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.
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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
Travis Harris
Trainer
Travis has been training in bodybuilding for over 20 years, and personal training for over 10 years. He has competed in professional bodybuilding and specializes in functional training and weight loss.
-1:1 sessions
-Group sessions
-General Fitness
-Bodybuilding
-Weightloss
Christina Ryan
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
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
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 athletes in competitive powerlifting and bodybuilding.
-1:1 sessions
-Bodybuilding
-Powerlifting
-Remote training
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Vonte Upshaw
Boxing/Muay Thai - Trainer
Vonte started out running track at Bethel and was introduced to the art of Muay Thai. He has been training for over 7 years under Kru Ricardo Perez. He promotes self defense, confidence, and weight loss. ​
-1:1 sessions
-Boxing
-Muay Thai
Tristan Dziadosz
Trainer
Tristan 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