Starting Strength Gyms Library

  • Programming the Overhead Press – Novice to Advanced

    One of the most common questions that people have about programming revolves around doing and improving strength in the overhead press. In this episode of the Stronger is Better Podcast, Nick goes deep on the press, why it’s good for you, and how to program it long term.

    Programming the Overhead Press – Novice to Advanced | Stronger is Better Podcast #3
    Programming the Overhead Press – Novice to Advanced on YouTube

    In Episode 3 of the Stronger Is Better Podcast, Nick Delgadillo dives deep into press programming—how to build a strong, pain-free, and consistent overhead press.

    Drawing on years of coaching and real-world experience, Nick explains why the press is uniquely difficult to progress, how to apply the right amount of stress, how to avoid common mistakes, and when to evolve your programming beyond novice LP.

    Whether you’re stuck at a plateau or just want to get jacked shoulders and bombproof joints, this episode gives you a full roadmap.

    If you have topic ideas or questions for the podcast, please submit them to podcast@ssgyms.com.

  • From Google Search to Head Coach

    From Google Search to Head Coach

    Jordan was once a 140-pound guy who was frustrated with fitness advice that went nowhere. One day he Googled “simple strength training program” and found Starting Strength.

    Within months, friends noticed his physical changes and how differently he carried himself. This transformation inspired Jordan to pursue becoming a Coach. His path wasn’t straightforward- he started by coaching friends, then later left his secure desk job and endured the

    limitations of working at big box gyms before finding Starting Strength Dallas. Now, surrounded by Members who feel like family, he’s turned his passion into a profession that rarely feels like work.

  • How Strong Should You Be?

    How should you think about goals when you first start training? Or if you’ve been training for a while, you may be wondering how you stack up or whether you are “strong enough.”

    How Strong Should You Be? | Stronger is Better Podcast #2

    In Episode 2 of the Stronger Is Better podcast, Nick Delgadillo breaks down strength standards into three categories: competitive goals, evaluative benchmarks, and personal targets. He explains why most people have skewed expectations about what’s possible—and how to set realistic goals without having to become a powerlifter.

    Nick introduces the widely respected 2/3/4/5 baseline strength goals (200 lb press / 300 lb bench / 400 lb squat / 500 lb deadlift for men) and a proportional set for women. These aren’t elite standards—they’re what you should aim for before considering specialization.

    Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or everyday lifter, this episode provides a grounded, motivating framework for assessing and pursuing your strength potential. You can listen to the podcast on all podcast audio service or on YouTube linked below.

    If you have topic ideas or questions for the podcast, please submit them to podcast@ssgyms.com.

  • Motherhood Without Limits

    Motherhood Without Limits

    When persistent back injuries started limiting Beth’s ability to enjoy motherhood, she refused to accept this as her new normal. With both a growing career and a young child depending on her, giving up wasn’t an option.

    At Starting Strength Dallas, Beth not only overcame her back pain training with the Starting Strength Method—she also built remarkable strength, confidence, and experienced an easier postpartum recovery after her second pregnancy. In Beth’s words: “Nothing has transformed my body, abilities, and mental state as much as this strength training has.”

  • Lifting Hay Bales to Barbells

    Lifting Hay Bales to Barbells

    Karen DeLoney runs a 30-acre horse rescue ranch with 18 animals, facing daily physical challenges from lifting hay bales to carrying water buckets. She needed strength but avoided typical gyms.

    At Starting Strength Dallas, she found knowledgeable coaches who guided her through proven barbell training in small groups. Now Karen lifts 150-pound hay bales unassisted, carries two 5-gallon water buckets simultaneously, and works longer hours with her rescue horses without fatigue.

    She’s found the supportive community at the gym helps her and other Members of all ages stay motivated working towards their strength goals.

  • Climbing Stairs Pain-Free Again After Barbell Training

    Climbing Stairs Pain-Free Again After Barbell Training

    Katherine struggled with stairs and daily activities after tearing her meniscus and developing running-induced arthritis. Physical therapy wasn’t enough. Following her brother’s advice, she began barbell training despite never lifting weights before.

    Through consistent training, she rebuilt her strength. Today, Katherine moves pain-free, easily carries heavy items, and enjoys improved everyday life.

  • Simplifying Advanced Programming | Stronger is Better Podcast #1

    Simplifying Advanced Programming | Stronger is Better Podcast #1

    Welcome to Episode 1 of the Stronger is Better Podcast, brought to you by Starting Strength Gyms and hosted by Nick Delgadillo.

    In this kickoff episode, Nick lays out a comprehensive roadmap for barbell programming — from the simple and powerful Novice Linear Progression all the way to advanced programming strategies used by experienced lifters and coaches.

    You’ll learn the first principles behind effective programming, how to progress as a lifter, and how to systematically plan your training to keep getting stronger over time.

    This episode includes:

    • Key programming concepts and first principles

    • How to measure progress intelligently

    • The truth about volume and the value of heavy singles

    • A sample 4-day advanced training split

    • Influences from Starting Strength, Practical Programming, and Conjugate-style templates

    📘 Referenced Resources:

    • Starting Strength Books: https://startingstrength.com/get-started/equipment • Baker Barbell: https://www.andybaker.com/blog/

    🎧 Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at podcast@ssgyms.com

  • Try the Head Touch Method on Your Pin Press

    Try the Head Touch Method on Your Pin Press

    Starting Strength Coach Michael Jones from our Plano gym shows how to properly set up your pin press. Most lifters position the bar too far forward, reducing efficiency and stability.

    The simple “head touch” technique ensures your bar is directly over mid-foot for optimal force transfer. Watch Jon demonstrate how backing your head against the bar creates consistent positioning every time.

  • Fix Your Bench Press Slide with This Simple Trick

    Fix Your Bench Press Slide with This Simple Trick

    Coach Michael Jones explains how to stop sliding up the bench during heavy bench press sets. Most lifters place their feet too far forward, causing them to slide up the bench as they push.

    This wastes energy and reduces stability when you need it most. Bring your heels closer to your hips and push straight down into the floor. This creates a secure arch and stable platform, directing more force into the bar instead of sliding up the bench.

  • Academia to Barbell Coaching: Starting Strength for Busy Professionals

    Academia to Barbell Coaching: Starting Strength for Busy Professionals

    Michael Jones left his philosophy dissertation behind to guide corporate professionals at Starting Strength Plano. His clients—mentally exhausted from endless daily decisions—find refuge in structured, evidence-based training that delivers consistent results.

    Unlike trendy fitness approaches, Starting Strength’s methodical system creates an environment where personal records happen regularly, making gym time the highlight of busy professionals’ days. Michael doesn’t just build stronger bodies; he creates meaningful moments of achievement in otherwise chaotic lives.