Ten women competitors, each looking to reach their full potential by getting physically and mentally strong, and 10 elite male trainers from around the country arrive at the “Strong” compound to train and compete together in epic strength and conditioning challenges. After a grueling first week, two teams face off at the Elimination Tower, a daunting four-story obstacle course that determines which teams will stay on and which team goes home. In the end, the eliminated contestant shows off a jaw-dropping transformation.

As the “Strong” teams settle into their new routines, the teams will compete in their first Medallion Challenge for a chance to earn $25,000 and safety from the Elimination Tower. Tempers flare when Milwaukee-based trainer Adam Von Rothfelder learns how his fellow contestants feel about him. Two more teams face off in the Elimination Tower and one team is eliminated. They return to reveal the jaw-dropping transformation.

The teams put their upper body strength to the test in the most grueling challenge yet. Then, it's the ladies turn to determine their own fates in the first trainee-only Power Challenge. Politics come into play and friendships and alliances are tested. In the end, the eliminated contestant comes back to show off her jaw-dropping transformation.

Seven remaining teams deal with their bumps and bruises as they battle to prove their strength. A grueling Medallion Challenge puts one team in danger of having to face the Elimination Tower for the second time. Tensions rise when Adam and CC's relationship is put to the test. The men face their second trainers-only Power Challenge that proves to be their biggest test yet, and two teams face off in the Elimination Tower for the right to stay in the game.

The teams must work together in a Medallion Challenge that tests their upper body strength and communication. The gamesmanship kicks into high gear when an unexpected opportunity arises in the All-Women's Power Challenge. Motivations are questioned. In the end, it's a showdown in the Elimination Tower between the season's biggest rivals, all culminating to a mid-season twist none of the teams saw coming.

The competition is shaken up when the eliminated players go back to the compound to compete for an opportunity to re-enter the game and form a new team.

The five remaining teams fight for a spot in the final four; one trainee reaches her emotional limit; at the Elimination Tower, two teams struggle to stay in the game.

The winning team returns from the Elimination Tower and takes their place in the final four. At the Ultimate Challenge, the teams are put to the test as they fight for a spot in the top three. Teams reveal to each other why they are fighting, which makes everybody even more hungry to win it all.

The remaining two teams are pushed to the brink as they battle for the prize money in the punishing last legs of the finals.