From a young age, Samantha Todd understood the importance of being healthy. Her father had been a professional trainer and bodybuilder for years and started teaching her and her sister the art when they were just five years old. Today, Todd is passing that passion and knowledge onto others through Spartan Strength Systems.
Five years ago, Todd and her husband Joseph opened Spartan Strength Systems. The facility provides a place for those looking to power lift. Recently, they left the 800 square-foot space they had outgrown and opened a new 4000 square-foot facility.
“This has always been our dream and our new facility is exactly the strength facility we’ve been looking for,” Todd explained. “It’s not just about powerlifting, it’s the powerhouse of strength.”
Samantha’s Story on Her Way to Spartan Strength Systems
“All I’ve ever known growing up is the importance in being healthy with your body,” Todd explained. “It’s more than just looking good, it’s for your health and stress level and it’s about feeling good. It’s a passion of mine.”
When Todd was in middle school, she entered her first competition at a fitness camp and earned first place. While in college, she placed in the top five in a bikini competition, “I respect the sport of bodybuilding so much, but after the bikini competition I made the switch to powerlifting,” she said. “The bikini competition is too subjective and with powerlifting, you’re either strong or you’re not. But I still respect the sport of bodybuilding so much.”
In 2015, Todd took the top prize in her first powerlifting competition. While preparing for her second event she discovered she was pregnant. “I continued to lift throughout my pregnancy,” she said. “And I encourage other women to do the same.”
In 2022, weighing just 148 pounds, Todd achieved her first 1000-pound total lift. This lift, she explained, consisted of three separate lifts totaling at least 1000 pounds. She squatted 375 pounds, benched 226 pounds, and deadlifted 429 pounds.
“I want women to know you can be strong and it’s empowering,” Todd explained. “I don’t want women to be intimidated. A lot of females think they’re going to be bulky or look different if they power lift but that’s not the case.”
Spartan Strength Systems
Todd has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and health promotion and her husband Joseph has a master’s degree in sports medicine. She’s also certified to be a meet director. They are both certified through NSCA, National Strength and Conditioning Association. Todd works part-time as a health and wellness coordinator at a Colorado Springs school while Joseph devotes his full time to the gym. Both are natives of Colorado Springs.
“We’re more than just a gym, we’re a family,” Todd explained. “We’re welcoming to all, and our members welcome everyone in. Everyone starts with just the bar and there’s no reason to be intimidated because we all started there.”
The facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for members and those with a day pass. It operates on an access control door and key fob for entry so members can work out when their schedule permits it. Membership is limited to those 16 years of age and up, and discounts apply for those who pay for either a six-month or yearlong membership. Day passes are also available.
Todd explained that depending on one’s needs, different levels of membership are offered. The initial membership and less expensive option offer templates of programs for members to follow without any one-on-one training. The team option, designed to help those get ready for competition, offers one-on-one attention available in a group format during coaching hours. A third option, customized for the specific client, offers one-on-one coaching as well as nutritional advice, weekly calls, and more.
Todd stressed that their facility is not just geared toward competitors. “Some are training for competitions, but others are just gym members who want to get stronger,” she said. “Our gym is for everyone. Many are just average Joes who are new to elite athletics. It’s a family here, and the camaraderie here is different than in other gyms.” Todd added their members range from high school students to older adults, those training for a strong-man competition, and those who just want to be healthy. Their membership is comprised of both men and women.
Their equipment is everything a powerlifter would need. Additionally, they have strong man equipment which includes rope, turf, yolk, atlas stones, and kilo plates. They also offer a mono-lift, a very sturdy power rack for very heavy weights that are designed for safety.
Future Plans
“We want this to be a place where everyone comes, and we want people to leave with some knowledge,” Todd said. In the future, the couple plan to host informational sessions for members that feature sports nutritionists, physical therapists, and others to give individuals a holistic approach to how to take care of their bodies. Preparing firefighters for their CPAT evaluations and tests is another future goal.
“There’s so much satisfaction in what we do here,” Todd explained. “Seeing people’s faces when they come in and seeing people make new friendships. People are laughing and having a good time all while getting healthy.”
Spartan Strength Systems is located at 1075 Ford St. in Colorado Springs. For additional information, call 719-755-2974 or visit https://www.spartanbarbell.net.
