What Our Powerlifters, Fitness Fanatics, and Nutrition Clients are Saying about Team Keough:

“I have seen tremendous growth as a lifter since having Kyle as my coach. My bench has always been lacking, but his coaching, guidance, and program has helped me gain more confidence and I have been adjusting and honing in on my form with his coaching. Overall, all my lifts have come a long way since being part of Team Keough! And I will say Kyle has been so patient with me with all my questions, ups and downs in training, and is always available when I have questions or am need of advice!”

- Wizer H.

“For the last several months- I never allowed myself to get too excited- never allowing myself to celebrate any victory. It was safer that way for me- if I didn’t get excited, I couldn’t be let down.

I’d done this before - many times before - over and over and over - for different reasons, in different ways, using different methods.

But in me, just like in everyone, there lives 2 wolves... and sometimes, many times, I get real caught up in feeding the bad one.

There was never a significant event- one certain moment I could pinpoint why I started doing bad or why I started doing good. I couldn’t force doing good. I tried to wish it. I don’t know how many times I felt guilty using a wish on me while blowing on a dandelion - but I would, every once in awhile, waste one wish- just one- and it was for God to give me willpower and motivation.

So this year, after reaching out to many bariatric surgeons to see if they could reverse my lap band into a gastric bypass, after trying keto, and WW.. after cutting out meat, trying two different kinds of diet pills and attending OA Overeaters Anonymous meetings - I happened to have the good fortune to stumble upon a post offering coaching. Coaching regarding powerlifting, nutrition, and/or weight loss.

I took a chance, sent a text- and the next day there was a text back. I remember asking Scott “should I try this - could I afford this?” as Scott and I seem to have a ‘problem’ taking in animals needing homes - and - Scott being who he is, didn’t try to persuade or disuade me. So after a zoom meeting, which I couldn’t figure out the sound, with this coach, I did it- pulled the trigger, took a chance on me. What is that saying ?‘ back your own horse baby, bet on yourself.’

••But let’s back up- while talking with this coach I was just hoping for any help- 10, 20, if I was lucky , a 25 lbs weight loss - so we set a small goal of 25 lbs (which I knew there was no way in hell I could accomplish) and long term, arbitrary number I threw out ‘ like , ideally, in my dreams ‘ I need to lose 50..

I knew I’d get an assignment Monday sometime- so that Monday, I woke up, thinking it wouldn’t be ready. I got ready for work and planned on stopping at some fast food joint to actually get breakfast and eat a big hearty unhealthy last meal-you know, to ‘treat myself.’

But when I looked at my app the assignment was already there- the macros were set - and I had to just go! Like now! I mean! I had this privilege of working with a coach I had watched transform himself time and time again thru out the years, someone who knew what he was doing... and I couldn’t back out now.

In hindsight that Monday ‘surprise’ turned out to be the best thing to happen to me to help me reach some goals- I started, and I never stopped. It was the magic switch, the wish I’d been wishing; go time.

But I’ve been and I remain reluctant to celebrate any wins- as just as many times I’d win; I’ve fallen back and failed. Today I looked back though and realized there’s a lot of wins. I wanted to work with Kyle so bad and I wanted to be successful that I finally, after 14 years, weaned myself of Ambien!!!! That’s HUGE. I’ve night ate and ruined progress because of ambien and ‘lack of inhibitions’ with food more times than I could ever count. I’ve learned how to lift weights (kinda) and used methods not focused on just cardio - I’ve strength trained for the first time in my life. I’ve tracked foods daily- and you know what’s the Hugest? ( if that’s a word) I didn’t let this journey consume my life - I didn’t obsess. I accepted where I was and knew I needed to move forward. I mean look, I’m 37, I’m not ever gonna look like a model- I can’t pull off yoga pants, I have jowls.

But you know, that’s ok now - I no longer look to or for the approval of others. I look to myself .

We all have our own demons- mine just happens to be weight, food, and body image, yada yada. ( I mean I just don’t think I can pull off snorting cocaine everyday and be a ‘functioning’ adult)- but you know, I could eat and beat myself up and then eat and - well we all know the cycle -and we all have our vices..At the end of the day no one really cares how big or small a person is- the goal is to be ok with who you are; however you are- so these days, the only approval I look for is my own.

The last day of 2019 I put an screen saver on my phone with two images of me that read ‘2020 get back to the pic on the left’. I had no action plan, no motivation, and I just hoped it would make something click inside me. I can easily say, I’d never tell you today that I did it.

I got back to the pic on the left! ( I mean, kinda- I’m older and not as lean) And I did it by trusting my coach, doing his assignments (no more and no less ( except for those side planks - I mean - I don’t know that I’ve actually every truly completed all those, shh), and knowing he was there ‘with’ me every step of the way.

So I had to tell you way too much boring stuff about me to lead up to tell you about him.

*He’s wicked smart and knows his stuff -

he has humor, he likes dogs, he talks with an accent (and I love accents !), he gives me daily assignments and feedback, he’s positive, and he has a gigantic smile. And I can never thank him enough for taking a chance on me.*

Someone once told me ‘ be proud of where you are, but keep going .’ And that’s what I plan to do... just keep going, with one helluva coach by my side.

{199 days- it took 199 days to lose 50 lbs-my dad would always say it wasn’t the 199th day that an alcoholic was sober, but the 1st day- the day they took that first step, that was the biggest day. But those 199 days will not be the hardest for me- the future will be. It’ll be in building strength and maintenance that I know I will rely on Kyle heavily to help me stay in the day and stay afloat}”

- Ashley B.

”Over the course of a few years Kyle helped me add 300+Lbs to my powerlifting total. His attention to detail is 2nd to none and was always there for me. Lastly, he always explained the “why” in doing things to help me understand the Principles he was teaching me.”

- Andy G.

“Before I started working with Kyle, I was writing my own programming or using templates purchased from various programs online. They worked, but led to a lot of overuse injuries, and progress was starting to slow down. I’ve been working with Kyle for almost 3 months now, and all my overuse injuries are gone, my imbalances have drastically decreased, and I’m making PR’s every cycle. Kyle is super technical, and he always is happy to explain why he is doing something. If you have injuries or issues, he works around them and promotes recovery while still maintaining consistency in training. I highly recommend Kyle for your powerlifting program needs!”

- Josh T.

“Kyle has been a stellar coach and have appreciated all his feedback on the training each week, I have been training for just about 7-8 months and have hit some large numbers already due to his expert programming and great advice.”

- Jared D.

I have been working with Kyle for about a year and a half for remote powerlifting. He came highly recommended from a few friends who train with him and honestly I wasn't considering anyone else. Team Keough was the right choice for me as I have grown in strength and knowledge over the past 18 months. I like how he takes the time to explain the reasoning behind why he chose certain exercises or weights in addition to feedback and tweaks to my lifting all in a very timely manner. While working with Kyle I have been pushed to do things I wouldn't do on my own and have been able to fine tune how to fuel my body for my training. Kyle makes you feel valid no matter your strength level, which is hard to do when you have 80+ clients with a huge variation in strength, age, and abilities. Having someone local is also a nice perk as he hosts team training once a month for in person help in addition to being at local meets to be a handler for his clients. Highly recommend Kyle Keough to anyone wanting to gain strength, knowledge, and experience with powerlifting.

• Jeanette P.

I’ve been training with Kyle for a little over two years now. When I say he’s the best there is, I’m not exaggerating. He’s helped me to put over 20 lbs on my bench, 50+ lbs on my squat and over 100 (yes 100!!) lbs on my deadlift in the last two years, making me one of the better female deadlifters in the state. He’s responsive, knowledgeable and genuinely cares about every single one of his clients and wants you to be the best athlete you can be. If you’re needing any kind of strength or nutrition coach you really can’t go wrong with choosing Kyle! #TeamKeough #Champs

• Kiah A.

Choosing a powerlifting coach was a careful process for me.  I preferred someone who had coached and competed in my weight class (75kg), offered programming for my specific needs and to address weaknesses, someone that gives detailed feedback on technique/cues and someone who would challenge me to meet my goals and my realistic potential.  Kyle has fit the bill on all of my criteria in a short amount of time.  His virtual coaching option has not only been seamless but allows me to review his video comments at any time and implement into my workouts.  For anyone doing their own programming or that has hit a hard plateau - join Team Keough!  I can't wait to see where Kyle takes my lifts.

• Anthony E.

I’ve been training with team Keough for a couple years now, and I’ve made substantial progress. My form is more consistent, and my over all strength has increased. Kyle does a great job of holding you accountable, but still being understanding when needed. He’s very flexible in programming and always sets the program to address your needs as they develop. As a fellow trainer/coach, I’ve learned a lot from Kyle, and I appreciate how he gives me as much or as little explanation as I need. In my opinion he’s one of the best coaches around. 

• Sammi G.