About Ascend Strength and Conditioning in Lakewood, CO
We Built our Gym
Around You
Ascend Strength and Conditioning is our dream, built with you in mind. Our coaches are highly skilled professionals with top-tier communication skills and elite programming. Each coach brings a unique energy and skillset, but they all create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for beginners and experienced athletes alike.
This is Our Team
We are a group of committed full-time professional coaches, here to help you take your fitness and health to the next level. Through intelligent programming, encouraging instruction, and real-talk accountability, our coaches guide you from where you are to where you want to go.
Certifications
Founder’s Story
Meet Jared Nessland – Founder & Head Coach. One of the most experienced coaches in all of Colorado, Jared Nessland is currently the only Starting Strength Coach in the state and holds both the Starting Strength Credential (SSC) and the Pain-Free Performance Specialist Credential (PPSC).
With over 26 years of coaching experience, Jared has trained NCAA Division I athletes, professional NFL and NHL players-including multiple first-round draft picks-and clients of all ages, from teenagers to adults in their 80s. He spent six years as Head Coach at Starting Strength Denver, honing his expertise in the boutique-gym model and coaching the general population using the Starting Strength methodology.
Jared’s career also includes Head Strength Coach roles at Sacramento State, Southern Illinois University, the University of Montana, and the University of North Dakota, as well as assistant coaching positions at the University of North Dakota and the University of Nebraska. His elite coaching credentials, hands-on experience, and deep knowledge of strength, mobility, and conditioning allow him to design programs that help members move better, train pain-free, and reach their full potential. Jared founded Ascend Strength and Conditioning after seeing a critical gap in the fitness industry: one-size-fits-all programs that implement a specific model over the individual.
Too many people were left frustrated, in pain, or plateaued because their training didn’t account for their unique needs, goals, and limitations. At Ascend, every program is completely personalized-built around longevity, strength, mobility, cardiovascular health, and pain-free movement. But individual attention doesn’t mean training alone. Members train in small groups alongside like-minded adults who share the same commitment to long-term health, creating a supportive community that motivates and elevates everyone.
Jared’s mission is simple: help every member move better, feel stronger, and live healthier, more active lives. This isn’t about quick fixes or fleeting results. It’s about building a foundation that lasts-so you can be at your best not just today, but for decades to come.
Clean and Well-Maintained
Equipment is the Standard
At Ascend Strength and Conditioning, our Rep Fitness PR 5000 power racks with integrated Ares 2.0 cable machines give you versatile strength options. Combined with dumbbells, kettlebells, a belt squat, and Concept2 bikes, rowers, and ski ergs, we provide everything you need to improve longevity and reach your goals.
All-in-one personal stations, including Rep Fitness Power Racks with Ares 2.0 cable machines.
A wide variety of cardiovascular equipment, including Concept2 bike ergs, ski ergs, rowers, and Echo Bikes.
Dumbbells, kettlebells, belt squat, mobility, and recovery tools.
A Facility Designed for
Performance & Community.
At Ascend Strength and Conditioning, we combine all-in-one power rack and Ares 2.0 stations, a dedicated cardio area with Concept2 bikes, rowers, and ski ergs, plus dumbbells, kettlebells, boxes, bands, and rehab tools-everything for holistic, well-rounded, goal and results-focused training.
InBody scan for body composition measurements and tracking.
Office space for 1-on-1 private consults and goal-setting sessions.
Supplement Station – Conveniently purchase ready-to-drink protein shakes, bars, energy drinks, and other recommended supplements to fuel your workouts and recovery.
That’s Us.
Let’s Learn About You!
We’ve had a blast telling you a bit about ourselves. But this isn’t about us, it’s about you. Your journey, your goals, your results. So let’s get to know each other, set some life-changing but attainable goals, and welcome you to our supportive community.
Book Free Intro