When Ryan Kurrle talks about fitness, he rarely frames it as a short-term goal.
“It’s definitely an investment,” he says. “We all invest in 401(k)s and retirement accounts. But if we don’t keep muscle mass on our bodies and keep ourselves mobile, we’re not going to be able to enjoy any of that later.”
Kurrle and his wife, Candice, own LIFT Training (lifttraining.co) in West Bloomfield, where Kurrle approaches health the same way many people approach finances: with long-term thinking, careful measurement and consistency. His philosophy aligns closely with the growing national conversation around longevity and preventive care, including a recent 60 Minutes feature with Dr. Peter Attia, which focused on training for long-term independence and quality of life.
“If we take a little time now and invest in ourselves — our muscle, our mobility — then later we can actually use those investments,” Kurrle says. “Otherwise, you’re spending more time in doctors’ offices instead of doing the things you want to do.”
Originally founded by David Sherban and Jess Carr, LIFT opened close to seven years ago. Kurrle came on board as a trainer before he and his wife, Candice, purchased the business nearly two years ago.
“Candice brings in a strong female presence and advocacy for women’s health,” Kurrle says. “She is the glue here, focusing on the details around the gym and the coaches. None of this would be possible without her perseverance and passion for family and community.”
Since the couple purchased the gym, Kurrle has focused on expanding its scope while keeping its core philosophy intact.
“The biggest thing we’ve implemented is that everything we do is science-based,” he explains. “We don’t guess at anything.”
New clients begin with detailed assessments, including body composition testing and movement screenings, through a method founded by doctors. Programs are then adjusted regularly based on results.
“We put the body under stress, and it reacts,” Kurrle says. “That’s true for strength, bone density, mobility — everything. So we measure it, adjust it and keep going.”
In addition to generalized strength and health fitness, LIFT offers nutrition coaching, sports-performance training, including rebuilding after physical therapy, and personalized golf-performance training to target weaknesses and unlock powerful performance.
LIFT works with clients ages 16 and up, with most members between 45 and 65 — although, Kurrle says, “we believe that age is just a number and you can be strong and get stronger at any age.” Training is individualized, whether someone works one-on-one with a coach or follows a customized program through the gym’s small-group format, all easily scheduled on their app.
Each 60-minute session follows a structured format: collective warm-up, coach-led briefing on movements and form, guided workout with ongoing instruction and cool-down for recovery. Workouts vary daily — some emphasize strength training with barbell squats and kettlebell swings, others focus on cardio conditioning or bodyweight movements. Golf performance training helps you move better and play stronger without pain.
“People hire us to get them to a goal,” Kurrle says. “Everything is built around that person.”
For Kurrle, however, results are only part of the story. Relationships matter just as much.
“Connection is almost the most important thing,” he says. “You have to build trust.”
He credits that focus for LIFT’s unusually high member retention.
“I know every member by name,” he says. “We write cards. Everyone gets a birthday gift. Those things say, ‘We care’.”
Kurrle’s own path to fitness leadership was gradual. A former high school swimmer and college weightlifter, he stepped away from training for a time after graduation. When he returned, he noticed how much better he felt, physically and mentally.
“I could handle stress better. I could work harder,” he says.
After earning certifications in personal training and mobility, Kurrle balances coaching with a career as an engineer and his family.
“My driving mindset has always been impact,” he says. “I want to have the largest positive impact on people’s lives.”
Today, that includes mentoring his coaching staff.
“I can only train so many people,” he says. “But if I help our coaches build sustainable careers, they can help even more.”
LIFT is now preparing to expand its wellness offerings, including in-house physical therapy and blood testing through a healthcare partner.
“It’s about self-advocacy,” Kurrle says. “People should know their numbers. They should understand their health.”
He often points to his 96-year-old grandfather, Jack, who still rides his bike and stays active, as proof of what consistent movement can mean.
“He still works out every day,” Kurrle says. “That’s the goal.”
For Kurrle, success isn’t defined by before-and-after photos or quick fixes. It’s measured in durability, independence and the ability to keep showing up for life.
“If you take care of your body now,” he says, “you give yourself more options later.”