Meet Chad Grinnell, a cyclist-turned-strength-enthusiast who found a new level of fitness with enduraLAB’s Onboarding Program. Chad wasn’t new to working out. In fact, his cardio game was already strong from years of cycling, but like many fitness journeys, he needed something more. He sought balance, structure, and strength, and that’s exactly what the onboarding program provided.
Here’s Chad’s transformation story—a tale of dumbbells, deadlifts, and pulling off his first-ever Murph.
Why Chad Chose enduraLAB: Looking Beyond the Bike
Chad’s fitness journey wasn’t at a standstill—he was in great cardio shape thanks to cycling with a road group and hitting the gravel trails. But he knew something was missing. His strength workouts were limited to at-home YouTube sessions, using lighter weights and bodyweight exercises.
The need for more power and balance in his fitness routine led him to enduraLAB. Chad wanted a strength program to supplement his cycling. That’s where the Onboarding Program came in, offering the structured approach he needed to level up.
First Impressions: Breaking Down Barriers with the Onboarding Program
Chad was immediately impressed by how intentional the onboarding process was. The program didn’t start with him hitting the weights like a bull in a china shop. Instead, the first step was all about mobility. His coach carefully assessed any physical limitations and helped Chad address them. This focus on mobility is what separates enduraLAB from other gyms—it’s not just about lifting heavy but doing it right.
Once his mobility was mapped out, Chad moved on to core lifts like deadlifts, squats, and bench presses. His coach evaluated his form, pinpointed areas for improvement, and gave him the confidence to transition smoothly into group classes.
"I hadn’t touched a barbell in over 20 years," Chad admits. "The onboarding sessions reintroduced me to the fundamentals and gave me the confidence I needed."
Gaining Strength and Confidence: Barbell Magic
Before joining enduraLAB, Chad primarily worked with dumbbells. Barbell lifts were a distant memory from his college days, which made him nervous. But the one-on-one attention he received during the Onboarding Program changed everything.
The personalized sessions taught him proper form, targeting the specific lifts he’d be using in group classes. That newfound confidence and mastery of technique transformed his workouts. He wasn’t just showing up and going through the motions—he was executing each lift with intention and precision.
"My coach was so detailed about my form, and that made all the difference," Chad says. "I lacked confidence in my technique, and the onboarding program helped me overcome that."
Progress and Results: From One Pull-Up to Crushing the Murph
The gains Chad made weren’t just physical—they were mental and emotional, too. His strength levels skyrocketed. Workouts became more efficient, more intense, and, most importantly, more fun.
"The strength and fitness gains have been amazing," Chad says. He also credits the intentional programming at enduraLAB for his progress. Every movement is demonstrated by the coaches, and the culture is all about measured progression. Tracking his weight, reps, and progress allowed Chad to see tangible improvements week by week.
One of his proudest achievements? Completing the Murph challenge for the first time. The Murph—a brutal workout featuring a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, and 300 squats, followed by another mile run—is no joke. Chad wasn’t fast, but he finished it, and that alone was a massive victory, especially considering he could barely do a single pull-up when he started at enduraLAB.
"It felt amazing," Chad says. "Considering how weak I was at pull-ups before, finishing the Murph was a huge milestone."
Group Classes: Where the Magic Happens
After completing the onboarding program, Chad dove into group classes, where he discovered a new love for fitness. The shift from solo workouts to the group atmosphere was a game-changer. Chad quickly realized the power of accountability, camaraderie, and the energy of the group.
“Before, I was primarily a solo workout guy,” Chad says. “Now, I love the group atmosphere. We push each other, and the accountability is a game-changer.”
In group classes, Chad continues to get coaching on form and technique, which helps him stay injury-free while he builds on the foundation established during the onboarding program. The support of his gym buddies keeps him motivated and engaged, making each workout feel like an achievement.
The Life-Changing Impact: Beyond the Gym
For Chad, the benefits of enduraLAB extend far beyond the gym. His balanced workout routine has made him feel stronger and more well-rounded, but it’s also boosted his life outside of fitness.
"I’m just a better father, husband, co-worker, and friend when I’m consistently working out," Chad says. "I’m a firm believer that fitness boosts all areas of life."
At 40+, Chad feels stronger and more energized than ever. He’s not just maintaining his fitness—he’s continuing to improve. Incorporating strength training into his routine has made him a more balanced athlete, and he’s still got plenty of goals ahead. For now, he’s focusing on refining his weak areas and staying consistent.
Why enduraLAB? A Program Like No Other
So, what sets enduraLAB apart from other fitness programs Chad has tried?
"I’ve never experienced this level of programming in my fitness journey," Chad says. "The onboarding program establishes such a great foundation."
According to Chad, the attention to detail, the focus on proper form, and the community atmosphere are all reasons he’s a loyal enduraLAB member. The coaches care about your success, and they make sure you’re set up for long-term results, not just quick wins.
Chad’s Advice to New Members
If you’re thinking about starting your fitness journey at enduraLAB, Chad has some advice: Do the onboarding program.
"It gives you the reassurance and confidence on lifting basics that you can build on," Chad says. "It’s the perfect foundation for group classes."
Ready to transform your fitness like Chad? The Onboarding Program at enduraLAB is your first step toward lifelong strength, progress, and confidence. Let’s make fitness a part of your life—starting today!
