Frequently Asked Questions

What sets Transforming Strength apart from other gyms and personal trainers in Laramie?

OWNERSHIP- You will always work directly with me, Matt Hartsky. The level of service provided by the owner of any business will always be superior to the level of service you would receive from an employee. I care deeply about your experience working with me and take responsibility for your results.

SAFETY- I place your safety above all else and focus on coaching controlled and correct technique at all times.

SUPPORT- I do my best to be available to support you on your health & fitness journey 24/7/365.

ATTENTION- When you work with me I strive to make you feel like you are my one and only Transformer. You are not just another hour in my day.

TRAINING- Every coaching session is planned with intention. No guessing or random workouts. Your training is designed to accomplish your goals.

EXPERIENCE- I am the most experienced personal trainer in Laramie. My strength training knowledge is on par with the best in the country. With more than 26+ years of experience, education, research and work with thousands of clients, I can guide you to success.

ENVIRONMENT- I create a safe space where you can focus on pushing yourself and overcoming challenges without feeling rushed or self conscious.

VISION- I see potential in EVERYONE! #WeAllStartSomewhere

PASSION- I LOVE helping others through fitness and celebrate your victories (big and small) as if the are my own.

Can I schedule a consultation?

Yes! I offer FREE initial consultations that last 15-30 minutes so you can check out my private gym, ask questions, share your goals and learn more about how I can put my 26+ years of personal training experience to work for you. You can schedule your free consultation by phone or text (307)277-5336 by email coach@transformingstrength.com or through my 👉 CONTACT page.

Do you offer free sessions or trial classes?

No, due to an extremely packed schedule, I am unable to offer free sessions for personal training or fitness classes. I would be more than happy to put you in touch with numerous client references or direct you to dozens of clients 👉 success stories, reviews and testimonials that highlight the level of fitness coaching service you can expect to receive. You are also welcome to try a class or 1 on 1 session at the single session rate (based on availability).

How long have you been a personal trainer?

I earned my first coaching certificate in 1996 from Adams State University, in Alamosa, Colorado while earning my bachelor’s degree in education and language arts and competing at the highest levels in cross-country running, indoor and outdoor track. Since that time, I have earned numerous certifications, including nutrition and performance enhancement from the most highly respected organizations in the health and fitness industry. Most importantly, I have worked with thousands of individuals across a wide variety of backgrounds, from youth to folks in their late 80’s, athletes at all levels and in many sports, and clients with every type of limitation, injury and goal. You can follow this link to 👉 learn more about me.

What’s included in your fitness program?

The answer to this question depends on the coaching service and package you choose. Most personal training sessions and fitness classes last one hour. The number of sessions are also determined by the package you choose. Currently, you could use private personal training anywhere between one to five days per week, choose a monthly fitness class or use online personal training. While nutrition coaching is included in some packages, it will be an add on service to others, including fitness classes. What I can guarantee you will receive, no matter which package or service you choose, is my best effort to give you as many tools as possible from my 26+ years of experience, education and research. You will also receive as much professional support as possible to ensure you have every opportunity to succeed and reach your goals.

Do you offer nutrition coaching?

Yes! I am a certified fitness nutrition coach. More importantly, I have spent more than 26 years building a nutrition therapy program that gets results. I refer to my philosophy as Eating on Purpose and I would love to help you use it to take control of your eating habits. You can follow this link to 👉 learn more about my nutrition coaching service.

What is your coaching philosophy?

As a life-long athlete & professional coach for more than 26 years, I am passionate about helping anyone who is ready to commit to making positive health and fitness changes! As such, my two pronged coaching philosophy allows me to provide every client with the tools needed to reach their full potential:

Minimize Risk of Injury- Client safety is my top priority, so I minimize risk of injury by carefully selecting low risk, high benefit movements, planning balanced programming, and implementing the most advanced exercise and training techniques.

Maximize Individual Potential- Helping clients to reach beyond what they think is possible is the driving force behind my coaching passion. Above all, I use proven strategies to create periodized programs that balance stress and recovery to build clients toward their goals.

What is your training style?

My default coaching personality is passionate, but quiet. While I can be as intense as you need me to be, my style is very instructional so I prefer to employ a calm and understated tone to help every client feel comfortable and able to focus on my instructions without feeling stressed or pressured. I also prefer coaching that involves demonstration followed by hands on practice together. My primary degree is in language arts and education, which allows me to use a variety of tools to illustrate training techniques and concepts in order to reach many different learning styles.

How long does the process take to see results?

The amount of time it will take you to start seeing results will be the direct result of the amount of effort you put into the program and how closely you follow my advice. Since I use strength training as the foundation for my programs, many clients begin to see results rapidly, especially in the form of confidence. The training and nutrition coaching I provide have a proven path to success, so you will have every opportunity to follow that path towards your own goals.

Do you have any client photos, videos or testimonials?

Yes! I have all three, with many photos and videos scattered about this website and on my social media pages. In addition, I have dozens and dozens and dozens of 👉 client reviews. You can also check out a few of my 👉 Personal Training Success Stories.

What is your cancellation policy?

Personal Training only requires you to commit to a package with a pre-set number of sessions. Once you reserve those sessions, I am unable to offer refunds for any reason. I also have a 24 hour cancellation policy; as long as you cancel your session 24 hours before your session, you will not lose it.

Fitness Classes are reserved and paid for on a monthly basis. After you have reserved a class time, I am unable to offer refunds for any reason. There is no carry-over for missed classes and each month requires a new reservation and payment.

What do I need to buy before we start?

The only must haves for training with me are comfortable workout clothes and a pair of athletic shoes you keep clean and either leave at the gym or bring with you to change into. You may also want to bring a bottle of water and a small towel.

If you decide to receive nutrition coaching along with your training, you will need a lined paper notebook, a digital food scale and a set of measuring cups.

While not a requirement, there are safe and proven supplements that will help you get the most out of your training by helping you fuel and recover better, as well as supplements designed to help maximize fat burning results. I will provide the safest options best suited to your specific goals and you can decide from there.