Built on education, community, and science-backed methods that make you self-sufficient — not dependent on us forever.
Strength Factory was born in a garage in 2020 with a simple belief: real transformation goes beyond the physical. Founded by Coach Arsalan Afshar, our studio in Mt. Prospect, IL is built on education, community, and scientifically proven methods that help clients become self-sufficient — not dependent on us forever.
We don't believe in quick fixes or extreme approaches. We believe in consistency over intensity, science over guesswork, and relationships over transactions. Every client who walks through our doors gets a coach who genuinely cares about their success — physically and mentally.
Our ultimate goal? To make you so educated about your own health and fitness that you could coach yourself — and maybe even others.
"I want to equip every client with the mindset I gained from wrestling — to tackle anything life throws at them."
— Coach Arsalan Afshar, FounderCoach Arsalan's path to fitness wasn't handed to him — it was earned. Growing up, he lacked confidence and direction until he discovered wrestling and weight training in high school. Those years of discipline and mental toughness shaped him into the coach he is today.
After becoming a top-10 ranked wrestler in Illinois and graduating from DePaul University, Arsalan chose purpose over profession — leaving accounting to pursue what truly moved him: helping others transform. Since 2019, we have witnessed firsthand how health and community can change lives.
In 2020, he founded Strength Factory out of his parents' garage with a clear mission: unlock hidden human potential through fitness, education, and mental toughness.
"Breaking mental barriers through sport shaped everything I am. I want every client to walk away stronger in the gym — and stronger in life."
Coach Poi is a world-renowned powerlifter, business owner, and elite performance coach with nearly a decade of competitive experience. He competed at the 2023 IPF Junior World Championship and earned his USAPL Pro Card in 2024.
As the Head Powerlifting Coach at Maine West High School and an online coach, Coach Poi has guided athletes to multiple state championships, top-three national finishes, and numerous state and national records. His coaching philosophy blends science-backed programming with strategic long-term development, ensuring athletes progress both physically and mentally. Over the course of his career, he has coached hundreds of athletes, from beginners to nationally competitive lifters.
Coach Poi graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master's degree in Performance, Sport, and Exercise Science. Now he works to integrate advanced performance science and mental skills training into his coaching process, creating a holistic, results-driven approach to fitness and wellness as a coach at Strength Factory.
"The best athletes aren't just physically strong — they're mentally prepared. I build both."
Sumnble Mohammed has been passionate about fitness and strength training since the age of 20. Over the years, she has trained consistently and worked alongside many fitness professionals in a variety of environments, gaining valuable knowledge and experience that have shaped her approach to health and wellness. Her mission is to inspire and empower others through strength, confidence, and sustainable lifestyle changes.
Sumnble is especially passionate about helping women in their 40s and beyond discover the transformative power of strength training. She believes that building a strong body goes hand in hand with building a resilient, confident mind. Having experienced both the highs and lows of her own fitness journey, she understands the challenges many women face and is committed to providing the guidance, encouragement, and support they need to achieve their goals. Her purpose is to help women become stronger, healthier, and more confident while creating a positive, lasting impact on their lives.
Outside of fitness, Sumnble enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She loves traveling, listening to music, reading, and exploring new restaurants wherever she goes.
Melanie has spent over a decade in the fitness world, with experience across powerlifting, running, cardio classes, group fitness, and hybrid training in recent years — along with time managing the front desk at a boutique fitness studio along the way.
In 2018, she earned her RYT-200 yoga certification after wanting to learn more about how the body works, which shaped her holistic approach to health and movement.
She believes people learn best by doing and brings that mindset into fitness — she's just as passionate about teaching others as she is about her own growth. Group and small group training are her favorite, thanks to the camaraderie and motivation that comes with working out alongside others.
Melanie stays active for her own stress relief and personal growth but also enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family. She has 5+ years of experience with wedding coordination, admin work and a short stint working at Apple. A jack of all trades.