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A.J. Kelly,MA,CSCS -

FITNESS COACH

MY STORY

Fitness isn’t just my job—it’s the fire that pulled me out of my family’s struggles and into a life of purpose. I grew up surrounded by a family who loved me dearly, but also struggled with their weight. Witnessing their challenges fueled a fire within me, a determination to forge my own path towards health and to break that cycle. At 12, I stepped into the weight room, driven to dominate football and dodge the health issues shadowing my loved ones.

What began as a way to excel on the football field quickly turned into a lifelong passion. By high school, I was leading my football team through workouts, soaking up every fitness book I could grab.  That thirst earned me degrees in Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning, plus stints with top-tier coaches. Over 20 years, I’ve coached elite athletes with the Detroit Tigers and University of Minnesota, but also everyday warriors.  From helping individuals recover from knee and hip replacements, to working with wheelchair users and those with visual impairments, I’ve been privileged to guide people of all abilities through their fitness journeys. Each client has taught me something new, constantly enriching my understanding of fitness and coaching.

 

The challenges of 2020, marked by the global pandemic, brought an unexpected layoff. A client’s nudge toward a virtual training session on Zoom led to the birth of Kelly Strong. This transition allowed me to reconnect with clients worldwide from Saudi Arabia and Europe to both coasts of the United States, proving real results don’t need a gym.  This shift has shown me how effective virtual training can be in providing flexibility, convenience, and real results.  Every struggle, every victory, it’s all led me here. I turned my challenges into strength, let me guide you to yours.

 

BIG DAY BIG GOALS

"Could not ask for a better trainer"

Dawn D.

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A.J Kelly, MA, CSCS

Education:

BS:  University of Wisconsin – La Crosse  

  • Major:  Exercise Science

  • Minor:  Strength and Conditioning

MA:  Minnesota State Mankato

  • Major:  Sports Administration

Certifications:

  • NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) since 2005

  • First Aid, AED, CPR Certified since 2005

  • TRX Suspension Training Certified since 2014

Fitness Related Experience:

  • Business Owner, Kelly Strong, 2020 - Present

  • Head Trainer/Program Director, Fit Farm, 2017 – 2020

  • Head Trainer/Program Director, Live in Fitness, 2013-2017

  • Director of Sports Performance, Hilton Head Christian Academy, 2008-2011

  • Personal Trainer/Business Owner, Personal Training by AJ, 2007-2011

  • Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, Minnesota State Mankato, 2005-2007

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach, Detroit Tigers, 2005

  • Strength and Conditioning Coach, University of Minnesota, 2005

For over 20 years, I’ve lived and breathed fitness—coaching, training, leading, and innovating across the industry. From Olympic athletes to an 85-year-old taking their first steps into fitness, I’ve helped thousands transform their lives, fueled by decades of experience and a knack for adapting to every challenge. Whether in gyms or on Zoom I turn goals into reality!

About
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"I never knew how hard I could push myself until I met him"

Lila Mclendon

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TESTIMONIALS

"Not only will you see physical results but you will gain a new confidence! 10/10 would recommend!"

- Taylor C.

"Working with A.J was the best investment I ever made in myself"

- Martha P.

"AJ has been with me every step of the way through every hiccup and always knowing what to say to keep me going forward. Having him in the other part of the world (I’m literally in Saudi Arabia) has not been a problem whatsoever. He’s always there guiding me and pushing me forward. I’d recommend this program in a heartbeat!!"

- Nourah A.

"Hands down the best trainer I’ve ever had."

- Lizzy C.

"Over the past year,A.J. has had a key role in helping me lose over 108 lbs. I went from a size 3xl or 22/24 to currently a size M/L or 10. I also ran my first ever 5k today, something I could never have done before. He is amazing and really has a passion for his clients success."

- Tammi S.

"What does Kelly Strong mean to me? Everything! When I met AJ 16 months ago, I weighed 448 pounds and couldn’t walk up a hill without taking a break. I did his program for 3 months and lost 85 pounds. NOT ONLY that, he gave me tools and motivation I’ll use for the rest of my life. Now years later, I weigh 278 pounds, but AJ still calls to check up on me. Once you’re AJ’s client you’re his client for life! I couldn’t be more grateful to you!”

- Joey Maus

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"I met A.J. 9 years ago. I was over 300 lbs. A.J. gave me the knowledge to succeed. He gave me the tools. It's not just diet and exercise. It's how to shop and read food labels. What you do in a restaurant. A J. Gave me the knowledge to make good decisions. He showed me it could be done and it has been done. I've been down 90 lb since then."

- Lee Haray

"In the past 9 months I have lost 6 inches from my waist, my weight has gone from 190 lbs to 167 lbs and my overall energy and feeling of wellbeing has skyrocketed.  I know that A.J. bears a significant amount of the credit for these amazing changes, and I cannot imagine a better person to work with as a trainer.  He has very significantly improved by life.”

- Mike Hill

"AJ has gotten me in the best shape of my life. I had been trying for years to have defined abs, and after working out with AJ virtually for a few months, I finally had them! Please do not hesitate in booking AJ for personal training. I recommend him to everyone I talk to!"

- Najah S.

​"AJ was my first strength coach when I started my professional baseball career. The things he taught me then have served me well as I climbed the ladder all the way to the Major Leagues. I'd highly recommend him for your fitness needs. He really knows his stuff and will definitely keep you motivated until you accomplish your goals."

- Burke Badenhopp, Major League Baseball Pitcher

"He is a wealth of knowledge with helping you train and reaching your goals!  Professional athletes to the first timers working out will benefit from his expertise.  I've traveled from the west coast since 2015 to train and learn from him and had an excellent experience every time!"

- Robert J.

Services

"I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to be prepared for the next level, because he knows what it takes to get there!"

Matt Joyce, MLB All - Star

A.J. Kelly, MA, CSCS

FITNESS COACH

Cell: 717-635-0281

ajkellystrong@gmail.com

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