“McKenna is one of the best coaches I’ve worked with as an athlete and as a professional in the sports performance industry. To say he’s knowledgeable in weightlifting is an understatement, I wouldn’t trust anybody else but him. His programming is light years beyond other coaches. But most of all his style of coaching and mannerism in which he is able to coach in an encouraging way while still pushing me as an athlete is unique and greatly appreciated. There’s a science to programming which many coaches do not understand but he has it mastered. He also works at a level professionalism & respect which is hard to come by nowadays.
I get to work around some coaches who consider themselves to be top in their field, many in pro sports and nobody has ever gained my trust or proven to me that they know more than McKenna. I’m lucky to have him as my coach as well as an advisor in my own practice.”
Happy Clients
Working out with you guys is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself in my adult life.
— Lisa Flaharty, Felton, PA
Working with Mike McKenna is one of the best decisions I've ever made. He has guided me across a spectrum of goals- from getting stronger and more proficient with lifts to having a healthy pregnancy and post partum experience. Mike's level of knowledge is amazing and I trust him completely. He believes in his clients and cares about them as athletes and people. I've become a better lifter, better person and a better coach as a result of working with him.
— Kaitlin Gregory, state college, pa
Mike has worked with me time and time again to create programs that accommodate my long list of physical limitations and accomplish my goals. No matter what sort of set back I had (and I’ve had many) Mike has been beyond supportive and accommodating, and always made sure I was doing what I was capable of and guiding me in how to best take care of my body as a powerlifter with multiple physically limiting conditions. Not only are Mike and all members of his gym kind, quirky, and fun, they will push you to be your best and hold you accountable. This is a community you want to be a part of, and I am so glad I’ve become a part of it.
-Katelyn Nicholson, Shippensburg, PA
Mike McKenna taught great classes in Olympic lifting. I took both the Level I, Sport Performance and Level II Coaching Advanced Sport Performance courses taught by Mr. McKenna. I have studied many subjects at many places over many years, so I can say with confidence, "Mike is as good as it gets! I could not recommend him more highly. Thanks, Mike!
— Steve Vogel, nj
Becoming a part of McKenna Weightlifting was the best choice I made for my lifting. Mike is a patient coach who is able to bring out the best in each lifter. Every cue is individualized to you and your needs. He knows just how to push you to your full potential without sacrificing the enjoyment of training.
— Rachel garmon, Richmond, VA
I don't write reviews often, so please trust me when I say that this is the place that you need to be if you truly want to improve. - April 2014
One year has passed since my first review of McKenna's Gym and so much has changed that I feel moved to write more. I meant what I said in 2014, but I didn't realize how much I meant it. To cover what most people care about first, I should start by mentioning that in one year I went from being a clueless weightlifter, to one that has a good chance at making the AO and nationals. If that's all you care about, then you don't need to read more. But if you are like me and lifting is more than just lifting, then I think there is more that you should know. You can see us all lift on IG and Facebook, but here's what you don't see. In the past year Chloe and I have become a part of McKenna's family, both gym and personal. There isn't a day that goes by where we don't talk to McKenna, and look at pictures of Lucy in the gym. In the past year Chloe and I have attended multiple USAW courses. Twelve months later I am working towards auditioning for the USAW medical team. Almost 365 days later, Chloe and I started our own barbell club. Only it's not our own club, it's an extension of McKenna's. In one year I have learned that weightlifting is not just about chasing kilos. It's about family. And one of my proudest moments is when I became a part of McKenna's family.
— Dr. John giacalone, bethlehem, pa
Mike has been an exceptionally supportive coach through a number of lifes ups and downs. Technically sounds and responsive in terms of programming. We started working together when I was 4 months pregnant with my first and helped me develope a strong lifting foundation that 3 years later allowed me to qualify as a Masters Athlete for the AOs. We shifted training gears due to a shoulder dislocation and when outside life it the fan. Never once did he let me give up. He has always had a positive word and encouragement to support me as an older athlete. I am incredibly grateful to have him as my coach and coaching mentor.
— Meaghan Donnelly
My first meeting with Coach McKenna was at the 2019 USAW National Championships. I was in the training hall, all by myself. I probably looked lonely, nervous, and awkward. As I was finishing what I needed to get done, here comes McKenna, “Hey, can I take a picture of you?” While some might find that weird, it made me feel like I was not alone in the training hall. Fast forward a year and a half past two clubs and two coaches and now I have the privilege of being coached by Mike McKenna. He knows how my mind words, how my body works, and does not let me sell myself short for even a second. I have been frustrated because I have so many bad habits to fix but here comes McKenna again to show me that I am not alone. In two months of working with Coach McKenna, I have learned more about my body’s dynamics, angles, and power than I have in the past three years. Not to mention I am sore ALL THE TIME but that just means I am getting really strong. Joining the McKenna Weightlifting family was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Caitlin Whealy, Cleveland, ohio
McKenna’s Gym, Mckenna Weightlifting, Mike McKenna ...
I’ve had the pleasure working with Mike as both an athlete and as a mentee coach. In either capacity I’ve experienced nothing but sincerity and a genuine desire from Mike /McKenna’s Gym to assist athletes to reach their full potential. Mike elevates his athletes vis his hugemongous heart, his extensive knowledge base of all things strength and conditioning related, his attention to detail and professionalism and larger than life personality. As a multi sport masters athlete under His coaching and care, I’ve had significant success both in my daily training program and on competition day.. Through sound training leading up and the support and motivation of Coach McKenna, I’ve successfully placed in competition and achieved personal bests with the added bonus of qualifying for national and international meets.
As a new coach Mike has invested and poured into me selflessly to ensure that I’ve had opportunity to grow and develop and contribute well to the sports I’m involved with and benefit the athletes I train.
McKenna Weightlifting is a tremendously talented and diverse team with an amazing head coach.