"When I met Matt and Sioux-z I had just started Powerlifting. At that time I was 185lbs. soaking wet. My max bench was 315lbs., my deadlift was 315lbs., and my squat was, you guessed it, 315lbs. That's all I could do. Matt and Sioux-z introduced themselves to me at my first meet. Six months later under the counsel and support of Matt and Sioux-z my bench jumped to 350lbs., my deadlift was 467lbs., and my squat was 451lbs.. That progress meant the world to me. It was hard for me to improve because I always got cold feet with heavy weight. The nerve and anxiety I experienced on that platform, in front of 50 strangers, was intimadating. When it was my turn, at times I wanted to walk right off the platform. The pressure turned my stomach. In front of me was Sioux-z, behind me Matt. I was trapped. Darn no exits. What to do? All you can do is lift the weight. So I gathered all the courage I possessed. I looked in Sioux-z's eyes for support, she nods. Matt's behind me telling me I can do it, I've trained for it. I lift. I tell myself it's too heavy rack it. I come down, I think it's too much, drop it. Matt shouts "UP!". I instinctivley follow his command. I turn to see a proud Matt Gary with white lights behind him. He unwraps me and gives me a hug. I leave a trail of tears on my way to the bathroom.........Thank you Matt and Sioux-z!"
Jamal Allen
"I had the honor of being selected to lift on Matt and Sioux-z's Gold medal winning team at the 2010 Arnold Classic. This was the 3rd consecutive year that they won the team title and each year they were coaching a different group of lifters. The one constant was their coaching. It was easy to see why they are so successful. Preparation, attention to detail and a tireless work ethic combined to give their lifters the best opportunity to succeed. I look forward to being able to lift under their guidance in the future."
Dr. Patrick Anderson, USAPL - 125kg
"I went to Matt for coaching on my form and he gave me everything I was hoping for and more. My number one concern was that I was doing things wrong and would eventually hurt myself. There's only so much one can adequately self-teach. He addressed my weaknesses, as well as my strengths, and gave me clear direction in how to go about improving my lifts and my training. I have seen my PRs soar since getting coaching from Matt. The sessions have given me more confidence in my training and have really helped me focus on the lifts as a whole, as well as better awareness of the individual cues that help put the whole thing together. Every coaching session I had with Matt was completed when my needs were addressed, not by the clock. There are not a lot of people that give the kind of consideration and attention that I got from Matt. I had read peoples' high praise for Matt, Sioux-z, and SSPT and they deserve it all."
JJ Barry
"I recently returned to strength training after more than a decade away from the iron. After bouncing around the Internet, I came across SSPT's website and reached out to Matt for some basic information on powerlifting. Since then, Matt and Sioux-z have been a great source of solid information, guidance and encouragement as I reacquaint myself with the basics and work towards my strength goals. Matt and Sioux-z are extremely knowledgeable and unusually generous with their time and expertise. I recently attended Squat Camp at SSPT and having grown up in weight rooms and commercial gyms I can honestly say it was, hands down, the best strength training instruction I've ever received. If you have time and money to burn you will find no shortage of fitness fads, so-called fitness experts, and lavish commercial gyms calling you home. But if you are interested in getting top-notch advice and a no-nonsense strength training facility, I suggest you look no further than SSPT."
Jerry Bonanno
"If you take knowledge, passion, enthusiasm, high-energy, an insatiable desire to improve, and a tremendous ability to convey his instruction to his student, and package it all into one hard-working and caring individual, you've got Matt Gary. He has a truly uncanny ability to determine where you are in your training and how hard you need to be pushed in order to achieve your strength and endurance goals. He can take you to levels in your training that you may not have thought possible. I have the utmost respect and admiration for his abilities as a coach."
Dr. Fred F. Bruno, chiropractor
"If you value mirrors and a great social environment, then go somewhere else! SSPT is the perfect place for those who wish to elevate their performance to train. From the no b.s. atmosphere to the ER racks and the unadulterated pursuit of athletic excellence, SSPT gives you all the tools you need to succeed."
Andrew Cohn, APT-sponsored powerlifter
"The best money I've spent in regards to strength training hasn't been equipment, books, seminars, or strength conferences. It is the one and half hours I spent with Matt going over four basic exercises - bench press, squat, deadlift, and the military press. The passion and knowledge shared that day stays with me today in every client I work with."
Brad Duppstadt
"Matt and Sioux-z had coached me as part of the Atlantic team at the 2009 Arnold Quest Invitational meet. It was by far the biggest meet spectator-wise I had ever lifted in. Not really knowing what to expect from new coaches, I was handled very well as Sioux-z and Matt helped me get some new PRs in the squat and bench at this meet. What really blew me away was this little petite woman named Sioux-z Hartwig-Gary could possible wrap my knees as tight as she did. She was by far the tightest wrap I have ever gotten....and I have been wrapped by Travis Werner and Tony Cardella. Never thought I'd be yelling to get my knee wraps off after a squat attempt, that just blew me away. Nonetheless, 832lb. PR in the squat. Matt and Sioux-z are great coaches and give alot to the sport of powerlifting. They are to be commended for their dedication to the sport! "
Jeff Fiss, USAPL - SHW
"I began training with Matt in 1995. Over the next 14 years, I made dramatic improvements in my strength and flexibility. Matt always pushed me to challenge myself, always creating new programs to keep things fresh. As new training techniques were developed, Matt was always integrating them into my workouts. I highly recommend Matt has an innovative and talented trainer."
Tommy Gordon, President Woodmont Country Club
"My name is John Hare. I am a Master’s powerlifter who began competing in 1980 in college. Since that time I have set American records and been National Champion both raw and equipped. I first met Matt and Sioux-z while competing in Aruba in 2008. Matt was coaching the USA team at the NAPF Championships being held there. I maintain regular contact with Matt and Sioux-z through e-mail and their website and always spend time with them when I am at a meet they are at. Even after over 30 years of powerlifting experience I am always learning new things from them. They are always on the leading edge of new training techniques and practices. In addition to being some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the business you would be hard pressed to find a nicer couple. They are always willing to share ideas, give advice or help when asked. I have great respect for the Gary’s as lifters, strength professionals and especially as friends."
John Hare, USAPL M1 - 100kg
"I cannot believe the results that I see and feel. Matt Gary is a miracle worker. I have gone from "My back is killing me" to "Shall we dance" in just 3 months. SSPT was referred by my chiropractor after I mentioned that I wanted to build muscle. I have participated in various physical activities and belonged to several gyms for the past 25 years. I feel great at fifty eight!"
Peter Manzelli
"I have been working out with Matt since 1997 and through the years he has created a disciplined, personalized work-out session that has evolved over the years. As I often say Matt 'pushes' me to a limit I would never try to accomplish on my own. And the result is I have been able to maintain a strong and healthy body and an educated approach towards a full wellness life."
Catherine Meloy, CEO Goodwill Industries International, Inc.
"Supreme Sports Performance & Training (SSPT) is a fantastic gym. No matter what type of workout you're looking for, SSPT has the answer. Whether it's weight loss, general conditioning, or competition level expertise, Matt and Sioux-z have the knowledge and provide the personal attention to detail that will not only accelerate your progress to your goal but will assure your success. It's the place to train!"
Gail Moore, USAPL M3 - 67.5kg
"The team at SSPT has not only help me meet my training goals -- they have helped me excel beyond them. Matt and Sioux-z bring great experience and knowledge to every interaction. They offered advice at my skill level and provided great motivation and encouragement. If you need help with strength training -- SSPT is the place to go!"
Doug Myers, Maryland State master's record holder in the bench press
"Matt and Sioux-z are a class act that make you feel like you are in great hands when lifting in a world level powerlifting competition. They know every aspect of lifting from coaching to training and they have helped me reach my lifting goals!"
Jessica O'Donnell, USAPL - 90+kg, 2003 & 2008 IPF World Champion, 7-times National Champion, IPF World Record Holder in the Squat
"Matt and Sioux-z Gary can provide expertise in specific training for sports that can't be obtained elsewhere. They have excelled at the highest levels of coaching and competition. Add a world class facility and you have a potent combination!"
Dr. Mike O'Donnell, Back In Action Chiropractic
"My experience with SSPT has been an education and joy. In this area I have not seen a place better equipped, more educated and as inspired to work with me to help me achieve my goals. What else is there to say- except thanks Matt, Sioux-z and Manuel!"
Mike Sipes
"SSPT is more than a gym. It is: A place to get stronger. A place to build relationships. A place to advance my knowledge of strength sports. A place to peak for my meets. It is a place I can go to get away from work and stress. But most importantly for me, it's a home away from home filled with family members focused on improving themselves and others every time they visit."
Dustin Starer, golf pro and USAPL - 90/100kg
"I've been around and at age 52 I thought my days of glory were well behind me. I've trained with greats in powerlifting and bodybuilding and completed in both in my youth. As I grew older and the aches, pains, and injuries happened I just stopped lifting. After a 12-years hiatus due to back injuries, I returned to powerlifting. Although things have changed like the suits, shirts, shoes, and the training -- I spent months on the internet trying to understand these things and then try to incorporate them into my routine. I also read about good coaches and certifications to look for like the CSCS credential. It was then I came across SSPT on the Internet. I reviewed the whole site, most of Matt's articles, and all the videos. I knew right away that I wanted to be trained by Matt. Since then, Matt has taught me techniques that have made my squats easier and deeper. I am still working with Matt and Sioux-z, and travel 135 miles one way to be coached by them. The professionalism and knowledge that Matt and Sioux-z presented to me was more than great, I wish I had a word for it but bottom line is this is the place to train and the people to learn from. Due in large part to their techniques, I can say that I now hold the powerliftingwatch.com American and World Records for Men 50 to 59 years old in the 242lb weight class. In addition I have raw World/American records for squat and total in the APA federation."
Mike Swierczynski, APA American record holder
"Matt and Sioux-z are both very analytical people when it comes to training. They leave no stone unturned and the ones who really benefit the most from their diligence are the athletes they coach. I worked with them at the 2009 World Games in Taiwan where I became the first American male to win a Gold for Powerlifting. This accomplishment is due in no small part to the strategy and game planning that Matt put in with be both before and during the contest. The knowledge level you will find at SSPT is without a doubt among the best in the country."
Mike Tuchscherer, USAPL - 125kg, 2009 World Games gold medalist, USAPL American record holder, owner of Reactive Training Systems
"I have been honored to work with the talented Matt and Sioux-z, who are not only extremely accomplished but also motivating and respectful coaches. SSPT has state-of-the-art equipment but its uniquely supportive environment offers the best place to learn and move towards my goals."
Mollie Zwiebel