“The best money I’ve spent in regards to strength training hasn’t been equipment, books, seminars, or strength conferences. It is the one and a half hours I spent with Matt going over four basic exercises: bench press, squat, deadlift, and overhead press. The passion and knowledge shared that day stays with me today in every client I work with.”

• Brad Duppstadt, Alkeme Fit

“Being an ex college athlete I have always been a very active individual who enjoyed the competition and hard work that went into the sport. But when I was finished playing I needed a way to keep myself physically working towards something; I found the gym was that place. I quickly became obsessed with working out as my strength and physique increased; but after a few years I began to plateau and I found myself getting bored. That’s when I came to Colin DeWolfe. 

I had a basic idea of what power lifting was but never any structured strength training. I came to Colin to coach me through my first powerlifting meet. It was the first time I had someone programming my workouts for me who knew my goal was to get stronger. I quickly became obsessed with the gym again but this time I had a clear goal; getting stronger and being ready for meet day. 

I spent about five months training for my first meet learning cues and proper technique during that time. It was a lot of hard work that my body wasn’t accustomed to in the beginning but once I started understanding more about the training and the sport the easier the process came. I’ll admit I was very nervous when I first stepped out onto the platform but had never been more confident about my strength; ending the meet only missing one attempt and breaking personal records in my bench press and deadlift. 

After my first power-lifting meet I can honestly say that I love it and that it is a lot of fun. With this newfound passion I intend on continuing to learn and have Colin as my strength training coach.”

 – Jeremy Wong

“I had always been an athletic person growing up, very involved in sports. As most have it happen, I fell off track in college, gained more than my freshman 15 and stayed off track for about 5 years. I started going to Back alley fitness in 2017. At the time Colin taught classes at the gym. I was very motivated and committed to the classes and one day Colin mentioned I should join his powerlifting team. So I did. It wasn’t long before he realized that I maybe had some potential. He pushed me to be my best and within the span of 2 years we crushed 5 competitions. During which we obtained a world bench press record, placed 2nd in a competition qualifying me for the Canadian Worlds Team and best female bench press that day overall. We competed at worlds taking a Silver medal and another best female bench press!

Colin is a very committed coach who is always there to help and celebrate the successes, but more importantly guide us through our failures. Our team has been very successful and I think that speaks loudly to Colin’s coaching style and his commitment to his athletes. Watching from the sidelines you would never know the hard work and extensive planning that has gone into all of our training, but that’s what makes him great, he can make the most difficult job look easy!”

– Angela Lewis

“ I started training at Back Alley when I was 17. After six months of being there I was told about the sport of powerlifting. Honestly, I was not immediately drawn to it. I wanted to be strong but did not think I had the capability of doing anything noteworthy. After talking more to Colin and other athletes I decided to give it a go. This is when I began my first programming from Colin. Another six months passed, and I was competing in my first competition. After that I was hooked. It was fun and Colin was so supportive every step of the way leading up to the competition along with during. Flash forward another whole year of training and I’ve qualified for worlds. I was so surprised and delighted that my training and effort was being rewarded with this invitation. With Colin’s help I successfully competed at worlds in 2019 and took three national titles in all three lifts. After two years of powerlifting programs. My focus shifted and I began a nutrition program along with personalized training programs for my new goals. Colin has been so supportive of my goals and so accommodating of my preferences along the way. Whether it be an injury or soreness, he never fails to find a solution and I am back in the gym on my way to the results I’m desiring. The programs are always different and keep things interesting, but also allow me to just go into the gym and train because it is all laid out in front of me. This makes it easier on the days I am tired, to still train. I continue to train with Colin and crush my goals.”

– Rayelle Smith