When I first joined Stronghold back in 2019, I was 25 years old and completely lost, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I wasn’t in shape. I had no structure, no discipline, and no real direction when it came to fitness or even life in general. I was just showing up, hoping something would click. I didn’t realize at the time that walking into that gym would be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

That’s when I met Stelios. From the very beginning, he saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself. I was weak, out of shape, and had no athletic background, but he believed in me anyway. He didn’t care where I was starting from, he cared about where I could go. And he pushed me sometimes past what I thought were my limits because he knew I had more to give.  It wasn’t easy in the beginning. In fact, it was humbling. I remember struggling through workouts, finishing dead last, and wondering if I was ever going to improve. But Stelios never let me give up. He kept showing up for me and taught me how to show up for myself. He didn’t just train me to be stronger, he taught me how to be consistent, how to fight through discomfort, how to stay locked in when things got hard.

      Over time, I started to change not just physically, but mentally. I got faster. I got stronger. I became more focused and confident, inside and outside the gym. And now, at 31 years old, I can truly say I’ve become the best version of myself. I train hard, I compete, I’ve run multiple races, and I’ve qualified for the NYC Marathon all because Stelios never gave up on me, even when I wanted to give up on myself.   One thing he always says has stuck with me: “Endurance starts when you want to stop.” That mindset has gotten me through some of the hardest training sessions and toughest moments of my life. It’s a quote I carry with me in every run, every lift, and every challenge life throws at me.

      Stelios is more than a coach, he’s a mentor, a friend, and someone who truly cares about helping people become better. And Stronghold isn’t just a gym, it’s a place where people transform. It’s where I found discipline, purpose, and community. I truly believe if you give this place your all, it will change your life too.   If you’re thinking about joining Stronghold, don’t overthink it. Just start. I was once exactly where you are, uncertain, intimidated, and unsure of what I could become. Now, I’m living proof of what’s possible when you commit, stay consistent, and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Stronghold changed my life. Let it change yours too.