I’m Coach Madison and I enjoy helping clients of all ages use strength training to improve athletic performance, get out of pain, and generally live their best lives. (I mean it when I say “all ages” – I’ve worked with clients ranging from 13- to 81-years-old!). I was an elite middle and long distance runner in high school and college (Go Duke!) until overuse injuries led me to spend too many years on the sidelines.
After a long journey through physical therapy, injections, surgeries, etc., I discovered firsthand that the most lasting way out of chronic pain / chronic injury is getting stronger. After 4 years as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor at Functional Fitness VA, I’ve recently moved to NY’s Capital District area and founded my own business: Strength Agency Fitness.
I’m especially passionate about…
- Teaching those who are new to strength training
- Helping clients learn how to build resilience and get out of chronic pain
- Showing runners how getting strong can help them stay healthy, so they can run more miles and be more efficient in every mile
- Training athletes of all ages who want to improve their performance in whatever competition is they might be training for
Personally, I still love to compete, mostly in good old fashioned 5k’s and hybrid fitness races. Outside of the gym, my favorite activities are running, open water swimming, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and generally anything that involves moving and being in nature.
I’m a NCSF certified personal trainer and HKC certified kettlebell instructor. I’ve completed the Exercise I course for the Dynamic Musculoskeletal Stabilization (DNS) method. I’m currently studying to become a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Hyrox Level 1 Coach.
These are a few of my favorite things…
There are a million pieces of equipment you might use in a gym and not all are created equal. My style of training mostly fits the definition of functional fitness. I prefer to skip the machines and instead use tools like the following!
*Denotes equipment that I can bring with me for sessions in your home.
Kettlebells*
So many functional and dynamic movements you can do and so many ways to load them – goblet, front racked, bottoms up, overhead, etc. I would pick a kettlebell over a dumbbell any day and for almost any exercise.
Hexbars / Trapbars
Deadlifting is essential for building muscle mass and bone density for both healthy aging and improved performance. Hexbars are the ideal tool for maximizing load while minimizing strain on more vulnerable parts of your body.
Cable Machines / Bands*
These expand your options by making it possible to have fine-tuned resistance at specific heights and directions that don’t have to be aligned with gravity. Think pull downs, lifts, chops, paloff presses, standing rows, etc.
TRX / Rings
Enjoy the benefits of suspension training, particularly beneficial for your shoulders. Hanging. Rows. The list goes on.
Mobo Board*
An excellent tool for training the nervous system how to generate stability in the foot, knee, and hip and then strengthen that pattern. Particularly important for runners and agility athletes. Designed by renowned PT and biomechanics expert Jay Dicharry.
Rowing Machine
A full body workout that will get your heart pounding and muscles burning while you improve your cardiovascular capacity (VO2 max). I like to do interval workouts on the rower and always take the time to teach proper technique.
