Who We Are

At Empirical Forge, we believe that true, lasting fitness requires two non-negotiable elements: evidence-based programming and honest, heavy work.

Empirical: adj. originating in or based on observation or experience

Forge: v. to form or bring into being especially by an expenditure of effort

Whether you’re stepping under a barbell for the very first time or looking to break through a long-standing performance plateau, you will never waste a single rep here. Every cycle, set, and exercise is calculated to get you stronger, safer, and more resilient. With over 30 years of combined experience, our coaches don't just read the research, we’ve spent decades testing and refining it on real people of all fitness levels.

Our Team

Christina

Co-Founder, Head Coach

With over 12 years of hands-on coaching experience, Christina’s approach to strength and conditioning bridges the gap between clinical movement science and real-world athletic output. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sports Science along with certifications as a USA Weightlifting (USAW) Coach, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), and Women’s Fitness Specialist (WFS), her deep technical toolkit covers everything from explosive power development to prenatal and postpartum training.

Her extensive background includes serving as a Strength and Conditioning Coach across 10+ NCAA division-1 teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, football, track and field, softball, swim, tennis, and field hockey. Alongside her work with team athletics and 1-on-1 clients, a central pillar of Christina’s career has been dedicated to empowering women in the weight room. She specializes in breaking down barriers, building true barbell literacy, and creating a supportive, high-standard environment where women feel confident stepping up to the rack, mastering heavy lifts, and taking ownership of their strength.

Complemented by her performance coaching in corporate settings (including Google via EXOS), physical therapy practices, and metabolic research laboratories, Christina brings unmatched versatility to the gym floor. At Empirical Forge, her mission is to deliver data-driven, highly adaptable, and accessible training that helps every client, from everyday lifters to competitive athletes, build resilience, claim their space under the bar, and master the art of strength.

Co-Founder, Head Coach

Max

Max brings 18 years of heavy-hitting experience to Empirical Forge, backed by a Masters Degree and CSCS. His extensive background includes a decade coaching at the NCAA Division I level, where he directed performance programming for dozens of varsity teams, professional athletes, and elite fighters.

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and published researcher in peer-reviewed scientific journals, Max is the living embodiment of "Grit Meets Science." He specializes in bridging the gap between advanced exercise science and real-world athletic application, ensuring every member,from complete beginners to seasoned competitors,trains with purpose, intensity, and absolute precision.

At Empirical Forge, Max strives to bridge the gap between advanced exercise science and real-world application. Known for his infectious zeal, relentless standard of effort, and ability to make high-level athletic science accessible to all fitness levels, Max creates an uncompromising weight room environment where proper technique is non-negotiable and every rep has a clear purpose, instilling a lifelong passion for strength that helps athletes and everyday movers alike build confidence, prevent injury, and master the art of heavy work.

In-Person Coaching

Single Session

$250.00

Best For: Athletes, lifters, or private clients looking for targeted expert analysis, movement troubleshooting, or a complete baseline evaluation.

What It Is:

A deep-dive 1:1 session bridging clinical movement science with practical performance application. Whether you are hitting a strength plateau, rehabbing an ongoing movement pattern, or prepping for a competitive season, this high-touch session delivers immediate, evidence-based direction.

What’s Included:

Full-body joint mobility and movement quality screening.
Barbell velocity, power, and technical execution breakdown.
Immediate programming adjustments and custom pre-hab/warm-up protocols.
Direct post-session summary report with actionable takeaway cues.

Private Performance Coaching

$0.00

Dedicated 1:1 Training Package

Investment: Inquire for Monthly Package Options
Best For: Individuals seeking fully customized programming, accountability, and hands-on coaching every step of the way.
What It Is:
Our flagship 1:1 training experience built on 38 years of combined NCAA Division I and sports science experience. We take the guesswork out of your progression by building a bespoke performance blueprint tailored precisely to your goals, injury history, and schedule.
What’s Included:
Customized 1:1 coaching sessions on the gym floor with Christina or Max.
Fully individualized, long-term periodized programming.
Continuous velocity, strength, and movement data tracking.
Direct messaging access for program adjustments and lifestyle recovery guidance.

Semi-Private & Small Group Performance

$35.00

High-Energy, Science-Backed Group Training

Investment: Inquire for Monthly Membership Options
Best For: Athletes, fighters, and fitness enthusiasts who want elite-level programming in a competitive, high-energy group environment.
What It Is:
The ultimate blend of high-level athletic science and unyielding weight room grit. Cap on group sizes ensures you never lose the individualized coaching touch while benefiting from the drive and camaraderie of training alongside dedicated peers.
What’s Included:
Capped group sizes to guarantee strict technical oversight on every lift.
Periodized strength, power, and conditioning blocks designed for peak output.
Access to our digital tracking app to log progress, weights, and metrics over time.
Unmatched weight room environment where hard work and high standards are non-negotiable.