SMASH's Strength Lab

Military discipline. NSCA coaching. Real results.

I’ve trained people through injuries, plateaus, and life chaos, and I know what actually works. My background in the Army, competitive lifting, and strength coaching taught me this. No fluff. Just a plan built for you.

If you want a coach who can back up every rep with experience, come talk to me at SMASH’s Strength Lab. 💪

Your hinge is leaking strength.

If your low back lights up before your glutes do, the fix usually starts with better bracing and cleaner hip drive.

Brace first. Push the hips back. Keep a neutral spine. If you feel pain, stop and regress, then get it checked by a pro.

Want me to break down your deadlift setup? Comment "HINGE" and I’ll post the next step.

Your deadlift starts before the bar moves.
Brace hard, set your lats, and pull the slack out first. That keeps your spine stacked and your power going into the bar, not into a sloppy first rep.

If your low back always feels crushed, your setup is the problem. Save this, then book a form check if you want cleaner pulls. Consult a pro if pain shows up.

Military discipline. Certified coaching. Real strength.

I’ve trained in the Army, on the platform, and in the gym. That mix taught me one thing fast. Cookie-cutter plans don’t build lasting results.

At SMASH’s Strength Lab, every client gets coached with purpose, not guesswork. If you want expert eyes on your training, send me a DM and let’s talk.

Strong knees start with smart ankles.

Most people blame the squat, but the real limiter is often ankle mobility. If your heels pop up or your knees cave, your body is borrowing from somewhere else.

Fix the base first, then load the movement. Want a quick mobility check? DM me and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Jesse Smash Howland

More work doesn’t always mean more progress.

Your body adapts when stress is followed by recovery. Push the load, then rest and rebuild.

That’s how strength sticks. If pain has changed your movement, regress the exercises and then we'll find a way to work around it, while pursuing other options that will benefit your body.

We have a full team of professional massage therapists, ART practitioners, and various other therapists to get you back on track with your journey.

Want coached progress, not guesswork? Book a session at SMASH’s Strength Lab.

Ring work looks simple.

Until you try to keep your ribs down, glutes on, and shoulders packed while everything shakes.

Thats why we use it.

If you want stronger shoulders, better control, and fewer nagging aches, earn your positions first.

Ottawa crew: want a plan built around your body and your goals?
Message the page and well book a consult.

Most trainers have a cert. I have a career.

Thirteen years as a US Army Captain taught me what most gym programs never will. Real performance is built under pressure, not comfort.

NSCA-CSCS certified. Competitive powerlifter and natural bodybuilder. Every program I write carries that weight.

If you want a coach who's actually lived it. come train at SMASH's Strength Lab.

Book your first session at ottawastrengthtraining.com

PRs don’t happen by accident.

They happen because you show up when it’s boring.
You do the warm-ups.
You own the positions.
You add 5 lbs and earn it.

If you want to get stupid strong (and stay healthy doing it), that’s the whole game.

Ottawa crew: want a coach watching the details?
Message the page and we’ll book a consult.