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The Starting Strength Coach Credential is the Most Advanced in the Industry
Alex Ptacek is a native of Chicago. He attended St. Ignatius College Prep and graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in philosophy. He discovered the Starting Strength method in 2016 with life-changing results. Using the method, Alex took his squat from 65 pounds to 405 in just two years and never looked back. His life's goal is to help ordinary people reach their physical potential while having fun in the gym. He earned his Starting Strength Coach credential in 2022 and the position of head coach at the Chicago gym the same year. Currently, he competes in powerlifting.
Grant McCaulley has a background in strength and conditioning extending back to 2003 when he graduated from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA with a B.A. in Exercise Science. Grant received an M.S. in Exercise Science from Appalachian State University in 2007. Grant has been published in several academic journals for his research in biomechanics and the
neuroendocrine response to resistance exercise.
After transitioning from a decade-long career in real estate, Grant continues to compete in the sport of powerlifting and coaching the barbell lifts. Grant spent six months as a staff coach at Starting Strength Beaverton and is now coaching in Chicago full-time. He is diligently working towards the coveted Starting Strength Coach credential.
