Sam Hoster
Owner
Sam is the owner of Stay Strong Fitness, the premier personal training facility in Beaufort, South Carolina. With a deep-rooted passion for health and fitness, Sam has become a prominent figure in the industry, catering to clients of all ages and skill levels.
Growing up in a small Illinois farm town, Sam's athletic prowess shone through in his early years. Excelling in various sports, he continued his journey as a defensive end for Monmouth College's football team.
After a successful college career, Sam pursued a career in law enforcement. However, he felt something was missing and decided to turn his passion for fitness into a profession. Obtaining multiple training certifications, including NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, StrongFirst & RKC Hardstyle kettlebell certified, Precision Nutrition certified nutrition coach, and more, Sam established himself as an expert in the field.
In addition to his role at Stay Strong Fitness, Sam co-authored the book "No Collar to Tank Top: From Bestselling Author to Athlete in Two Years" with Wayne Stinnett in 2023. Their story of transformation has inspired many readers. Sam's accomplishments and expertise also earned him a guest panelist invitation at GYMCON, the world's largest Gym Owner Conference.
When not helping clients or immersed in the fitness world, Sam cherishes time with his wife, Kelsey, and their four children. They frequently join him at the gym, fostering a family culture that embraces health and fitness. Away from work, Sam can be found chasing his kids on the beach or exploring his favorite barbecue joints.
Sam's passion for being a personal trainer stems from the satisfaction he gains when witnessing how it benefits his clients, their families, and the entire community. His mission is to enhance the health and strength of Beaufort and the surrounding communities by improving individuals' physical fitness and mental well-being, leading to longer, happier, and more vibrant lives.
Kelsey Hoster
Chief Operations Officer
Kelsey is the Chief Operations Officer of Stay Strong Fitness and a proud mom of four: Halle, Braxton, Henley, and Baker. Originally from Yorkville, Illinois, Kelsey grew up around her family's successful sporting goods company, where she developed her business savvy. She later pursued her passion for helping others, earning a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University. After several years as a school social worker, Kelsey and her family made the move to the Lowcountry.
Kelsey then launched and ran a thriving clothing boutique before deciding to sell it and join her husband, Sam, at Stay Strong Fitness. Though she admits she wasn’t a fitness person when she first joined, Kelsey has since fallen in love with the results of consistent training. She’s now a certified personal trainer through NASM and a Precision Nutrition coach, committed to helping others transform their lives just as she did.
Though she admits she wasn’t a fitness person when she first joined, Kelsey has since fallen in love with the results of consistent training. She’s now a certified personal trainer through NASM and a Precision Nutrition coach, committed to helping others transform their lives just as she did.
When she’s not running operations at the gym, Kelsey can be found juggling her kids’ busy school and sports schedules or keeping up with her energetic husband, Sam. Kelsey loves watching the incredible physical and mental transformations that Stay Strong Fitness brings to its clients, and she’s passionate about continuing to grow with the Stay Strong community.
Jeffrey Stoner
General Manager
Jeffrey is the General Manager of Stay Strong Fitness, where he is known for his genuine connections with clients and his unwavering dedication to the gym. For Jeffrey, fitness is not just a job—it’s a way of life.
Jeff grew up in Augusta, Georgia, raised by parents who were both former Marines. They instilled in him the values of self-discipline and integrity that have shaped him into the person he is today. His love for baseball began early and led to a successful college career as a pitcher at Francis Marion University. After college, he pursued his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, spending a year playing in Winnipeg, Canada. The grit and determination he developed during his baseball career continue to drive him in his professional life.
After his baseball career ended, Jeff put his college degree to use in various business fields. However, fitness became a contagious hobby that he pursued daily. After settling down in Beaufort, Jeff discovered the family at Stay Strong Fitness. He was fortunate to be offered a position as a coach, allowing him to share his passion for fitness with clients. Jeff will tell you that joining Stay Strong Fitness was the best decision of his life.
Jeff holds several professional certifications including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), StrongFirst Kettlebell Certification, and Barbell Rehab to name a few. Jeff brings a loud voice, energy, and fun to every training session. Helping clients succeed is what drives him each day. If you hear someone passionately motivating clients at the gym, it’s likely Jeff encouraging them to push their limits.
Outside of the gym, Jeff enjoys going to the beach, kayaking, and engaging in outdoor activities. His Saturdays in the fall are dedicated to Gamecocks football, and he’s a proud supporter of the Atlanta Braves
Jared Schwartz
Master Coach
Jared is originally from Long Island, NY, and has been physically active from a young age, participating in multiple sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and roller hockey.
Jared’s interest in fitness and nutrition began at age 15 when he started weight training every day after school in his high school weight room. This early interest quickly developed into a passion, leading him to dedicate himself to understanding the most effective ways to stay fit and healthy.
After graduating from Salisbury University, MD, with a B.A. in Business Management, Jared worked for 14 years in his family’s Office Coffee business. However, his love for fitness and health led him to seek a career change. Becoming a personal trainer was a natural choice. He obtained his Personal Trainer Certification, along with a Weight Loss Specialization and First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Jared began his personal training career by working with clients one-on-one at a local gym on Long Island. In 2021, he moved to Beaufort with his family, where he started the next chapter of his training journey at Stay Strong Fitness.
“Being physically active my whole life and enjoying being around people, I knew the fitness industry would be the perfect fit for me. Fitness has always been a constant in my life and has helped me improve my health and overall well-being. I love sharing this knowledge with others to help them achieve their best self. Everyone deserves the chance at a healthy lifestyle.” - Jared
Coach Ting
Master Coach
Ting is the newest Master Coach at Stay Strong, bringing a unique blend of clinical expertise, athletic experience, and infectious energy to the team. A Chinese adoptee raised in Beaufort, Ting has deep roots in the Lowcountry and recently returned with her husband in the summer of 2025.
Ting began her career in healthcare, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. She went on to work as an ICU COVID nurse in Greenville, SC, then spent three years as a pediatric hospice nurse case manager, a role she continues to serve on a PRN basis. Through her nursing journey, Ting developed a passion for shifting the focus from reactive care to preventative health, which ultimately led her to Stay Strong.
An athlete at heart, Ting has always lived an active lifestyle. She played sports in high school, ran track and cross country in college, and eventually discovered a love for endurance running. From half marathons to 100-mile ultramarathons, Ting thrives on pushing limits and helping others do the same.
Outside the gym, you’ll find Ting baking sourdough, reading, playing pickleball, or tuning into health and wellness podcasts. She holds her NASM Personal Training Certification, StrongFirst Kettlebell Certification, and Precision Nutrition Certification and is known for her high energy, constant encouragement, and genuine ability to connect with others.
Ting is passionate about empowering clients to build strength, resilience, and confidence. She’s excited to help clients continue to Stay Strong!
Karen Bowers
Client Service Specialist
Karen, a low country native, originally pursued a career in Radiology. She quickly realized it was not giving her the fulfillment she was looking for. Eventually she left radiology where she began working for many years for businesses being a part of their sales and administration team.
Although Karen "loved" the idea of working out and eating healthy, she didn’t make it a priority. She recalls, "I wasn’t athletic. In fact, when I tried out for the basketball team in high school, I was told I’d be better off trying out for cheerleading! Needless to say, cheerleading was not for me."
Karen's "Aha Moment" came years later when she joined a gym 13 years ago after seeing a photo of herself and realizing she was unhappy with how she looked and felt. This sparked a transformation that challenged her both physically and mentally in ways she never had before.
Her passion for fitness was born from her personal experience. Karen knew with 100% certainty that she wanted to help others feel good about themselves and find happiness through holistic fitness. Her personal journey has given her a deep connection with others, allowing her to bring them a better quality of life by helping them live happier, healthier lives. Karen is a certified personal trainer. Karen has been a fantastic team member of Stay Strong Fitness since it’s inception. Karen is the Head Coach of the Remote Coaching Program where she helps clients from all over the counWebsite v2 Footertry get and stay in the best shape of their lives. Karen also doubles as the lead client service specialist where she helps the Stay Strong Community thrive.
Sam Hoster
Owner
Sam is the owner of Stay Strong Fitness, the premier personal training facility in Beaufort, South Carolina. With a deep-rooted passion for health and fitness, Sam has become a prominent figure in the industry, catering to clients of all ages and skill levels.
Growing up in a small Illinois farm town, Sam's athletic prowess shone through in his early years. Excelling in various sports, he continued his journey as a defensive end for Monmouth College's football team.
After a successful college career, Sam pursued a career in law enforcement. However, he felt something was missing and decided to turn his passion for fitness into a profession. Obtaining multiple training certifications, including NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, StrongFirst & RKC Hardstyle kettlebell certified, Precision Nutrition certified nutrition coach, and more, Sam established himself as an expert in the field.
In addition to his role at Stay Strong Fitness, Sam co-authored the book "No Collar to Tank Top: From Bestselling Author to Athlete in Two Years" with Wayne Stinnett in 2023. Their story of transformation has inspired many readers. Sam's accomplishments and expertise also earned him a guest panelist invitation at GYMCON, the world's largest Gym Owner Conference.
When not helping clients or immersed in the fitness world, Sam cherishes time with his wife, Kelsey, and their four children. They frequently join him at the gym, fostering a family culture that embraces health and fitness. Away from work, Sam can be found chasing his kids on the beach or exploring his favorite barbecue joints.
Sam's passion for being a personal trainer stems from the satisfaction he gains when witnessing how it benefits his clients, their families, and the entire community. His mission is to enhance the health and strength of Beaufort and the surrounding communities by improving individuals' physical fitness and mental well-being, leading to longer, happier, and more vibrant lives.
Kelsey Hoster
Chief Operations Officer
Kelsey is the Chief Operations Officer of Stay Strong Fitness and a proud mom of four: Halle, Braxton, Henley, and Baker. Originally from Yorkville, Illinois, Kelsey grew up around her family's successful sporting goods company, where she developed her business savvy. She later pursued her passion for helping others, earning a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University. After several years as a school social worker, Kelsey and her family made the move to the Lowcountry.
Kelsey then launched and ran a thriving clothing boutique before deciding to sell it and join her husband, Sam, at Stay Strong Fitness. Though she admits she wasn’t a fitness person when she first joined, Kelsey has since fallen in love with the results of consistent training. She’s now a certified personal trainer through NASM and a Precision Nutrition coach, committed to helping others transform their lives just as she did.
Though she admits she wasn’t a fitness person when she first joined, Kelsey has since fallen in love with the results of consistent training. She’s now a certified personal trainer through NASM and a Precision Nutrition coach, committed to helping others transform their lives just as she did.
When she’s not running operations at the gym, Kelsey can be found juggling her kids’ busy school and sports schedules or keeping up with her energetic husband, Sam. Kelsey loves watching the incredible physical and mental transformations that Stay Strong Fitness brings to its clients, and she’s passionate about continuing to grow with the Stay Strong community.
Jeffrey Stoner
General Manager
Jeffrey is the General Manager of Stay Strong Fitness, where he is known for his genuine connections with clients and his unwavering dedication to the gym. For Jeffrey, fitness is not just a job—it’s a way of life.
Jeff grew up in Augusta, Georgia, raised by parents who were both former Marines. They instilled in him the values of self-discipline and integrity that have shaped him into the person he is today. His love for baseball began early and led to a successful college career as a pitcher at Francis Marion University. After college, he pursued his dream of becoming a professional baseball player, spending a year playing in Winnipeg, Canada. The grit and determination he developed during his baseball career continue to drive him in his professional life.
After his baseball career ended, Jeff put his college degree to use in various business fields. However, fitness became a contagious hobby that he pursued daily. After settling down in Beaufort, Jeff discovered the family at Stay Strong Fitness. He was fortunate to be offered a position as a coach, allowing him to share his passion for fitness with clients. Jeff will tell you that joining Stay Strong Fitness was the best decision of his life.
Jeff holds several professional certifications including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), StrongFirst Kettlebell Certification, and Barbell Rehab to name a few. Jeff brings a loud voice, energy, and fun to every training session. Helping clients succeed is what drives him each day. If you hear someone passionately motivating clients at the gym, it’s likely Jeff encouraging them to push their limits.
Outside of the gym, Jeff enjoys going to the beach, kayaking, and engaging in outdoor activities. His Saturdays in the fall are dedicated to Gamecocks football, and he’s a proud supporter of the Atlanta Braves
Jared Schwartz
Master Coach
Jared is originally from Long Island, NY, and has been physically active from a young age, participating in multiple sports such as soccer, basketball, baseball, and roller hockey.
Jared’s interest in fitness and nutrition began at age 15 when he started weight training every day after school in his high school weight room. This early interest quickly developed into a passion, leading him to dedicate himself to understanding the most effective ways to stay fit and healthy.
After graduating from Salisbury University, MD, with a B.A. in Business Management, Jared worked for 14 years in his family’s Office Coffee business. However, his love for fitness and health led him to seek a career change. Becoming a personal trainer was a natural choice. He obtained his Personal Trainer Certification, along with a Weight Loss Specialization and First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
Jared began his personal training career by working with clients one-on-one at a local gym on Long Island. In 2021, he moved to Beaufort with his family, where he started the next chapter of his training journey at Stay Strong Fitness.
“Being physically active my whole life and enjoying being around people, I knew the fitness industry would be the perfect fit for me. Fitness has always been a constant in my life and has helped me improve my health and overall well-being. I love sharing this knowledge with others to help them achieve their best self. Everyone deserves the chance at a healthy lifestyle.” - Jared
Coach Ting
Master Coach
Ting is the newest Master Coach at Stay Strong, bringing a unique blend of clinical expertise, athletic experience, and infectious energy to the team. A Chinese adoptee raised in Beaufort, Ting has deep roots in the Lowcountry and recently returned with her husband in the summer of 2025.
Ting began her career in healthcare, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. She went on to work as an ICU COVID nurse in Greenville, SC, then spent three years as a pediatric hospice nurse case manager, a role she continues to serve on a PRN basis. Through her nursing journey, Ting developed a passion for shifting the focus from reactive care to preventative health, which ultimately led her to Stay Strong.
An athlete at heart, Ting has always lived an active lifestyle. She played sports in high school, ran track and cross country in college, and eventually discovered a love for endurance running. From half marathons to 100-mile ultramarathons, Ting thrives on pushing limits and helping others do the same.
Outside the gym, you’ll find Ting baking sourdough, reading, playing pickleball, or tuning into health and wellness podcasts. She holds her NASM Personal Training Certification, StrongFirst Kettlebell Certification, and Precision Nutrition Certification and is known for her high energy, constant encouragement, and genuine ability to connect with others.
Ting is passionate about empowering clients to build strength, resilience, and confidence. She’s excited to help clients continue to Stay Strong!
Karen Bowers
Client Service Specialist
Karen, a low country native, originally pursued a career in Radiology. She quickly realized it was not giving her the fulfillment she was looking for. Eventually she left radiology where she began working for many years for businesses being a part of their sales and administration team.
Although Karen "loved" the idea of working out and eating healthy, she didn’t make it a priority. She recalls, "I wasn’t athletic. In fact, when I tried out for the basketball team in high school, I was told I’d be better off trying out for cheerleading! Needless to say, cheerleading was not for me."
Karen's "Aha Moment" came years later when she joined a gym 13 years ago after seeing a photo of herself and realizing she was unhappy with how she looked and felt. This sparked a transformation that challenged her both physically and mentally in ways she never had before.
Her passion for fitness was born from her personal experience. Karen knew with 100% certainty that she wanted to help others feel good about themselves and find happiness through holistic fitness.
Her personal journey has given her a deep connection with others, allowing her to bring them a better quality of life by helping them live happier, healthier lives. Karen is a certified personal trainer. Karen has been a fantastic team member of Stay Strong Fitness since it’s inception. Karen is the Head Coach of the Remote Coaching Program where she helps clients from all over the counWebsite v2 Footertry get and stay in the best shape of their lives. Karen also doubles as the lead client service specialist where she helps the Stay Strong Community thrive.
