Build Strength.
Build Belief.
STRONGER THAN YOU THINK!
Strength Training that reveals what you’re capable of in and out of the gym
Underdog Strength was built for anyone who feels behind, overwhelmed, or just doesn't know where to start, whether you've never set foot in a gym or you've been showing up for years and still aren't seeing the results you want. This is your entry point.
Fitness shouldn't be intimidating. It should be accessible, honest, and built around your life — not the other way around.
We strip away the noise, cut through the overwhelm, and build real strength from the ground up. Because most people don't need more motivation to stay consistent —they need a plan, a coach, and a place to start.
And somewhere along the way, something shifts. The weight on the bar goes up, the movements start to click, and you begin to trust yourself in a way you didn't before. That confidence doesn't stay in the gym — it follows you everywhere.
We believe everyone has more in them than they realize. Our job is just to help you find it. That's Underdog Strength.
Michael Lacroce
Owner of Underdog Strength and Certified Personal Trainer
National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer (NASM CPT)
Pain Free Performance Coach (PPSC)
Certified Physical Preparation Specialist (CPPS)
Nobody walks into the gym already knowing what they're doing. Nobody starts strong. And that's exactly the point.
I'm Michael Lacroce, a Philadelphia-based personal trainer and the founder of Underdog Strength. With 8 years of coaching experience, I’ve helped hundreds of busy adults, at all fitness levels, find their footing and helped them stay accountable with their challenging schedule’s. With a little coaching , I’ve helped my clients build a physical practice that’s fun and creates long lasting results. Whether your goal is to move better, get stronger, or just figure out where to start, we begin where you are and build from there.
My approach is grounded in the fundamentals — biomechanics, strength training, and injury prevention, because the basics apply to everyone. I'm a certified in Pain-Free Performance (PPSC) and Physical Preparation (CPPS), and I've spent years learning how the body moves, breaks down, and bounces back. That knowledge shapes every program I write, whether it's for someone working with an injury, a physical limitation, or someone chasing their first powerlifting total. I’ll help you unlock that result your looking for.
You don't need a perfect background. You don't need to already be fit. You just need to show up.
We all have the underdog in us. I promise you — you are stronger than you think.
Now let's get to work!
Coaching Services
In Person - 1-1 Training
Personalized Training with 1-1 coaching. 60 minute sessions.
Charged as a monthly subscription.
Prices vary depending on desired session per week commitment.
Contact us for more details and pricing options. Only offered in the City of Philadelphia.
In Person - Partner Training
Train with a lifting buddy! Great for extra accountability and fun.
Personalized training for 2 individuals. 60 minute sessions.
Discounted sessions rates from 1-1, charged as monthly subscription.
Contact us for more details and pricing options. Only available in the City of Philadelphia.
Online Training
Personalized Coaching Programs made for your needs and goals.
Weekly Coaching check-ins to help with program execution and accountability.
Priced as a monthly subscription, contact us for more details and pricing options.
Let’s Get Started with
2 Weeks of free Training!
Before you commit to anything, let's make sure this is the right fit. Every new client gets 2 FREE WEEKS OF TRAINING — up to 4 sessions, no contract, no pressure. One session isn't enough to show you what's possible. I want to earn your trust, get to know your goals, and show you what training with Underdog Strength actually feels like. If it's not the right fit, no hard feelings. But if it is — we've got work to do.
Get in Touch
Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help.