Testimonials

I had the pleasure to meet you at an early age. I was looking for ways to excel at sports and better myself as a whole. Taking speed classes soon turned in to working-out, which led to our tight friendship. With that friendship mentoring started to work it self in. Soon working-out after school turned in to lifting every morning at 430 am and after sometimes three times a day. Even when sports stopped you kept on pushing me more and more. You implanted in me that second best is never good enough, that the goal in life isn’t to be perfect, it’s just to get better and never, ever stop. Because the one-day you take off someone else is getting better. Not to quit when it hurts but to embrace it till your body gives out then you know you gave it your all. That you train day in and day out, that you must want it so bad you'll sacrifice air for it you'll train so hard that you want it more than air. So I went down the route of college and it wasn’t enough I wanted more always wanting more to keep pushing but I wasn't getting it so I talk to a recruiter and I told him I want to greatest challenge in my life something that will push me mentally and physically he told me that the marine corps infantry would give me the greatest challenge of my life everyday. I was sold I need it bad like a drug to push my body beyond all limits and more!!! Then you stepped in and gave me workouts to the point were I couldn’t walk anymore were I just wanted to roll over in my bed the next morning to rest because I couldn’t move but no you wouldn’t let me you called and called and called you even showed up at my house to pull me out of bed. You picked me up when I was down, you pushed me when I couldn't move, you dragged me forcing me to run when I could barely even walk let-alone crawl. To the point were my body was done it couldn't take anymore then you got on me face to face and made me realize right then and there I was ready. You slammed on the gas taking off and you threw me out on the street and I hit the ground running faster harder then be for I didn’t realize I was running I didn’t become tired I started to laugh because their was no more pain in my legs. My chest didn’t hurt. I I finally felt what it was to be the best and still to this day I want to be successful more than breathing it self I never say no and I never quit when it hurts that’s to you to day I can call my self A MARINE!

--Daniel McLaughlin LCPL Marine Core

Training with PSP has not only given me the opportunity to take part at the higher levels but to compete as well. PSP has not only made me faster and stronger but as a sophomore going up to varsity next year, Coach Brad has given me the confidence to play at the next level in the toughest conference in the state.  

--Brice Pall – Brother Rice Football

Training with Brad is a great experience. He has helped me achieve many goals, such as making varsity volleyball at Mother McAuley. He prepared me for my high school season, where I was the starting setter. As an athlete, he helped me to stay healthy after rehabilitating a back injury. Brad made it capable to compete at a high level of volleyball during club season. I look forward to training at the PSP every week, I wouldn’t choose anywhere else.

--Courtney Joyce – Mother McAuley Volleyball Player of the year 2012

Brad and the PSP trainers have made me the athlete I am today. As a freshman, I was a third string quarterback. But because of PSP, I worked my way up to the starting spot and had a great senior year. My times and numbers grew greatly. I improved from a 21 inch vertical to 28, 5.1 40-yard dash time to 4.59, 4.45 pro agility time (5-10-5) to 3.95. I still remember my first day here when I asked brad if I could become a college athlete, and I am proud to say that I earned a division II scholarship to play football. My favorite part about the PSP is the family atmosphere. Brad, his trainers, and other athletes make the PSP seem like a second home.

--Brandon Johnson – St. Rita/ St. Anselm football

Lewis Women’s Volleyball trained with Brad for two full years. During this time their training methods have greatly enhanced our players performance. Under their direction of Brad’s programming we have maximized foot speed, balance, core strength, verticals and overall physical conditioning. Their training techniques are very diverse and therefore are well received. The players are never bored and show up with the right attitude to work hard. This would not be possible if they didn’t believe. Without a doubt we are a better program, stronger individuals and a more successful team since training with Brad!

--Lorellee Smith – Head Women’s Coach Lewis Volleyball

Before training for Brad I had a lot of injuries. He tailored a program for me that not only increased my speed and strength, but helped me overcome my injuries and become the best athlete I have ever been. My vertical was raised to 30 inches and I am in the best shape I have ever been.

--Ryann Arundal – starting setter University of Wisconsin Parkside

When I started working with Brad I was a sophomore in high school. I was running a 4.6-4.7 forty yard dash and a 6.8 sixty yard dash. I would work with him at least twice a week. We worked on speed, strength and jumping. Within the first two years I worked with him I was running a 4.4 forty and a 6.5 sixty. I was benching around 270 and my vertical was right around 30 inches, I haven’t come close to jumping that high since I stopped working with Brad. Brad knows his athletes and knows how hard to push each one. He would pair me up with other potential college athletes to make sure I was being pushed and if there weren’t any other athletes there to be me then he would work with me himself and push me. After I went to college I still came back to work out with Brad. I always asked Brad about my running form and what lifts I should do. With Brad’s help I am now 195 pounds and I still run a 6.6 sixty yard dash. I’ve known most of the kids Brad has worked with and those that had enough talent to play division 1 sports did and were either faster, stronger or faster and stronger than most of the other athletes at that level. I have seen kids that didn’t think they could play college sports, end up playing division 2 sports with Brad’s help. If you put the time in with Brad you will probably over achieve your goals. The best thing about Brad is that if any athlete wants to do extra work he will not only allow you to use his equipment but he will continue you to coach you off the clock. There have been countless times when Brad went into his lunch break just to play catch with me or to make up an abs work out for me. He is a coach that doesn’t do it for a pay check but does it because he enjoys making athletes better. He feels a sense of pride when his athletes succeed and he should because he has been a part of it.

--Dan Dispensa – Starting Outfielder for Western Illiinois University

Brad Leshinske started training me when I was just sixteen years old and I have looked to him for my training every offseason since then. The progressions that I have made with my athletic skills along with the overall changes in physique that I have sustained, allowed me to perform at the highest level possible on the football field and lead me to earn over fifteen scholarships from division-one football programs. The reflections shown on the field by me are a result of the intense and rigorous training along with a tireless work ethic that Brad has instilled in me that I have carried forth thru my career at Boston College. The circulation of respect towards the training knowledge of Brad on the Southside of Chicago is of great admiration because of the elite level of athletes that he continues to produce through his programming and trust.

--Andy Gallik – Starting Center for Boston College/Drafted 2015 Tennessee Titans

In 2008 I was introduced to Brad through my brother Andy who was currently playing football in high school. At the time I was a stubborn scrawny sophomore playing volleyball at Lewis University, I knew nothing of sports performance and I believed I had no need to work out. I would hear Andy talking about the things he did that day with Brad after he had returned home from his workouts and I became curious. Being the big headed athlete I was, I was close minded going into my first workout with Brad. I still remember walking through that big blue tarp which the facility had to separate the walkway from the courts themselves, after pushing the tarp to the side I remember being hit by loud music, the bright lights, high ceiling and the chatter of other athletes pushing through their workouts. Hearing the “clanking” of chains on the platforms I glanced over and saw two more athletes lifting weights with chains and bands attached to them, another group was flipping a tire as tall as I was on the green turf that covered the floor. At that moment, every bit of cockiness fled from my body, I was nervous. The moment the color disappeared from my face, I heard someone say “Hi, I’m Brad, you must be Matt!” this scruffy guy with a baseball hat came walking up to me and at that moment, my life will be changed forever. The workout that day was a blur to me but I can never forget the exhaustion, the sweat and the sense of accomplishment I felt in myself after I was through. In my career at Lewis University I started with Brad a generous 185 pounds, and couldn’t bench more that my body weight. Through the years of going to Brad everyday over the summer and on breaks, I would get pushed to my limits surrounded by other athletes who were trying to do reach something. It wasn’t talked about or brought up, be we knew we all wanted to be the best we could be, win championships, receive titles and become something we thought we could never be. My stay at Lewis brought me several player of the week and all conference accolades, along with a senior year conference championship and a trip to the final four along with being named a NSCA Strength and Conditioning Athlete All-American. Leaving my senior year I was a solid 200 pounds and my experience with the sports performance world had changed my life forever. There is no telling where I would be, or who I would have become if I did not had the rigorous training and drive from Brad and the fellow athletes that I was surrounded with.

--Matt Gallik – Lewis University Volleyball 3 Time All Conference Winner and top 5 holder in blocks, NSCA Athlete of the Year

The PSP facility has been a key contributor to my success in college baseball. My name is Ryan Gyrion and I have been training at “PSP” since 2010. I graduated from Brother Rice High School and I am currently enrolled at Ohio State University. I play catcher on the baseball team and “PSP” has helped get me to where I am today. The atmosphere at “PSP” is second to none. It seems as though every athlete walks in with the understanding that they will get better, work hard, but they will also have a great time doing it. The coaches at “PSP” are, in my opinion, the best at what they do. I firmly believe that Brad Leshinske makes sure that his athletes understand why they’re doing the exercises they do, and he makes it very easy to ask questions. The workouts are designed to provide the athletes with plenty of rest and water breaks while maximizing the time spent in the gym. Brad spends countless hours putting together workouts for anyone and everyone who’s willing to put forth the effort to get better. For whatever reason. He is truly a man who just wants to see his athletes succeed. He will spend as much time as is needed with any one of his athletes. Whether it’s hitting ground balls, reviewing workout programs to best fit the needs of the athlete, or just giving the small pointers to maximize the results, Brad does more for his athletes than any trainer I have ever encountered. He surrounds his athletes with the tools they need to be the best. “PSP” has helped me come back from a torn rotator cuff and has helped me back to the top of my game. Without Brad Leshinske and PSP I am positive I would not be able to play, and compete at such a high level.

--Ryan “Bubba” Gyrion – Catcher Ohio State University / Windy City Thunderbolts

Brad Leshinske and PSP will help good athletes become great athletes. Brad is very passionate about what he does, and makes sure your workouts are tailored to exactly what you need to take the next step in your sport. My vertical, speed, and overall explosiveness were the best they had ever been after my training with Brad and PSP. You will not find another trainer as motivating, passionate, and knowledgeable as Brad and the staff at PSP. As an athlete, regardless of your sport, if you're looking to get faster, quicker, stronger or more powerful, you can't find a better program. PSP will give you the edge you need to be the best athlete you can be.

--Melissa Vandrey
Daily Southtown Volleyball Player of the Year 2000
Sun-Times Volleyball Player of the Year 2000
Queen of Peace Volleyball Hall of Fame Inductee
University of Illinois Volleyball 2000-2004
USA Premier Volleyball League Player (Team Great Lakes) 2012-Current

Well me and you have been training every since i was a sophomore in high school. I would go to brads right after school just to chill because i didn't want to go home.I think brad was the only trainer that literally got 100% out of me and literally broke me into a great athlete let alone football player. I think if it wasn't for me making the bad decisions in the classroom, i would have went to a division 1 college. I remember some days i was thinking it was going to be a easy day but it would be the worst training day ever, but in a good way. I remember the WORST training day is when we went to some huge park that had a staircase that looked like it was a about a mile long and it was so steep that if you fell you might die. We ran up and down those stairs about 10 times. I thought that was our only workout, i was wrong after we ran those stairs we had to run about 10 more sprints in the grass. I remember that day like it was yesterday, it may have sucked but it got me where i needed to be on the field. I think the whole reason why i got into fitness was because i saw how many athletes were being affected by Brad and his training methods.

--Chris Chaney – Starting lineabacker Southern Nazarenne University

PSP does a great job getting our team to compete and work to the best of our ability in every session. The atmosphere created by Athletic Edge is competitive and fun. You have no choice but to work hard and get better. These are there expectations for every speed and fitness session. Our program has been greatly impacted by their hard work and this effort will lead to future success."
--John McCarthy – Head Baseball Coach Brother Rice High School

Over the course of the three years I lifted PSP, I learned not only how to lift but also how to become a great athlete. The programs were always specified to my sport and the whole PSP staff always pushed my limits to new extremes every session. I instantly noticed results whether it is how fast I ran or how much my bench improved when lifting with Brad. The results of the programs improved my athletic ability when I played rugby. While training with
Brad Leshinske last year, I put on 12 pounds in the matter of three weeks. The best part of PSP was that it wasn’t like every other gym. It was composed of the best athletes on the
South Side of Chicago and this constantly pushed me to improve.

--Patrick Bailey, Arizona State Men’s Rugby Player

Brad Leshinske truly helped me rise to my peak athletic ability during my four years of high school, and secure a spot on the football field. Not only are his knowledge about training and nutrition good assets, but he is extremely easy to work with and an awesome communicator.

--Luke Rowell – collegiate football player University of Indianapolis

Brad Leshinske's training was more beneficial to my baseball career than any amount of swings I took in any cage or any bullpen I ever threw. It allowed me to get into the best shape of my life. After a single HOUR of training I began to feel results. I quickly became faster and stronger than I had ever been. I learned how to take care of my body in the weight room so I would not get hurt, something that often gets overlooked. My shoulder became more durable, my body stopped painfully aching after a workout and I quickly became hooked. Brad's training makes an athlete want to be a better, stronger, faster athlete because his training gives a taste of the hard work required to be a successful college athlete.

I learned more in a single session with Brad than I did in a semester in highshcool, whether it was about training or life. I would not be playing college baseball without Brad Leshinkse's training. I consider him not only the best trainer I have ever had but also one of the most genuine and trustworthy people I have ever met and I am grateful to call him not only my trainer, but a friend.

--Brian Donley – Pitcher University of Dallas

I went to PSP around my sophomore year in highschool. This is when I had first started back into playing football and many of my friends had told me about "brads". I went in there with one goal in mind, get as strong and as fast as I could before the start of the new football season. I was introduced to everything that brad had to offer to from weights to his running class. Combined both of these two things had more than prepared me for my first high school season my junior year. I continued to go to brads and grew a bond with him. From there on out I practically lived there and by the time my senior year came around, I earned a starting position on the football team thanks to brads gym. Throughout the time I went to brads I was also enlisted in the United States marine corps poolie system. The workouts that I got through my recruiting station were preparing me to go but I needed something more. So I turned back to brads, I began to get stronger and more in shape as my time to go to bootcamp came around. When I went to ship off, I felt more confident in myself and ready to take on the marine corps all thanks to PSP. In bootcamp, my high pft score and all around attitude that I gained from brads gym won me the honor man of my platoon. All of my athletic successes I have made so far started with brads gym PSP I feel like all of my accomplishments so far in the athletic field are because of brad. He has more than prepared me for the marine corps and I feel in top physical shape because of it.

--Richard Mayer – United States Marine Core Winner of the Honor Man of the Platoon

I have been training with Brad Leshinske for over a year now in strength conditioning at Fit Code. I have never felt stronger in my life. When I started my fitness journey I was 296 pounds and lost just over 50 pounds but I didn’t truly start to lose fat and gain muscle until I joined Brad on the strength side. Since then I have dropped as low as 215 pounds. Brad’s training method is unlike no other. You can sense his passion for his trade and for his clients. Even when there are 9 clients in our class I feel like I am getting one on one instruction. I also began a pretty heavy running program in which Brad would make sure that my workouts were scaled back to keep my legs fresh and that I wouldn’t injure myself prior to my race. I have seen my mile times drop drastically while working out with Brad as well. I can do up to 4 miles in the 7 minute 45 second range per mile and be comfortable.

--James Traut

Brad has been my personal trainer for a year and a half now. The results I have achieved to date are largely due to Brad’s individualized exercise programs. He has given me challenging yet achievable goals. He has helped me create the foundations for a new healthier lifestyle with his professionalism, his extensive knowledge and his enthusiasm. Each week, I have been encouraged by results in weight loss, athletic conditioning, relief in general back problems I had experienced, and many more. His commitment has given me the tools that I need and use every day.

--Dana Pyznarski

"What are your goals?"

That was one of the very first questions that Brad Leshinske asked me.

I was huffing and puffing my way through a workout at Fit Code for the first time, and I mean puffing. Never mind the fact that I was trained to run a full marathon three weeks earlier because I totally felt out of my element.

I gave the same canned answer I'm sure most people give when they are working out at a gym for the first time. "To lose weight," I told him.

Rather than accept that response, Brad gave me something more to think about after that first class. I can't remember the exact words, but he pretty much let me know that my basic response wasn't enough. He wasn't being a jerk; quite the opposite actually. He was encouraging and interested in helping me.

That is Brad.

He helps and encourages.

As I came to class during those first few weeks at Fit Code, I realized the Brad just wasn't the guy leading the class. He was so much more. After spending a few weeks pondering that question Brad first asked me, I had a response.

"I want to be strong," I told him.

When Fit Code started a strength program in January 2016 (just a few months after I started), and they were reassigning Brad from the basic MTT classes I was taking to coach strength. I knew that I had the chance to be coached by someone epic. I signed up for strength to have the opportunity to be coached to Brad. I knew he could help me get strong and reach my goals.

If Brad wasn't coaching strength, I know I wouldn't have signed up. He is the draw to the strength program.

Brad saw potential in me. He knew how to push me and when to push me. Over time, I developed a bond in working with him. I trusted him. I knew he wasn't going to let me get hurt under his watch. In fact, if something bothered me, he would modify or show me a trick to either getting the form correct.

It just wasn't about the gym for me.

I am a distance runner, and this year I ran two marathons about 90 days apart. I knew Brad thought it wasn't wise, but he supported me in my quest. He was wonderful about modifying workouts when I had long runs that mattered so I wouldn't get hurt.

When I was feeling burned out about 1/2 through the second round of marathon training, Brad didn't hesitate to help me. In fact, he approached me first because he could tell I was tired.

His plan got me back on track and to a marathon PR, which I wasn't expecting. I wanted it, but I know the difference was training with Brad. Now if I only did one marathon and not two, I would've crushed my PR.

I got strong in other ways too . . . not just as a runner. I was able to work on a housing project and carry heavy boards like they were no big deal. On a daily basis, I carry my 65 lb. yellow Labrador up and down the stairs without an issue. That is huge. She needs me, and I am able to help her.

Yes, I still struggle with nutrition, but unless Brad is going to follow me around all day, it's a demon I must overcome on my own. However, he gave me the tools to get started. When I follow them, I am unstoppable.

None of what I have accomplished in the last two years wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for Brad. Hands down, he is the best coach ever.

Brad's commitment to the field and the amount of knowledge that he has is just impressive. He knows how the body works both from a kinesiology standpoint and a medical standpoint (maybe from his years as a medic and throughout his studies.) He has the ability to coach professional athletes all the way down to the mom who just wants to get strong. Yet, he has never once made me feel any less important than a pro-athlete. He is interested in his clients as athletes and as people.

I never thought of myself as an athlete until Brad called me one. I still laugh at that, but it was nice to be thought of in that way.

Brad isn't going to scream at you. He's not going to yell. He's going to guide and encourage. He knows how to develop relationships while he maximizes the potential in people. It's not just clients. I've seen him develop coaches at Fit Code. Those coaches who have interned under Brad have been my favorite. Why? Because they take note of his coaching style and use it in being better coaches themselves.

Brad is still my favorite, but a Brad protege is acceptable.

In a nutshell, Brad is just amazing. I look at him as my coach, mentor and most of all, my friend. Any person that has the opportunity to work with him, whether a client, a coach, a student, and an intern, is going to benefit. I know I have. My only complaint about Brad is I wish he had the opportunity to coach more at the gym.

One day, when he completes his Ph.D., I am going to be able to say "I knew him when." He is going to continue to advance his field with his knowledge and dedication. I am happy he's coached me along the way.

Thank you, Brad. You are the best.

--Jill Yott

For the better part of my high school baseball career, Brad Leshinske has been my trainer, motivator, and most importantly my friend. He, along with the rest of the Athletic Edge staff trained me and my high school baseball team during our season and more importantly in the offseason. Brad stressed the importance of work ethic. Throughout all the workouts we would go through, he would always tell me to push a little harder because he saw the potential within me.

The results really did pay off because he encouraged me to kick my training into high gear during the summer going into my senior year. I would be training with Brad 3-4 times a week and results surely did show quickly. Thus, my senior year was the best year of my baseball career thus far. After struggling on the mound the year before, Brad stressed the importance of arm strength and gave me corresponding workouts. I went 5-1 my senior year and didn't give up a run until halfway through the season. I owe much of my success to Brad.

Now that I'm in college playing baseball, much of my current work ethic is a result of Brad. I know that I have to push harder than the guy next to me if I want to achieve greatness. Brad is a great trainer with a tremendous personality. He is surely one of the best.

--Kyle – Br. Rice Baseball/Hope College Athlete

I am going to do my best to describe how much Brad Leshinske has meant to me, but I do not know if this column will do it justice. I can honestly say that Brad is my friend, and a person that I revere.

I started training with Brad my sophomore year in high school for the upcoming football season. I worked with other trainers in the past, but I knew from the first day Brad was going to be different. He will push you to your max and help you strive for greatness. Many trainers will go through the motions and not fully invest in every individual athlete, but not Brad. Whether I was in a group with 8th graders or college athletes, he knew how to work to each individual’s strengths and better their weaknesses.

As I continued to grow under Brad’s guidance, I not only became a starter on my football team, but I was making a great friend along the way. Brad loves his work, because he loves his athletes. He cares for each and every one of them, which I think is sometimes overlooked. My junior year of high school he wrote me a life changing letter that I still look back on today. He expressed his excitement for how much I have grown, and reminded me that if I work hard I can make any dream a reality.

What makes Brad Leshiske the best trainer in the game is not all about how much he can help you add to your bench press or how many seconds you can drop off your 40. He is the best, because he will instill in you the mindset to be great. He makes each and every one of his athletes believe they can be the best.

I am a better person for getting to train with Brad for 3 years. I was able to raise my 3-rep bench press max from 145 as a sophomore to 235 as a senior and decreased my 40 yard dash time from a 5.2 to 4.7. I can 100% contribute my results from the work Brad put into helping me reach these goals. I still value the time when I came home from breaks and would grab lunch or play a round of golf and catch up on our lives.
Brad Leshinske is a man who will do whatever it takes to reach your goals. If you are a perspective athlete looking for someone to help you develop in all phases of life, Brad is your guy. I greatly appreciate being able to spread my experience working with Brad, and I hope that anyone who reads will take the opportunity to learn from this great man!

--Lucas Malone - Football player Brother Rice High School

Brad,

I have gone to Athletic Edge Sports Performance for the past four years and have had Brad Leshinske help and train me into the athlete I am now. His facilities were great and his speed camp tremendously improved my overall speed. Brad was always the go-to person when I had questions about certain lift techniques and how to recover properly after an intense workout. He was also not only a trainer but a good friend of mine. Before the speed and lifting sessions, we could talk to him about anything and it made it a friendly environment before we got down to business. I have much respect for Brad and owe him a lot of thanks for prepping me physically to get me where I am today.

--Mike Houston USA Rugby U 19 team and current Davenport University Rugby

Honestly, without my trainer and friend, Brad Leshinske, and his unrelenting training, I would not have had as good and productive high school football career and freshman football season in college.

--Tom Anderson Football