Frequently Asked Questions

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With the Starting Strength program, the suggested frequency of training is 3 days a week. For certain populations, 2 days a week can work and for those with busy schedules a 4th, or even 5th day can be added, so that each individual training session can be shortened. 

I am a certified Starting Strength Coach (SSC). I spent hundreds of hours and watched thousands of in-person reps to acquire the kind of coaching eye that will notice when you're a half inch too high on your squat, or when your forearm shifted a few degrees and resulted in a missed overhead press rep. The SSC is the hardest credential to obtain within the Strength Training industry, with a pass rating of about 10-12%. In contrast, most "Personal Trainer" certifications take a couple hours to acquire and most will give you a refund of your money if you don't pass. 

Of course, it depends on the situation. Many injuries can be trained through, so long as you are altering the movement in a way that allows it. If we are talking about a past injury that you have recovered from, but has negatively impacted your ability to move, we can almost always find a way to work around the issue. Scroll up to the "My Story" section and you'll understand why I'm so confident about this issue.

Training with a barbell is generally very safe and when you're working with someone who understands how the body works, it becomes even safer. As a Starting Strength Coach my #1 goal is to get you strong! Because that is my main goal, everything I do is focused on making sure you're moving an amount of weight that's appropriate, within a movement pattern your body is naturally meant to do, within an environment that has safety nets should a fluke happen. 

There is no way to totally avoid injury, in the weight room or in any other part of life--and anyone telling you that should be avoided--but you can limit your exposure to UNECASSARY forms of risk by working with an experienced barbell coach. I train my dad, my wife and in my professional capacity I have trained many adults in their 50's, 60's and 70's. I do this confidently because I know how to do things correctly.