Plot Synopsis

AMERICAN MUSCLE is a one-hour reality series that follows training coach Mike Barwis and his team at the Barwis Methods Training Center, as they whip clients into shape -- from sports pros to everyday joes, from NFL players to Wild West bull riders, and from paraplegics looking to compete to those wanting to walk again. Barwis has advanced degrees in Exercise Physiology and Athletic Training, has trained over 500 Olympic and professional athletes in over 40 sporting events, and served over 10 years as head strength and conditioning coach at West Virginia University and the University of Michigan. At his gritty gym just outside of Detroit, Barwis uses a combination of science, tough love and just-plain-crazy to train his clients -- all with the help of his team: Dan Mozes, his right-hand man, whose NFL career was cut short by a knee injury after being on of the top centers in the country; Dusty Rutledge, the 350-pound receptionist, who has such a huge personality that many famous clients end up staying for hours playing checkers and bickering over stats with him; and Eric 'Tank Dog' Potis, the gyms's prankster, who started as an intern four years earlier and quickly rose through the ranks to be one of Barwis' top trainers. Each 60-minute episode of this series focuses on a different star athlete, including: Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks), who Mike pairs with a young NFL prospect struggling to achieve his dream of making the league; Ndamukong Suh (Detroit Lions), who comes to work on his speed and explosiveness; Rashad Evans (UFC), who comes to the gym to train for an upcoming bout against Daniel Cormier; Shawne Merriman (former NFL player), who comes to Detroit to train to be Hollywood's next big action star; Baron Davis (former NBA player), who has lost all confidence in his ability to compete and is terrified of failing all over again; Nick Swisher (Cleveland Indians), who finds himself challenged by a young up-and-comer from the NY Mets with a lot to prove; Pierre Garcon (Washington Redskins), who Barwis challenges by putting him head to head against Mark Dell, a young receiver fighting to get back to the NFL; and Tyrann Mathieu aka Honey Badger (Arizona Cardinals), who is straight off a year of disappointment, making him one of the team's biggest challenges.