Education:
BS: University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
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Major: Exercise Science
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Minor: Strength & Conditioning
MA: Minnesota State Mankato
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Major: Sports Administration
A.J Kelly, MA, CSCS
Certifications:
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NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) since 2005
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First Aid, AED, CPR Certified since 2005
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TRX Suspension Training Certified since 2014
Explore full coaching background and experience:
Career Highlights:
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20+ years coaching all fitness levels
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Worked with Olympic and professional athletes
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Guided thousands of clients through strength and lifestyle transformations
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Expertise in both virtual and in-person coaching
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Skilled at adapting training to any ability or challenge
"He may be remote, but I assure you he makes it feel like he is physically in the room with you as you train."
Khristy S.
MY STORY
By high school, I was leading my football team through workouts and reading every fitness book I could find. That passion guided me to pursue degrees in Exercise Science and Strength and Conditioning, along with mentorships from respected coaches who shaped how I train today.
Over the past two decades, I’ve coached a wide range of clients — from elite athletes with the Detroit Tigers, Minnesota State Mankato, and the University of Minnesota… to everyday individuals rebuilding strength after knee or hip replacements, wheelchair users, and clients with visual impairments. Every single person I've worked with has taught me something valuable and expanded my understanding of what's possible.
In 2020, everything changed.
A pandemic layoff pushed me to try virtual training on Zoom. That moment sparked the beginning of Kelly Strong. Since then, I’ve coached people from Saudi Arabia and Europe to both coasts of the United States — proving that real progress doesn’t require a gym, just commitment and the right guidance.
Fitness has shaped my life from the beginning. I grew up in a supportive family who faced challenges with weight, and even at a young age, I knew I wanted something different. I wanted to break that cycle, take control of my health, and build a stronger path forward.
At 12 years old, I stepped into the weight room for the first time — determined to excel in football and stay ahead of the health issues I saw around me. What began as a way to get better on the field quickly grew into a passion that would define my life.
Every challenge.
Every client.
Every season of my journey has led me here.
I turned my struggles into strength.
Now I’m here to help you do the same.
BIG DAY.
BIG GOALS.
"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!"
Najah S.
REAL PEOPLE.
REAL PROGRESS
"If you’re looking for an amazing personal trainer, STOP! AJ KELLY IS THE BEST. 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
"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
"I thought that virtual training sessions might be different or less effective than in person. But I was wrong. AJ is very focused and sees everything you’re doing and whether your form is correct. He doesn’t miss a beat. There’s nowhere to escape."
- Jennifer L.
"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.
Kelly Strong Options
Train from home, work, or anywhere in the world — even while traveling.
Live coaching is available through Zoom, FaceTime, Duo, or your preferred platform.
What you get:
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Customized workouts based on your goals and available equipment
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Real-time form correction to maximize results and prevent injury
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Motivation, accountability, and expert coaching every step of the way
Perfect for:
Anyone who wants flexible, effective training without commuting to a gym.
KELLY STRONG PERSONAL STUDIO
(NASHVILLE, TN)
If you’re local to Nashville, you can train in my personal studio — a comfortable, private space designed for focused, one-on-one coaching.
What you get:
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A personalized environment with zero distractions
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Custom programming tailored to your goals
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Hands-on coaching and precise form work
Perfect for:
Clients who prefer an in-person experience in a private, welcoming space.
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FIVE WEEK TRAINING PROGRAM:
(HYBRID COACHING)
A structured program for clients who are self-motivated but want professional guidance, progression, and accountability.
What you get:
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Weekly personalized workouts based on your goals, equipment, and limitations
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Two 30-minute phone or virtual coaching sessions
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Coaching to measure your progress and adjust as needed
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A PDF library of 200+ workouts for long-term use
Perfect for:
Disciplined clients who like training independently and want
expert structure and progression without full-time live sessions.
"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
Your first step starts here...
A.J. Kelly, MA, CSCS
No pressure. No commitment. Just a chance to meet and get moving.
FITNESS COACH
Cell: 717.635.0281