Stand Strong’s Origin Story
Fun Fact!
We are HUGE fans of Brian Dawkins. After Matt’s accident, the Eagles gifted Lindsay a signed BDawk jersey, on which he wrote “God Bless & Stand Strong.” We liked his choice of words.
We were so blessed to have Dawkins stop in for a workout at Stand Strong soon after we first opened.
Stand Strong Training Center is the fortunate result of a very unfortunate accident. In September of 2014, exactly one month after we (Matt & Lindsay) had our first child, Matt was in a kayaking accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He spent 2 months in the hospital, was released into outpatient rehabilitation until insurance ran out, and we were then left with no other wellness options and no hope from the doctors of Matt ever walking again. As a very active couple, it was this moment that we recognized the immense void for individuals suffering from life altering injuries to continue with their recovery, as well as their health and fitness.
Rather than be discouraged, we embraced our underdog status and relished the opportunity to beat the odds. We continued to work towards Matt’s goal of walking again and, with the help of our community and Hope for Helm, we relocated to Michigan for roughly two years. There, Matt continued his recovery alongside both able-bodied athletes and other individuals with a variety of injuries and diagnoses. We worked with knowledgeable trainers who weren’t afraid to think outside the box and believe people have more potential than what doctor’s might predict. As a former athlete, Matt thrived in the environment filled with competition and excitement, and we knew we needed to create our own training center back home.
Stand Strong Training Center was born.
Though Matt’s accident was unfortunate, it has significantly shifted our perspective on life, on what matters most, and the impact we want to have on others. It has strengthened our focus on faith, family, and community. It has helped us recognize our true passions, and it has given us the courage to pursue our dream to train both athletes and individuals trying to take their lives back. And the best part of all is that we are just getting started, so we hope you’ll join us!
Meet the Team
Matt Helm
Founder - Owner - Lead Trainer
Matt is a home-grown, life-long, and dedicated athlete, born and raised in Downingtown, PA, where he was a two sport (football and baseball), all-state athlete at Downingtown High School.
He went on to play Division I baseball at Marshall University, where he started at third base and competed in one of the top conferences in the country. Helm was nominated team captain by his teammates and was a two-time recipient of the Lifter of the Year award for his off-season training.
Matt earned his degree in Accounting from Marshall, but believed he was not using his full talent and ability sitting behind a desk. As a trainer and business-owner, he has found his true calling in developing athletes of all ages and abilities. He is passionate about designing the best programs for all Stand Strong clients, grounded in science-backed methodology and his own expertise and experience.
Certifications:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Functional Movement Specialist
- Barwis Methods Certified Applied Coach
Lindsay Helm
Founder - Owner - Mindset Ninja - Yoga Instructor
Lindsay is also a life-long athlete who grew up here in Downingtown, PA, where she played rugby and soccer, and helped lead the Downingtown High School Girls Soccer team to back-to-back state championship victories.
She went on to row Division I crew in her first two years at Cornell University, where she won a gold medal in the EAWRC sprints. She then returned to her true athletic love of rugby in her last two years, where she acquired many accolades on the pitch as a flanker.
Lindsay earned her BA in Psychology at Cornell, and went on to earn two Master’s degrees in Psychology and Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania. She found her niche and passion in life and wellness coaching. She has trained coaches around the world in Academic Life Coaching, Wellness Coaching, and Mindset Coaching, and coaches people from all walks of life to help them achieve their goals. She is proud to coach for the SEAL Future Foundation, coaching Navy SEALs through their transition into civilian life, and is thrilled to use her expertise to help Stand Strong clients pursue their potential.
Certifications:
- ICF Professionally Certified Coach
- ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified
- ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist
- CTEDU Certified Wellness Coach
- Power Yoga Teaching Certified
- Certified Animal Flow Instructor
- M.S.Ed. Psychological Services, M.Phil. Professional Counseling
Patrick Nash
Fitness Trainer - Athlete Development Coach
Patrick is also a life-long, well-rounded athlete. He grew up in Kennett Square, PA, where he played soccer, basketball, and ran track and cross country. Patrick attended Penn State University and later earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from West Chester University.
Patrick also happens to be Matt’s cousin, and he visited Matt several times while he was in Michigan training at Barwis Methods. With each visit, he realized that becoming a personal trainer was something he was incredibly passionate about and a career worth pursuing. Patrick and Matt drove to Florida to get Barwis Methods certified, and the 14-hour drive was long but well worth the trip. Patrick went on to earn his national trainer certification, and now plays an integral role here at Stand Strong. From our fitness classes to athlete development, he loves working with every client to help them reach their goals.
Patrick stays active in adult leagues for basketball, soccer, and kickball, and participates regularly in 5ks and 10ks. He’s a diehard Philadelphia sports fan, and if one of the four teams is playing, very rarely will you find him not watching the game.
Certifications:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Sports Performance Specialist
- Barwis Methods Certified Applied Coach
Finnigan Helm
Motivator, Encourager, Sweaty Leg Licker
Finnigan (aka Finn, aka the Gym Dog) prides himself in his athletic build, his inherent “Boxer” genes, and ability to encourage clients via silent, judging stares. Whether you need a motivating boost via a play pounce or foot chase, or an encouraging snuggle or tail wag, he’ll be at the ready. He may ambush you with a surprise sweaty leg lick, but hey, he’s just doing his due diligence to maintain adequate levels of hydration and electrolytes.
Certifications:
- Certified Rescue Mutt
- Service Dog-In-Training
- Certified Professional Sweaty Leg Licker