science behind training, years of real world personal training experience, and a tremendous work ethic to create an unparalleled training environment. You know you’re in the right place because Steve doesn’t just talk the talk; as a competitive drug-free powerlifter and jiu jitsu practitioner, he lives training. You won’t find any pencil necks with weekend certifications or “Trainer” written on the back of their shirts here. If you want to get strong and fit with no gimmicks, then look no further than Steve Welch and Max Effort Strength and Conditioning.”
Dave Elsten, Med, ATC, CSCS
“I've been going to Sarah's class twice a week since September. I'm doing things I never thought I could do and getting stronger by the week. I belong to a 24 hour fitness 2 minutes from my house but I drive a half hour to work out with Sarah instead; she motivates me!”
Liz L.
“Max Effort Strength and Conditioning is one of the best gyms that I have ever trained at. As most experienced lifters know, the weights weigh the same in any gym; it’s the PEOPLE who make the place the ‘gym’. This place is never short of a helping hand, or of high-level, experienced training partners. It doesn’t matter if you bench press 135 pounds, or 735 pounds, the people are great supporters and training partners. This gym is for the beginner, novice, or experienced lifter; if your goal is to train hard and improve, somewhere in here is a place for you.”
Jeff Lewis, Multiple-Time State, National, and World Champion Powerlifter
SQUAT: 970 pounds
BENCH: 777 pounds
DEADLIFT: 777 pounds
“I have worked with Steve Welch for over six years. Steve being a Marine ad I Air Force, we had an immediate common bond that has stayed with us for these many years. Prior to starting with Steve my knees were sore and I was overweight and out of shape. He told me that if I took him as a trainer he would get me into better shape and my knees would no longer hurt. Currently I squat 350 lbs., bench press 245 lbs., and deadlift 405 lbs., (at 62 years of age) and my knees no longer bother me and I am in much better shape than I was six years ago. Thanks to Steve’s extensive education, knowledge of the body, dedication, work ethic, and the ability to keep individuals motivated with his innovative exercises and workout routines, I have reached a level of physical and mental strength that I could not have reached alone. I actually look forward to coming to the gym. Looking back over the last six years makes me realize how lucky I was to find Steve and to have him work with me to keep me strong and motivated.”
Roger Horn, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF
33 years of service
62 years old
"In August I started taking Sarah's class once a week and three months later I am up to three times a week because I love her classes so much! Sarah is motivating and fun while she gets the most out of you. You work hard and it's tough but when you are done, you feel amazing because you were challenged and you met that challenge! Not only have I noticed positive changes in my overall body tone, training with Sarah has made me make better food choices because of my new desire to work on my body as a whole. I don't want to undo all of my hard work! The availability of Sarah's classes also keeps me at Max Effort--if I have to miss one day because of my schedule, I know I have other options throughout the week to get my workout in. At 41, I am the strongest I have ever been in my life!"
Jill M.
“Steve Welch has been my trainer for over 5 years. He is an understated, high-quality individual who has earned my respect and admiration. Steve’s fine character and great integrity are key to people with whom I wish to be associated. Certain words come to mind when I think of Steve Welch: patriotic, honorable, professional, hard-working, passionate, knowledgeable, caring. Additionally, Steve is very educated in his field (much more than any trainer I’ve had in 3 different gyms in 2 states). He is dedicated to his craft. I am a female in her 60’s, and Steve is always careful to see that I am safe. He watches every movement. It’s very important to me to have a trainer who knows how much to push, and when to back off. I live in Connecticut half of the year, and IF you can find a trainer of Steve’s quality and experience, the cost is $90 per hour or more. I don’t even train with other trainers when I’m not with Steve anymore. I follow his programming and advice all year round now. A trainer like Steve is an uncommon commodity. I am glad to call Steve Welch a friend.”
Marti Lanese
"The training at Max Effort Strength and Conditioning is unlike anything you can experience anywhere in the St. Louis area. Steve Welch has combined the knowledge of the science behind training, years of real world personal training experience, and a tremendous work ethic to create an unparalleled training environment. You know you’re in the right place because Steve doesn’t just talk the talk; as a competitive drug-free powerlifter and jiu jitsu practitioner, he lives training. You won’t find any pencil necks with weekend certifications or “Trainer” written on the back of their shirts here. If you want to get strong and fit with no gimmicks, then look no further than Steve Welch and Max Effort Strength and Conditioning.”
Dave Elsten, Med, ATC, CSCS
“I've been going to Sarah's class twice a week since September. I'm doing things I never thought I could do and getting stronger by the week. I belong to a 24 hour fitness 2 minutes from my house but I drive a half hour to work out with Sarah instead; she motivates me!”
Liz L.
“Max Effort Strength and Conditioning is one of the best gyms that I have ever trained at. As most experienced lifters know, the weights weigh the same in any gym; it’s the PEOPLE who make the place the ‘gym’. This place is never short of a helping hand, or of high-level, experienced training partners. It doesn’t matter if you bench press 135 pounds, or 735 pounds, the people are great supporters and training partners. This gym is for the beginner, novice, or experienced lifter; if your goal is to train hard and improve, somewhere in here is a place for you.”
Jeff Lewis, Multiple-Time State, National, and World Champion Powerlifter
SQUAT: 970 pounds
BENCH: 777 pounds
DEADLIFT: 777 pounds
“I have worked with Steve Welch for over six years. Steve being a Marine ad I Air Force, we had an immediate common bond that has stayed with us for these many years. Prior to starting with Steve my knees were sore and I was overweight and out of shape. He told me that if I took him as a trainer he would get me into better shape and my knees would no longer hurt. Currently I squat 350 lbs., bench press 245 lbs., and deadlift 405 lbs., (at 62 years of age) and my knees no longer bother me and I am in much better shape than I was six years ago. Thanks to Steve’s extensive education, knowledge of the body, dedication, work ethic, and the ability to keep individuals motivated with his innovative exercises and workout routines, I have reached a level of physical and mental strength that I could not have reached alone. I actually look forward to coming to the gym. Looking back over the last six years makes me realize how lucky I was to find Steve and to have him work with me to keep me strong and motivated.”
Roger Horn, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF
33 years of service
62 years old