HomeAbout6-Week ChallengeProgramsTestimonialsContactFREE Nutrition Plan
Our Story

More Than a Gym —
A System
for Life

Built on education, community, and science-backed methods that make you self-sufficient — not dependent on us forever.

Who We Are

Strength Factory

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, Founder
Coach Arsalan Afshar Strength Factory
The Method

The Strength Factory Method: The 6 Cs

01
Care
We invest in you as a person. Your wins are our wins. Your struggles are heard.
02
Community
Train alongside driven, supportive people who hold each other accountable and celebrate progress together.
03
Coaching
Expert, personalized guidance every step of the way from certified coaches who know their craft.
04
Collaboration
Your goals drive everything. We build your program around your life, not the other way around.
05
Consistency
We help clients build results they can maintain for life which comes from prioritizing consistency over intensity.
06
Continual Education
We believe an educated client is an empowered one. We don't just tell you what to do — we teach you why. From nutrition science to movement principles, we make sure you understand your body, your program, and the habits that drive lasting results. Our coaches stay current so you stay ahead.
Coach Arsalan Afshar Strength Factory
FounderHead Coach
Meet Your Coach
Arsalan Afshar
Founder & Head Coach, Strength Factory
NASM CPTNASM CNCPN SSR7+ Years ExperienceTop 10 IL WrestlerDePaul University

Coach 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 Paul Harayo Strength Factory
Coach
Meet Your Coach
Paul Harayo
Coach, Strength Factory
NASM CPT M.S. Performance & Exercise Science IPF Junior World Championship 2023 USAPL Pro Card 2024

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."

Coach Sumnble Mohammed Strength Factory
Coach
Meet Your Coach
Sumnble Mohammed
Coach, Strength Factory
NASM CPT 20+ Years Experience M.A. In Education

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.

Coach Melanie D'Souza Strength Factory
Front Desk and Admin
Meet Your Coach
Melanie D'Souza
Front Desk and Admin, Strength Factory
MBA RYT-200 3x Hyrox Finisher DEKA (Fit, Strong, Mile) Finisher Slow Runner's Club

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.

Follow Us on Instagram

Daily training content, client transformations, and behind-the-scenes at Strength Factory.

@strength.factory →

Ready to Get Started?

Your first session is free. No commitment, no pressure.

Claim My Free Session