We Stand Strong

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About Stand Strong

Our Philosophy

Anyone can train like an athlete. To us, being an athlete means training with purpose, showing up even when you don’t want to, and having the determination to keep working toward your goals. 

You don’t need a competitive interest to belong here. Whether you’re just starting, returning, or pursuing your next challenge, we will help you succeed.

Our Mission

We help people of all ages and abilities build strength, fitness, and the capacity to excel at what matters most to them. 

That might mean staying active with grandchildren, preparing for college sports, enjoying outdoor adventures, or competing at the highest level. 

The goals differ, but our approach stays the same: purposeful training, smart progressions, and genuine support along the way. 

Meet Our Coaches

Shelby Downing

M.Ed Kinesiology, CSCS, USAPL National Level Coach

Shelby grew up in The Forks, Maine.  She was the first teenager to kayak the Kennebec gorge & paddled the river at the highest water level ever recorded. As the top junior slalom racer in the U.S., she started lifting weights to improve upper body strength. Shelby’s powerlifting career includes a Teenage, Junior and Collegiate National Championship and 7 Open National titles. She competed in 7 IPF world championships where she earned 25 of 28 possible medals, won a world championship, and broke two world records. Coach Downing was the first woman to ever officially be part to the coaching staff of a Men’s IPF world championship team and has held her NSCA, CSCS for 20+ years.  She earned a masters degree in Kinesiology from the University of Maine and most recently was the Carrabassett Valley Academy Sports Performance Director for 6 years. In this role Coach Downing oversaw all aspects of the S&C program for 100+ athletes.  shelby@we-standstrong.com
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Sean Moore

Physical Therapist Assistant

Coach Moore grew up in Wilton and is a Mt Blue graduate.  Coach Moore found his passion for training when he started lifting as a tool to deal with the stress of his job as a corrections offer.  Whe he discovered  competitive  powerlifting, his drive to improve and learn led to enrolling in college to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. While attending Kennebec Valley Community College, Coach Moore discovered his love for helping others improve their strength and athleticism. He coaches athletes of all ages and genders doing 1-on-1 and group training. Fall of 2021, Coach Moore worked at Carrabassett Valley Academy leading large group training sessions to prepare CVA athletes for the winter season.  Coach Moore graduated from the PTA program in May of 2022 and works at Allied PT while maintaining a schedule at Stand Strong. After being involved with youth football since 2010, in the fall of 2022, he began coaching football at Mt Blue High as an assistant coach.   sean@we-standstrong.com

Evan Downing

USA Powerlifting Coach

Evan is a senior at University of Maine at Farmington studying community health.  He has been coached by his mother, Shelby Downing, for 8+ years and has developed a great coaches eye.  Evan placed 4th at the 2022 USA Powerlifting High School National Championships where he also broke an American Squat record with 556 pounds.  He played football and baseball throughout his high school career and currently plays rugby at UMF.  Evan specializes in online and in person powerlifting coaching and is a certified USA Powerlifting Coach. evan@we-standstrong.