<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=799546403794687&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

Strength, Support, and Community at the Center

minute read

by Fitness Center | May 27, 2026

At the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, personal training goes beyond fitness—it builds confidence, connection, and a stronger campus community.

That impact was on full display at the 2026 USA Powerlifting Colorado State Championships, where Center members and staff achieved outstanding results—bringing home three gold medals, two silver medals, one bronze medal, and two state records.

Several participants entered the competition for the first time, supported by personal training and the Center’s community-driven environment. “I have been doing personal training at the Center for years, and my goal has always been improving my health,” shared Jean Kutner, MD, Chief Academic Officer at UCHealth. “I never saw myself as a powerlifter—but with the right coaching, I realized I could do more than I thought.”

That transformation is at the heart of personal training. With expert guidance, members build strength safely and efficiently while gaining confidence. As Kyle Leggott, MD, said, “Chad helped develop a lifting program that got me prepared over the course of 12 months. We also worked on form and the commands for the actual competition to ensure that the lifts counted.” Trainer Chad Singleton led the group with programming, accountability, and encouragement—earning a state championship and setting a deadlift state record across multiple divisions. Members consistently emphasized his impact: “He made me believe in myself,” said Dr. Kutner.

The results speak for themselves across the team:

  • Mandi Ruud Singleton set a state deadlift record in her division with a 353-pound lift 

  • Martha Lugo, a correctional officer and dedicated Center member, earned a silver medal with a 270-pound deadlift 

  • Kyle Leggott, MD, hit new personal bests, lifting over 400 pounds in both squat and deadlift 

Beyond the numbers, the sense of community stood out most. “One of my favorite parts of the Center
is the camaraderie,” said Mandi Ruud Singleton. “It also helped to have a familiar group as support. It really helped with nerves,” added Jonathon Schafer, PhD and CU Anschutz graduate. 

This supportive, inclusive environment is what makes the Center such a valuable resource for the campus community. Members from all backgrounds come together to pursue their goals, try new challenges, and celebrate progress together.

Whether you're focused on building strength, improving your overall health, or trying something completely new, personal training at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center provides the structure, expertise, and community to help you succeed.