IF YOU WANT TO BE A LION,
YOU MUST TRAIN WITH LIONS.
-CARLSON GRACIE
East Race Muscle is home to some of the strongest athletes in the Midwest. From speed and agility, to powerlifting, general fitness, and even boxing, we have what you're looking for.
OUR TEAM
Michael Baxter
ERM/The Manifest Iron Owner
Michael has been a part of the strength community since 2010. He co-founded East Race Muscle in 2015 under the vision of "Strong Builds Strong." ERM is a place where everyone can build their strongest selves, and make lasting relationships along the way. Michael offers Powerlifting and Strongman training and programming, as well as general fitness and athletic performance training for athletes of all ages. He trains & programs the Crusaders Football team.
-1:1 sessions
-Powerlifting
-Strongman
-General Fitness
-Athletic Training
-Remote training
Christina Ryan
Director of Development/Creative, Trainer
Christina handles the marketing and administrative tasks at ERM, while also being a part-time trainer. Christina has been in the bodybuilding and strength training world since 2009. She's a nationally-ranked competitive powerlifter and has 1st place finishes in competitive bodybuilding. She works with clients of all ages and ability levels, and often works with those totally new to strength training, teaching the principles of weightlifting.
-1:1 sessions
-Powerlifting
-Bodybuilding
-General Fitness
-Nutrition Coaching
-Remote training
Adrian Long
APEX Power - Trainer
Adrian has been a competitive Powerlifter for over 6 years and is working toward a degree in exercise science. He has been training in MMA & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over a year. Adrian works with powerlifting, general fitness, and athletic clients. He's been coaching wrestling for over 10 years.
-1:1 sessions
-Powerlifting
-Bodybuilding
-General Fitness
-Nutrition Coaching
-Remote training
Tristan Dziadosz
General Manager
Tristan is on staff at ERM. He graduated with a Bachelors in Sports and Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition from Indiana University (2022). Tristan has been training in Powerlifting for over 6 years, and Strongman for 3 years. Tristan works 1:1 with clients of all abilities.
-1:1 sessions
-Powerlifting
-Powerbuilding
-Strongman
-General Fitness
-Remote training
Nathan Barna & Taylor Baroth
Optimal Evolution - Trainers
Founded by Nathan Barna and Taylor Baroth, Optimal Evolution was created as a response to seeing so many people misguided in their journey to better health and performance. Through a holistic approach, they teach clients how to create health, happiness, strength, and vitality in their lives so that they have the greatest opportunity to reach their dreams.
-1:1 & team sessions
-Powerlifting
-Olympic Weightlifting
-Strongman
-General Fitness
-Nutrition/Lifestyle Coaching
-Remote training
Markell McMillan
Tenacity Athletics - Trainer
Markell began his Muay Thai journey 10 years ago competing locally and in various tournaments earning 2 national championships. February 2016 he suffered a TBI during his last match which forced him into retirement. But he would say there is always another path. Since then, he has become a coach under Kru Ricardo Perez of Team Toro Muay Thai & USMF board of directors member, an ISSA-Certified Personal Trainer and United States Muay Thai Federation Referee/Judge. He wishes to promote self-defense, confidence, and weight loss to those willing to learn from him.
-1:1 & group sessions
-Boxing
-Muay Thai
Ryan Snyder
General Manager
Ryan is on staff at ERM and has been strength training for 10 years. He is currently pursuing a degree in finance. He's competed in several Powerlifting meets and has coached a handful of athletes in competitive Powerlifting.
-1:1 sessions
-Bodybuilding
-Powerlifting
-Remote training
Matthew Barlow
BEEFit - Trainer
Matt was a Division 1 football player at Valparaiso University (2014) and has been training 1:1 with clients since 2018. Matt works with individuals who are beginners and interested in general fitness, while also training athletes competing in organized sports.
-1:1 sessions
-General Fitness
-Athletic Training
-Speed & Agility
-Powerlifting
-Remote training