Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Firth.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Originally from Toronto, Canada, I accepted a baseball scholarship as a RHP to Paris Texas Junior College where he played 2 years before graduating and transferring to Lindenwood University in St. Louis, MO, where he finished his collegiate baseball career.
During my baseball career he played 3 seasons in the Intercounty Baseball League, the top-level baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-major league professional and elite NCAA college baseball players. In 2007 I was a part of winning the IBL Championship with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While studying at Lindenwood, I spent his four years in the Athletic Training Program where he had the opportunity to work with and observe the Football, Baseball, Softball and Lacrosse teams on field and in the training room. I have experience in performance training with his time spent as a collegiate athlete as well as working in the sports performance and rehab field for over 10 years.
During Covid, I made the decision to leave my previous employer and launch my own performance training company. In August 2020, Max1 Performance & Fitness was born. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients—from adults to youth athletes—helping them build muscle, lose weight, improve overall performance, and even return to play following injuries such as ACL tears.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were plenty of challenges along the way—starting a business during Covid, navigating a lawsuit attempt from a previous employer, and dealing with two gyms I worked out of closing, which forced multiple relocations. Despite all of that, I ultimately landed in the facility where I’m proud to operate today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Max1 Performance & Fitness, I specialize in athletic performance training for youth, high school, and college athletes, as well as adults looking to improve strength, mobility, or overall fitness. My core focus is on developing speed, acceleration, strength, and injury-resistant movement. I also work closely with athletes returning from injuries—especially ACL tears—to rebuild strength, mechanics, and confidence so they can get back to performing at a high level.
What I’m known for is my individualized approach. Even in a small-group setting, every athlete receives coaching that fits their needs—whether that’s improving sprint mechanics, changing direction more efficiently, building foundational strength, or developing power for their specific sport. I’m deeply invested in the details: how an athlete moves, how they produce force, and how we can unlock that “next level” through proper training.
What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on athletes’ lives—physically and mentally. Seeing a young athlete drop their sprint time, increase their jump height, come back stronger from an injury, or simply build confidence in themselves is what motivates me every day. Many of the athletes I’ve worked with for years are now playing at the college level, and that’s something I take a lot of pride in.
What sets me apart is the combination of scientific training methods, individualized coaching, and genuine relationship-building. I take the time to understand each athlete—their goals, their strengths, their limitations—and I meet them where they’re at. I’m not just running workouts; I’m developing athletes. I’m giving them tools that help them succeed both on and off the field.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple:
Help every athlete move better, feel better, and perform better than they ever thought possible.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me are the long-lasting relationships I’ve built with both my athletes and my adult clients. Some of the adults I train have been with me for over 13 years, and that level of trust and loyalty means everything to me. It’s a reminder that what I do goes far beyond workouts—it’s about connection, consistency, and being a meaningful part of someone’s life.
Whether it’s a young athlete chasing their goals or an adult working to stay strong, healthy, and confident, the relationships we’ve built are what truly drive me. I’ve watched kids grow into college athletes, and I’ve watched adults hit milestones they never thought possible. Being alongside them through those journeys is the most rewarding part of my work.
These relationships are the foundation of Max1 Performance, and they’re the reason I pour so much into what I do every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.max1performance.com
- Instagram: @max1stl
- Facebook: max1 performance & fitness llc
- Twitter: @max1stl
