FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What equipment do I need?
Watch this video on What You Need to do Starting Strength.
You'll also need a smartphone, a tripod (we like this one) with a smartphone attachment (we like this one), and a Bluetooth earpiece.
What can I expect during the video intro session?
For trainees that have been coached by a Starting Strength Coach before, you can skip the video intro session if you prefer.
On day one you will learn to squat, press, and deadlift in line with the Starting Strength model. You’ll establish a strength baseline for each of the lifts. From there, you’ll sign into TrueCoach and work with your coach to plan your programming for the next training sessions.
Have all of your equipment on hand and be ready to lift on the scheduled day and time. A tripod is necessary for the intro session and to record future workouts. To hear your coach's instruction during the intro, use a high quality Bluetooth earpiece.
What is the best way to record my workout videos?
- Squatting - make sure the camera can see both your feet and up to the top of your head. We recommend putting the camera at about 30 degrees to the bar from the rear. This will allow your coach to see your hips, knees, back and feet while watching your video.
- Please watch https://youtu.be/XcOwe2wzzbE
- Deadlifting - make sure the camera can see the floor that the bar is resting on so that your coach can see the entire lift. We recommend putting the camera at about 30 degrees to the bar from the front.
- Please watch https://youtu.be/05DJ3f9oveg
- Bench pressing - make sure the camera can see both your feet and the top of the bar with your arms fully extended. We recommend putting the camera at about 30 degrees to the bar from the front.
- Please watch https://youtu.be/r19_DKj5-WM
- Pressing - make sure the camera can see both your feet and the top of the bar with your arms fully extended. We recommend putting the camera at about 30 degrees to the bar from the front.
- Please watch https://youtu.be/w-MwFx8LpFg
How does ongoing coaching work?
Sign in to your TrueCoach account to see the program that your coach has created for you. Train on the specified days and perform the workouts as prescribed. Record the last set of each of your workouts and upload them to TrueCoach.
Your coach will view your videos and provide written form tips before your next training session. If necessary, your coach will schedule a phone or video call with you to discuss your technique, programming, and/or recovery.
How often do I need to train?
Most novices train on a 3x/week schedule. Training sessions must be spaced 48 hours apart to allow for adequate recovery.
Intermediates train on a 3-4x/week schedule, depending on the trainee's goals and schedule preferences.
Although not optimal, trainees that are only able to train 1-2x/week can request a customized program from their coach.
What if I've never trained before? What if I have very little strength? Am I too weak to start?
Starting Strength is for everyone. Even if you're detrained, sedentary, and/or unathletic, you have a baseline of strength that can be established and built upon. Check out our Who it's For page for more details.
I’m new to barbell training, old, injured, unathletic, and/or otherwise worried about strength training. Can I do Starting Strength?
Most everyone can do Starting Strength, or a modified version depending on your specific situation. Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page and tell us about yourself so we can provide you with more detailed feedback.
What weights do I start with?
Starting weights are dependent upon the baseline that your coach will help you establish during your introductory session. Older or sedentary trainees may start by squatting something as light as a broomstick. Athletic trainees, or those with barbell experience, may squat hundreds of pounds on their first day. The goal is to find a baseline where you can safely perform the lifts and progress from there.
What's the difference between strength training and regular exercise?
Training differs from exercising in that it is the most direct route towards achieving a goal. Training is the carefully planned and executed process of intentionally becoming physically better than you are now. Exercising is merely performing physical activity for its own sake, in an unplanned way, with no thought about an ultimate goal. At best, it may improve your overall health; at worst it can be unproductive, or even dangerous. Since we are all limited in the amount of time we can dedicate to fitness, training is a far better use of time than exercising.
How does the program work?
See our How it Works page to learn more.
How much is membership?
See our pricing page for more info.
How can I become a coach?
Fill out the form at the bottom of this page and send us a message with your background and goals. Be sure to check out the official Starting Strength careers page for more information.
I’m interested in opening my own Starting Strength Gym, is that possible?
Details on gym ownership can be found at www.startingstrengthgyms.com
- Squatting - make sure the camera can see both your feet and up to the top of your head. We recommend putting the camera at about 30 degrees to the bar from the rear. This will allow your coach to see your hips, knees, back and feet while watching your video.