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I’ve been training with Chris since August last year.
Before this, my workouts were pretty inconsistent. I’d train for a while, then fall off completely. I originally came to him for accountability and because I was stuck trying to hit a certain squat goal that I couldn’t seem to get past on my own. That struggle was also part of why I used to lose consistency in the first place.
Since working with him, I’ve become a lot more consistent and accountable, and training feels enjoyable again. I’m still working toward that goal, but I’m making progress in a way that feels safe and structured instead of forcing it like I used to when I was younger.
He’s very good at adjusting training when something doesn’t feel right. At this point in my 30s, that matters a lot more, and he helps me train hard while avoiding unnecessary pain or injury.
He’s also very knowledgeable and easy to work with. Sessions are productive but still enjoyable because he’s a funny, down-to-earth guy.
Overall, I’ve seen solid improvements in strength, physique, and confidence, and I’d recommend him to anyone whether you’re a beginner or more advanced.

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I trained strongman with Chris Penaranda for a year and I would highly recommend him as a coach! Before training with Chris, I had about a year of unguided weightlifting experience and had developed multiple injuries as a result. I also had no experience in strongman. From day one, Chris took the time to understand my limitations and goals, creating a program that not only accommodated my injuries but actively helped me address them while continuing to make progress.

Despite starting as a complete beginner to strongman and working through existing injuries, I was able to achieve numerous personal records and compete in three strongman competitions, placing on the podium in all three. The knowledge Chris has of competition preparation was invaluable, and he helped me manage competition anxiety.

Chris is also an exceptional mentor and motivator. Life does not always make training easy, but he always knew how to encourage me on the days when motivation was low. I would highly recommend Chris for anyone who is looking to begin their weight lifting journey and wants someone who will understand where you come from and what your goals are.

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I have been training with shelby and synaptic crew for about a year. it's one of the best training experience so far. if you looking for weightlifting and general strength training, synaptic is the way to go.

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I've been training with Shelby for about a month now, and it has been an absolute blast! The whole Synaptic team is kind and approachable, which makes showing up a lot easier. I've been in and out of the gym for a lot of my life, and never thought I'd take interest in Olympic lifting. I tried it on a whim and immediately fell in love with it, which I greatly attribute to the atmosphere of the team.
Shelby is a fantastic coach, giving the right amount of feedback without overwhelming you with information. He explains how to adjust your form in ways that make sense, and the attention to detail shows he has a broad knowledge base to pull from. The skill of the Synaptic team reflects in their athletes, who consistently show up and grow better with every session. Cannot recommend them enough :)

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The Synaptic team is inclusive and supportive, you can tell that the team and leadership really prioritize creating a space for any skill level to come and improve. If you've never done team training, I cannot recommend it enough and the Evolve location has tons of room throughout the week.

I've had a great time learning under Shelby for the past few months and he has given clear advice and cues to improve technique. I have done my fair share of asking questions around programming, why we're doing what we're doing, and what it is meant to do in the long run; in every case he has given very detailed and thought out responses, you can really tell that he loves the sport and coaching athletes.

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I had been doing CrossFit for years but wanted to dial in my oly lifting. I met Austin at the gym I was attending and tried out his coaching. Austin has an eye for technique and cues/accessory work to really make lifts progress well. Not only is he a great technical coach, but he truly cares about his clients and their wellbeing ensuring the program is attainable and his athletes are successful. The group who train under him are all encouraging, welcoming and a great community!

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I've been working with Austin for nearly a year now, and can say that he is the best trainer that I've ever worked with. Coming from a bodybuilding & powerlifting background I knew nothing about Olympic weightlifting, however, he was able to build my Olympic lifts from scratch with in-depth and attentive coaching, and easy to understand cues. He is very adept at navigating the line between encouragement and correction, and will always ensure you are performing your exercises properly and safely.

Not only is he an excellent coach, he also provides thoughtful and intentional programming to benefit any goal you are hoping to reach. You are not only getting the benefit of Austin's coaching and guidance when you sign up to Synaptic, but he has also created a very welcoming team and community, and provides exceptional competition coaching, if that is a goal of yours.

In conclusion, I would HIGHLY recommend Austin and Synaptic Strength to anyone looking to reach a specific fitness goal, or even to just increase general fitness.

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I started weightlifting with Austin in September, and he has been such a supportive and understanding coach. Austin taught me grit and having confidence in myself

He’s a very attentive coach, if you think that no one’s watching your lifts and you can sandbag, he will be yelling cues from across the gym. It helped me pushed myself into lifting weights that I didn’t think I’d be able to lift right away.

Austin has cultivated a strong and welcoming team, everyone has been so kind and helpful. It's always so fun lifting with everyone.
10/10 would recommend

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POV: Tell me you love Synaptic Strength without saying you love Synaptic Strength

You join a gym just to make a few friends and maybe get stronger… and suddenly, you’ve got a team that feels like family, a coach who believes in you before you believe in yourself, and a program that somehow turns into therapy.

Since joining Synaptic Strength, everything’s changed, my confidence, my energy, even my reason to get out of the house. I needed a positive change in my life. The Olympic lifting, powerlifting, and strength training are world-class (world class because I’m now going to world age groups in September 🤯)

Coach Austin spotted me the day I walked into Evolve Royal Oak and pulled me into a community I didn’t know I was missing. Now I show up not just for the lifts, but for the laughter, the loud PR cheers, and the quiet moments where you realize you’re stronger than you thought both inside and out.

Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it.

So, if you’re thinking about it… just do it.

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Chris has helped me build lots of confidence in the gym over the past year. I have gotten a lot more comfortable in my lifts and have been able to increase my strength pretty significantly. Chris is so kind and patient but he also knows how to push you to get the best out of you. I can't say enough about how great my experience has been.

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I’ve been working with coach Chris for most of a year now and it’s been the most consistent progression in my life, despite being a gym goer for most of it. He listens to what my priorities are and builds my workouts accordingly, he helps me adjust when there’s a busy schedule, and always shows up with a smile. Except when I’m in the middle of a lift… and then he’s very serious.
I’m happy to be steadily building muscle and getting stronger, and I know it wouldn’t be doing it without the accountability, and encouragement from Chris.

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I am a month in working with Shelby and I’m learning lots about weightlifting and moving weights I didn’t think was possible! Everyone is super friendly and supportive I cannot recommend the team enough.

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I started olympic weightlifting with Austin in Sept/Oct of 2023. I have not gone to the gym or have done any physical exercise for a very long time before that so I was very unsure about starting a new sport. Austin made it very easy to understand and took the time with me to build and keep building my confidence and he makes it a point to check and make sure we’re on the same page as to what I need from him as a coach. Many PR’s have been set since then. The atmosphere of the team is so welcoming, Whether it’s a good training day or bad training day, it’s always a blast to train with Synaptic!

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"I’ve been working with Coach Shelby for just over a month now, and I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned and grown in such a short time. I was a little nervous starting out, but Shelby creates such a welcoming, encouraging environment that those nerves disappeared quickly. He’s incredibly patient and always answers my endless questions with genuine enthusiasm. Shelby is one of the kindest coaches I’ve ever met. He strikes the perfect balance between being supportive and pushing you to your limits in every session. He tailors his coaching to you—your mindset, your pace, and your goals. What really stands out is the way Shelby approaches problem-solving. He’s got a whole toolbox of strategies and knows exactly how to apply different approaches until something clicks. When it comes to a coach who’s both highly skilled and truly invested in your success, Shelby is exactly that. If you work with him, you’re in great hands."