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Hey, I'm Stephen Berkemeier,

the founder and head coach at Level Up Lifting.

I’ve spent over a decade helping hundreds of clients get stronger, leaner, and more confident!

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I began my career at the University of Michigan, completing an intensive apprenticeship before becoming a personal trainer for the University’s fitness program, where I worked for four years. After that, I took my methods to multiple Anytime Fitness locations, where I built and led their barbell training program from the ground up. Since then I've spent several years working as a free lance coach for individuals of all different backgrounds and training experiences/goals!

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I’ve lived every side of the process myself! From running cross-country, to repping 500+ lbs. on the deadlift bar. Even recently losing nearly 100 pounds while rebuilding my physique with an emphasis on aesthetics and long-term health.

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As a Neurodivergent Coach, I’m obsessed with sports-science theory and performance data, but my coaching philosophy goes deeper than numbers. I believe progress only sticks when YOU understand the mechanics behind it. When you know exactly why your program works and how to adapt it to your own body.

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That’s the heart of Level Up Lifting: education-based coaching that teaches you to train with purpose, think critically, and build lasting change. No crash diets, no random workouts, no confusion!