My Experience at Sorinex Summer Strong 18

I’m going to make a blanket statement here, and I stand by it 100%.

If you do not regularly put yourself in the room PHYSICALLY with like-minded, driven, and high-achieving people, you’re missing out on a large part of growth for you and your business.

This weekend, I had the opportunity to attend Summer Strong 18 at Sorinex HQ in Lexington, SC. First off, the environment was incredible—they have a massive indoor/ outdoor weight room that acts as a showroom for their equipment, as well as a museum of weightlifting equipment, a library, and superb outdoor vendor setups, BBQ pits, and picnic tents.

Over 800 strength coaches, athletes, and enthusiasts were under the same roof, all with positive attitudes and relishing the weekend's fellowship.

Yeah, there were speakers, but honestly, every conference has speakers.  This was something different.

I was able to reconnect with dozens of coaches I’ve met over the years but lost touch with, network with my peers, and gain greater insight into what the best are doing in their work with athletes and clients. 

I left the weekend with my cup overflowing with excitement and my gas tank completely empty.

This type of event doesn’t happen often, and I can only think of a few conferences I’ve attended or know of that would fall into this category: SWIS and Real Coaches Summit.

I don’t care what excuse you can think of. Spend the money, buy the ticket, book the hotel, and go get inspired.

I’ve been doing this for close to 20 years.  I personally believe that I can coach shoulder to shoulder with anyone, but I am by no means a big fish.  At Summer Strong, I felt as small as I’ve ever felt. Guess what?  THAT IS EXCITING!

Surrounding yourself with the best of the best shows you what’s possible.  

You cannot get this feeling on the internet—it has to be face-to-face, so close you can smell the sweat.

It really got me thinking… who wants a Coaches Corner U event in 2026?

Reply to this email, and I'll make it happen if I get enough interest.

Keep Raising the Bar,

Paul Oneid MS, MS, CSCS